16.3.4. NEUTRAL PLATFORM TO DISCUSS ISSUES
16.3.4. NEUTRAL PLATFORM TO DISCUSS ISSUES
Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS) consistently operates as a neutral, research-driven platform that brings together students, early-career researchers, senior academics, government officials and international experts to discuss pressing regional and global issues. TSUOS events use impartial academic formats (conferences, seminars, public dialogues, lecture series and media collaborations) to promote evidence-based debate, strengthen policy-relevant research, and create actionable recommendations. The following activities (2023–2025) illustrate the university’s role as a neutral convenor and knowledge hub.
One of the key examples of this commitment is the implementation of the project “Central and South Asian Connectivity: Factors and Prospects for Sustainable Development” (Project ID: IL-5221091507). This initiative, carried out on the basis of Uzbekistan’s regional cooperation strategy, brought together experts from Uzbekistan, Russia, the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries to discuss connectivity, security, and economic diplomacy in the context of international relations.
Within the project framework, a series of scientific seminars and analytical sessions were held in collaboration with leading national and international think tanks. In 2023, TSUOS organized a high-level academic seminar titled “Transport Projects and Prospects in Central and South Asia”, where participants discussed mechanisms for developing effective regional transport corridors and formulating coordinated tariff policies among Central Asian states. The seminar produced practical recommendations for governments and regional organizations, many of which were later presented to the Advisory Council of Central Asian Heads of State.
In addition, TSUOS hosted a cycle of public lectures (November–December 2023 and February–April 2024) involving local and international experts on themes such as:
- Transformation of international relations and interdependence between Central and South Asia;
- Balance of power and emerging global trends;
- Regional cooperation and sustainable development;
- Afghanistan’s role in regional stability; and
- Economic diplomacy and national analytical capacity building.
These sessions were open to students, young researchers, and government representatives, ensuring an inclusive environment for constructive exchange and the development of independent analytical thinking.
The project also produced analytical bulletins and policy briefs such as “Central and South Asia: Model of Integration Processes” and “Security Challenges in Central and South Asia”, which compiled the views of both local and foreign experts. These materials were regularly presented at national institutions, including the Institute for Interregional and Strategic Studies and other policy analysis organizations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, thus strengthening dialogue between academia and decision-makers.
To further promote open discussion, the outcomes of the research were disseminated through public media. The national television program “Xalqaro Nigoh” (International View) on Uzbekistan 24 Channel has been broadcasting weekly analytical discussions since April 2024, focusing on Afghanistan’s role in regional development and related geopolitical factors. TSUOS experts also participated in several televised analytical programs such as “Munozabat”, “Ekspert Nigohi”, and “Intervyu”, as well as on platforms like UzA, Kun.uz, and Sevimli TV.
High-level public dialogues with policymakers and sector leaders
- On September 23, 2024, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS) provided a neutral academic platform for open dialogue by organizing an interactive meeting between students and a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, experienced diplomat Nurimbetov Rahmatilla.
The event brought together members of the “Young Orientalist Diplomats” and “Orientalist Analysts” student clubs, as well as faculty and researchers, to engage in an open and constructive discussion on Uzbekistan’s modern foreign policy, its regional and global priorities, and future prospects for diplomatic cooperation.
During the session, students had the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive detailed answers on key issues such as international relations, diplomacy, and intergovernmental cooperation. The meeting created a non-partisan and intellectually open environment that encouraged analytical thinking and fostered civic awareness among students.
- On November 13, 2024, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS) organized an open meeting with Umid Shodiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and members of the Council of Young Tourism Ambassadors of the Republic.
Active students of the university participated in this interactive dialogue, during which the Chairman of the Council of Young Tourism Ambassadors and Youth Leader of TSUOS, Komiljon Suyarov, presented an overview of the Council’s composition and ongoing activities. The participants discussed the future directions of youth engagement in tourism development and shared ideas for strengthening cooperation between the education and tourism sectors.
During the meeting, Mr. Shodiev listened to the opinions and proposals of the council members. In particular, the participants put forward initiatives related to the Model United Nations (MUN), the Debate Project, and the Student Tourism Forum. All suggestions were welcomed and supported, and relevant officials were instructed to develop implementation plans.
Besides this meeting, on September 26, 2024, within the framework of a cooperation memorandum signed between the Youth Parliament under the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and the Tashkent City Council of the Uzbekistan Youth Union, students of Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies visited the Oliy Majlis Senate. https://senat.uz/events/post-2722
During the meeting, Bekhzod Tukhtamurodov, Chairperson of the Youth Parliament, provided the students with detailed information about the Senate’s activities, recent legislative developments, and the importance of parliamentary oversight in society.
Additionally, explanations were given about the Youth Parliament’s objectives, organizational structure, and membership procedures, encouraging young people to actively participate in political processes.
Throughout the dialogue, students’ questions about the Senate’s work were addressed, and an open exchange of views took place. The students’ proposals for cooperation with the Youth Parliament were taken into consideration.
Institutional conferences and international academic exchange
- 4 May 2024 — Republican scientific-practical conference: “Modern Transformation of International Relations in Eastern Countries”
Attendees included parliamentary representatives, heads of diplomatic/public-diplomacy centres, government officials and senior academics. Discussions analyzed political and socio-economic transformations in the region and helped align academic study with national policy analysis needs.
- 7 July 2024 — International seminar at the Confucius Institute (20th anniversary): “Confucius Institutes and Intercivilizational Education”
International delegation and senior Chinese education figures participated alongside Uzbekistan’s higher-education leaders. Presenters emphasized the role of intercultural education in strengthening long-term bilateral cooperation; the seminar included a retrospective exhibition of the Confucius Institute’s 20-year achievements and produced recommendations for future academic exchange and capacity building.
- 16 November 2024 — International scientific-practical conference: “Uzbekistan–China: Cultural-Historical, Scientific-Economic Relations”
High-level attendees included Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and senior representatives of diplomatic and educational institutions. The conference served as an institutional platform to design interdisciplinary Sinology projects, coordinate university-level cooperation, and identify practical steps for implementing collaborative research and educational programmes within regional initiatives.
- 27 May 2025 — International scientific conference: “Turkic Studies: Modern Challenges and Their Solutions”
Focused on Turkic languages, textual heritage, literature and translation studies; the event strengthened research partnerships, produced agreements for joint projects, and launched plans for student and researcher exchange programmes.
Media engagement and public dissemination
- Every Saturday at 18:00, the “Dunyo bo‘ylab” TV channel hosts an analytical program featuring Achilov Azlarkhon, a researcher at TSUOS, who provides in-depth commentary on current international political developments.
In one of the recent episodes, experts discussed the outcomes of the trilateral meeting of the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan held in Khujand, as well as the results of the “Central Asia – European Union” summit. Additionally, PhD K.S. Nikolaeva, Senior Lecturer of the Department of International Relations at TSUOS, presented her insights on the International Climate Forum held in Samarkand.
Through this ongoing expert engagement, TSUOS ensures that academic voices contribute to public understanding of international affairs, reinforcing its role as a neutral and research-based discussion platform that fosters informed dialogue.
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