On March 2, 2026, the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED), Sodyq Safoev, paid an official visit to the University of Glasgow to further strengthen academic cooperation between the two institutions.

During the visit, S. Safaev held meetings with the leadership and academic community of the University of Glasgow, including Professor Rachel Sandison, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Professor Claire McDiarmid, Head of the School of Law, as well as professors and representatives of the university’s academic departments.

To date, UWED and the University of Glasgow have successfully implemented several joint academic and mobility initiatives. The cooperation includes collaboration in Executive Education programs, International Law and International Relations, as well as partnerships with the University of Glasgow’s School of Law and School of Social and Political Sciences.

As part of the visit, two key agreements were signed aimed at further expanding academic cooperation between the universities.

The first agreement establishes a dual degree program in Legal Studies. Under this arrangement, UWED master’s students who meet the required academic criteria will have the opportunity to pursue studies at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law and obtain a degree from one of the United Kingdom’s leading law schools.

The second agreement formalizes UWED’s participation in the international consortium of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme “Central and East European, Russian and Eurasian Studies” (CEERES). This prestigious two-year program focuses on the comprehensive study of political, economic, and legal developments in the Eurasian region. Participation in the consortium will promote greater academic mobility and facilitate joint research projects within the global academic network.

During the visit, Rector S. Safoev also met with Uzbek students and researchers studying and conducting research at the University of Glasgow and other academic institutions across Scotland.

The meeting brought together an active community of Uzbek doctoral students (PhD candidates), researchers, and students representing a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, biochemistry, genetics, international relations, pedagogy, and law. Participants shared their academic achievements, discussed the results of their recent research projects, and reflected on their experiences studying and conducting research in an international academic environment.

A key theme of the discussion was the role of students as cultural ambassadors of their country. Participants emphasized their efforts to promote Uzbekistan’s rich traditions and cultural heritage within the global academic community. They also expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge and international experience gained abroad to contribute to the future development and prosperity of Uzbekistan.

In his remarks, Senator Safoev highlighted the comprehensive support provided by the state to Uzbek citizens pursuing education and research abroad. He highly praised the achievements of young scholars, wished them continued success in their academic and professional endeavors, and emphasized that their knowledge and expertise represent an important contribution to the intellectual development of the country.

Both sides expressed confidence that the agreements reached during the visit will further strengthen the long-term strategic partnership between the two universities, promoting academic exchange, research collaboration, and intercultural dialogue.

About the University of Glasgow

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities, it consistently ranks among the world’s top 100 universities. Throughout its history, the university has been a center of scientific innovation and academic excellence, with Nobel laureates, distinguished scholars, and world leaders among its alumni and faculty.