16.3.1. PROVIDE EXPERT ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT
16.3.1. PROVIDE EXPERT ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT
Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS) actively contributes to the development of effective governance, peace, and institutional sustainability in Uzbekistan through expert participation, evidence-based research, and policy-oriented dialogue.
- Participation in National Governance Reforms (G-CAN Network)
TSUOS is an active member of the Uzbekistan Governance Change Academy Network (G-CAN) — a British Council “Going Global Partnerships” initiative, implemented jointly with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
This network supports university governance reform in Uzbekistan by fostering institutional autonomy, leadership, and accountability. Through its engagement, TSUOS:
- Contributes expert input to the National Code of University Governance and related policy development;
- Participates in benchmarking activities and peer-to-peer exchanges with UK universities, supporting evidence-based policymaking;
- Shares best practices in university governance with other higher education institutions across the country.
On October 22–23, 2024, TSUOS representatives joined a seminar-training for 14 higher education institutions with the British Council and Advance HE experts. The event provided evidence and recommendations for the nationwide implementation of governance reforms. (Source: TSUOS News – International Cooperation for Sustainable Development)
- Practical Research Project: “Factors and Prospects of Sustainable Development of Interconnectedness in Central and South Asia (Based on Uzbekistan’s Initiatives)”
Within the framework of this practical research project, 465.207 million UZS (95% of the allocated funds) were utilized. (Source: Scientific Activities Page)
The breakdown of expenditures is as follows:
- 9 million UZS for salaries,
- 2 million UZS for business trips,
- 1 million UZS for strengthening the material and technical base (purchase of computers, office supplies, etc.), and
- 83 million UZS for publications.
Out of the total publication budget:
- 32 million UZS was spent on the publication of 12 research papers presented at international Scopus-indexed conferences,
- 11 million UZS on printing and electronic publication of conference materials, and
- 41 million UZS on publishing 11 academic monographs.
As a result of this project, the analytical television program “Xalqaro Nigoh” (International Perspective) was established on the Uzbekistan 24 TV Channel, broadcasting every Sunday at 11:00 AM. The program presents weekly expert analyses on regional interconnectedness, international cooperation, and Uzbekistan’s foreign policy initiatives in Central and South Asia.
The program can be viewed through the following links:
Scientific Outcomes and Relevance
The project generated a series of analytical reports addressing the following thematic areas:
- “Central and South Asia: The Essence, Prospects, and Socio-Economic, Political Significance of Uzbekistan’s Initiative”
- “Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy in the Context of Renewing International Order”
- “The Afghanistan Factor in Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy”
- “New Trends in the Role of Russia, the USA, China, Japan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Turkiye, Arab States, SCO, and C5+ Formats in Central Asia”
- “The Impact of Shifting International Relations on Central and South Asia”
- “New Tendencies in the Formation of the International Relations System”
These analytical works have both scientific and practical value, providing an evidence-based foundation for understanding and strengthening Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and its initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable regional cooperation.
The findings also contribute to enhancing Uzbekistan’s visibility and reputation internationally, serving as a new mechanism for promoting the country’s diplomatic initiatives and analytical capacity.
Academic Achievements
Under this project:
- One PhD dissertation was prepared and recommended for defense:
- Dushaeva: “The Republic of Korea and Central Asia: The History and Modern Trends of Cooperation.”
- Six master’s theses were successfully defended on topics related to Afghanistan, regional security, gender equality, and India’s strategy in Central Asia, among others.
Broader Impact
The research supports the development of systematic methodologies for foreign policy analysis, creation of modern academic materials for higher education institutions, and the establishment of competitive, evidence-based recommendations for decision-making in international and regional affairs.
The outcomes also reinforce public awareness and education through media initiatives, including the Xalqaro Nigoh TV program, which plays an essential role in bringing scholarly analysis of Uzbekistan’s regional policies to a wider audience both domestically and internationally.
- Expert Advice to Government – Ethno-Tourism Development Platform
Through the project “Increasing the Ethno-Tourism Potential of Rishton, Chust, Yangikurgan and Boysun Districts Based on Local Attributes,” TSUOS experts contribute to shaping regional and national strategies for tourism and cultural preservation. This initiative provides data-driven insights to local administrations and the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, supporting policy design that balances cultural heritage, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Launched in May 2024 with 704.147 million UZS in state funding (364.483 million UZS for labor, 120.480 million UZS for travel, 15 million UZS for research cooperation, and 126.7 million UZS for infrastructure), this initiative strengthens the government’s capacity to develop sustainable tourism policies. (Source: Scientific Activities Page)
The university’s experts conduct cultural mapping and socio-economic analysis of these districts, identifying key local assets, traditional crafts, folklore, and ecological sites to inform government planning and tourism route development. Their findings directly guide efforts to strengthen community-based tourism, ensure the preservation of local identity, and improve regional livelihoods.
Digital Public Platform and Policy Outreach
To enhance public engagement and policy transparency, TSUOS established the E-Platform on Ethno-Tourism — etnotravel.uz — along with official media channels:
These platforms serve as tools for connecting government agencies, researchers, and local communities, enabling data exchange, tourism promotion, and citizen participation through the interactive @Etnotravelbot Telegram bot.
Moreover, TSUOS has developed dedicated media pages that highlight the local attributes and policy-relevant potential of each participating district:
From November 14 to 16, 2024, the Innovation Development Agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations organized an International Innovation Ideas Week dedicated to the theme “Innovations for Sustainable Development”. At this event, representatives of Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, led by Vice-Rector Durbek Sayfullaev, actively participated. The TSUOS team presented this practical project.
Impact
Through these initiatives, TSUOS provides expert advice and actionable recommendations to government agencies on how to integrate sustainability, heritage protection, and community involvement into tourism development. This work directly contributes to:
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) – by promoting sustainable tourism and local employment;
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – by preserving cultural and natural heritage;
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – by strengthening collaboration between academia, government, and society.
- Expert Commentary on Regional Policy and Peace
On June 9, 2024, Dr. Suhrob Buronov, political scientist and lecturer at TSUOS, provided expert analysis for UZA, Uzbekistan’s national news agency. He discussed Uzbekistan’s neutral foreign policy and leadership in promoting regional peace and stability in Central Asia. His remarks highlighted key indicators of democratic governance, including citizens’ trust in government and satisfaction with life — offering valuable input to national policy discussions on governance quality and security. (Source: UZA News Article)
- Public Policy Advocacy through Scholarly Publications
In the article “Why is the Political Spectrum of Parties Important?” published in Xalq So‘zi newspaper (Issue 192, September 18, 2024), Dr. Ravshan G‘oziev, Acting Associate Professor of International Relations at TSUOS, provided expert commentary on the importance of political diversity and multi-party participation for transparent and accountable governance. His analysis offered conceptual insights relevant to policy formation and political institution-building in Uzbekistan.
(Source: Xalq So‘zi Newspaper)
- Expert Participation in Election Debates and Democratic Processes
On October 4, 2024, during a televised debate among political parties, Dr. Sayfiddin Juraev, Professor of Political Science at TSUOS, served as an independent expert analyst. His commentary on inter-party discussions contributed to ensuring transparency, civic engagement, and accountability in Uzbekistan’s democratic process. His assessment helped inform both policymakers and the public on electoral integrity and governance standards.
“These debates not only ensure transparency and openness in the electoral process,” Dr. Juraev noted, “but also play an important role in strengthening civic responsibility and public trust in democratic institutions.”
- Expert Advice through Gender Research and E-Platform
TSUOS has developed the project “Gender Relations in Eastern Countries (The 100 Most Prominent Women of the East)”, which examines gender equality in developed Eastern countries and its relevance to democratic reforms in Uzbekistan.
The project received 404.9 million UZS in government funding, including 258.296 million UZS for research work, 67 million UZS for e-platform development, and 15 million UZS for publication and consulting expenses (170 million UZS allocated for 2024). (Source: Scientific Activities Page)
The project examines:
- Women’s access to education and its impact on family and societal roles;
- Gender-based disparities in employment and the alignment of women’s work with their education;
- Regional differences in women’s social, economic, political, and cultural participation;
- Strategies for increasing women’s participation across societal sectors.
By systematizing and analyzing this data, TSUOS provides actionable insights and best practices that can be adapted to inform Uzbek policy on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance. This work directly supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
The project outputs include:
- Research articles in peer-reviewed journals and Scopus-indexed publications, such as “The Legal Status of Muslim Women in Turkestan: on the Divorce Process” (Scopus link);
- Educational multimedia resources, including the video “The Baburi Queens who left their mark on the political history of the Baburi Empire in the Middle Ages” (YouTube link);
- Scholarly articles and analyses by project participants (links 1, 2, 3);
- Recognition of TSUOS faculty achievements, such as Professor Sanobar Shadmanova’s 2024 project award (gov.uz link).
Through these outputs, TSUOS provides expert advice to government by:
- Offering evidence-based recommendations for enhancing gender equality and women’s participation in governance and social development;
- Informing policy design and reforms aligned with democratic principles;
- Supporting capacity-building for policymakers through accessible research, e-platform resources, and knowledge dissemination;
- Contributing to public awareness campaigns to foster understanding of gender-related issues, which can influence policy priorities and legislative frameworks.
By leveraging international experiences and research insights, TSUOS ensures that government institutions have access to reliable, research-informed guidance on gender and social policies, thereby strengthening Uzbekistan’s democratic and institutional development.
- Collaboration with Political Parties to Strengthen Policy Education and Practical Engagement
In line with its mission to bridge academia and governance, TSUOS has signed cooperation agreements with four political parties of Uzbekistan. These agreements serve as a framework for joint work in policymaking, education, and applied research.
Under these agreements, the following initiatives are implemented:
- Formation of an innovative working group to monitor the implementation of cooperative programs and policy-oriented research.
- Joint curriculum development and modernization to align educational programs with the evolving needs of the economy and public governance.
- Regular expert meetings and consultations between professors, students, and party representatives to discuss reforms in education, innovation, and socio-political development.
- Integration of academic and professional practices, enabling TSUOS students and researchers to undertake internships at partner political organizations, ensuring direct exposure to policy formation processes.
- Support for policy research and publications, including the joint development of monographs, textbooks, and methodological materials.
- Scientific and methodological collaboration, with both sides contributing to conferences, workshops, and policy dialogues addressing issues of law, economics, and governance.
On May 14, 2025, first-year students of the “International Relations” program at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, led by Associate Professor (acting) of the “International Relations” Department, PhD H. Mustapova, and the department’s trainee lecturer N. Alimova, visited the Central Office of the O‘zLiDeP party, where they gained firsthand knowledge about the party’s history, structure, and activities.
These activities ensure the continuous exchange of knowledge between academia and political institutions, supporting evidence-based decision-making and preparing young specialists with policy-relevant skills.
- Examples of Expert Advice Through Publications and Media
- Political Party Programs and Ideological Competition
- TSUOS Professor, Doctor of Political Sciences Sayfiddin Juraev authored an article on the electoral process, discussing the competition of ideas and ideologies in political party programs.
Read the article
- TSUOS Professor, Doctor of Political Sciences Sayfiddin Juraev authored an article on the electoral process, discussing the competition of ideas and ideologies in political party programs.
- The Role of Political Parties in Society
- TSUOS Associate Professor Ravshan Gaziev provided an interview exploring how the ideas of political parties in Uzbekistan differ from each other and their impact on society.
- Migration, International Relations, and Policy Implications
- TSUOS Senior Lecturer Uktam Bituraev gave an expert interview analyzing the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Samarkand and its implications for Uzbekistan’s migration and international relations policy, as well as outcomes related to the upcoming MO–Germany summit in Astana.
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