UWED and OSCE Discuss New Areas of Cooperation

On 23 June 2026, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a meeting with representatives of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The OSCE delegation included Ambassador Dr Serge Rumin, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for Promoting Dialogue and Confidence-Building; Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan; and Lara Gruben, OSCE Mediation Support Officer. UWED was represented by Rector Sodyq Safoev, First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Akram Umarov, and Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Timur Dadabayev.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the OSCE delegation’s visit to Uzbekistan, its participation in a youth seminar held in the Fergana Valley, as well as meetings with relevant ministries and government agencies in Tashkent. It was noted that one of the primary objectives of the visit was to share international experience with young people in the region and contribute to strengthening dialogue, mutual understanding and trust.

UWED Rector Sodiq Safoyev emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation between the university and the OSCE in training future diplomats, developing youth leadership and strengthening regional cooperation. He proposed establishing a “Connectivity Dialogue” platform aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation among OSCE participating States. UWED expressed its readiness to serve as an effective platform for expert and youth discussions in this area.

The OSCE representatives proposed developing training programmes for young diplomats and organising training sessions, seminars and masterclasses on conflict prevention, mediation and confidence-building. The parties also considered holding meetings with former ambassadors and experienced diplomats, strengthening professional ties among young diplomats from countries of the region, and establishing an alumni network for youth programmes.

The parties agreed to promote cooperation within international educational programmes such as Erasmus+, as well as through joint research projects, conferences and expert discussions. An initiative to organise a “Model OSCE” at UWED was also proposed. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to implement joint educational, research and youth-oriented projects.