Advancing the SDGs: International Master Class on Soft Power and Community Outreach in the Mahalla

On 15 December 2025, the Department of Uzbek and Russian Languages at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy organized an online master class by Dulat Khangereyevich Bakishev. He is a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea from 2006 to 2008. The topic was “Key Directions of the Soft Power Strategy: Language Policy and Enhancing the International Standing of Turkic Languages.”

The session was held on Zoom. Faculty members from other departments of the university also joined. Professor Bakishev explained the essence of soft power. He described how states seek to shape positive perceptions abroad through culture, education, language policy, and economic and humanitarian diplomacy. Drawing on the experience of Korea, France and Türkiye, he highlighted the role of cultural institutes, educational programs and historical heritage. The lecture also examined cultural, educational, economic and humanitarian diplomacy, language policy, and the use of historical and cultural heritage as separate directions.

Department members noted the high academic and practical value of the master class. They proposed holding such sessions and research seminars with international experts on a regular basis.

On the same day, as part of the university's Sustainable Development Goals activities, the department visited the “Kh. Abdullayev” mahalla in Mirzo Ulugbek district. Faculty volunteers prepared food packages for families in need, which were delivered through mahalla representatives. The team also held a career guidance training for young people who are not in employment or education. Head of the Department, Associate Professor M. Abdurakhmanova, said that such initiatives reflect the team's unity and sense of social responsibility.