On May 20, 2025, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) signed a Record of Discussion for a new project titled “Project for Enhancement of Online Education System and Creating an Environment for the Establishment of a Cyber University at the UWED in Uzbekistan.”

The signing ceremony was attended by the leadership of UWED, headed by the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, UWED Rector Sodyq Safoev, and from the Korean side - Hong Seok Hwa, Vice President of KOICA, Shin Myung Seop, KOICA Country Director in Uzbekistan, along with other high-level representatives.

The new project aims to strengthen the digital infrastructure for higher education in Uzbekistan by supporting the creation of a comprehensive e-learning system at UWED. With a total budget of 6.9 million USD, the initiative will cover the development of a master plan for e-learning, establishment of academic and operational regulations, content creation for three departments, faculty training, platform development, provision of IT equipment and renovation of digital learning facilities.

As one of Uzbekistan’s leading higher education institutions, UWED is positioned to become a national and regional model for digital transformation in education. The project is part of KOICA’s broader strategy to promote smart education and sustainable development under Korea’s K-Silk Road initiative for Central Asia.

This new partnership underscores the long-standing cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan and reaffirms both sides’ commitment to building future-oriented, accessible, and high-quality education systems.