On June 18, 2025, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and one of Italy’s most prestigious higher education institutions - the University of Bologna - signed an official Agreement aimed at establishing academic cooperation.

This agreement represents a significant milestone in UWED’s international cooperation strategy and contributes to expanding the university’s global academic partnership network. Notably, UWED has established academic ties with the University of Bologna, which ranks 133rd in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The signing ceremony was attended by Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and Rector of UWED, along with Akram Umarov, First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. Representing the University of Bologna were Professor Giovanni Molari, Rector, and Professor Raffaella Campaner, Vice-Rector.

At the beginning of the meeting, Rector Sodyq Safoev emphasized that academic cooperation between higher education institutions plays a key role in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Italy. According to him, such initiatives contribute to the deepening of cultural and scientific ties between the two countries.

In turn, the Rector of the University of Bologna, Professor Giovanni Molari, warmly welcomed the partnership and emphasized that strengthening academic ties between the two universities would serve not only as a platform for scientific collaboration, but also as an important tool for deepening the friendship and partnership between Italy and Uzbekistan.

Under the agreement, the parties have agreed to cooperate in a number of key areas, including:

The implementation of student exchange programs is planned. Within these programs, students from both universities will have the opportunity to participate in short-term education, gain academic experience, and engage in cultural exchange.

Through the exchange of professors and administrative staff, both sides will share teaching methods, pedagogical approaches, and academic experiences. This will contribute to improving the quality of education and fostering innovative teaching practices.

Joint academic events such as seminars, conferences, and guest lectures will be organized to broaden academic dialogue and cooperation between the two institutions.

Scientific research collaboration is also planned, creating a foundation for in-depth study of important international issues.

This agreement will further strengthen UWED’s position on the international stage and enhance the university’s integration into global educational and research networks. The partnership with the University of Bologna holds significant importance in reinforcing not only academic, but also cultural, scientific, and professional relations between the two higher education institutions.