17.2.5. COLLABORATION WITH NGOS FOR SDGS
17.2.5. COLLABORATION WITH NGOS FOR SDGS
Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS) actively collaborates with national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to promote sustainable development and strengthen social responsibility among students and faculty. These partnerships are focused on student volunteering, joint research, and development of educational resources that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Cooperation with the Uzbekistan–Japan Center
Within the framework of its agreement with the Uzbekistan–Japan Center, TSUOS organizes student internships, joint seminars, and capacity-building activities to promote cross-cultural understanding and enhance training quality. The collaboration also supports the development of educational programs in Japanese studies and communication technologies, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As part of its cooperation with The Uzbekistan–Japan Center, TSUOS has launched the Uzbekistan–Japanese Culture Exchange Center, which serves as a platform for promoting mutual understanding between the two nations, organizing student internships, joint seminars, and educational programs in fields related to Japanese studies and international relations.
Within the framework of cultural-academic exchange, TSUOS and the Tokyo University of Foreign Languages’s “Global Japan Office” Center have initiated a cooperation agreement to promote Japanese-Uzbek educational and research collaboration. The main tasks of the Centre include training scientific and pedagogical staff in Japanese studies, conducting collaborative research on Uzbek and Japanese literary, historical and philosophical works, organising seminars and conferences, offering Japanese language classes (levels A1-C1), facilitating student internships in Japan, and developing innovative startup projects in partnership with talented students.
- Cooperation with the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture
This cooperation focuses on research collaboration, joint conferences, and internship programs for students and staff. The Centre’s experts also contribute to curriculum design and teaching in fields related to Indian language, philosophy, and culture. Through this partnership, TSUOS strengthens cultural diplomacy, fosters global citizenship, and supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
The Embassy of India in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Lal Bahadir Shastri Indian Cultural Center made a gift to the Department of South and Southeast Asian Languages at the Faculty of Oriental Philology – they presented an electronic board worth $ 5,500. An electronic board simultaneously performs the functions of a computer, television, projector, radio and a number of other functions.
- Cooperation with Islamic Business and Finance LLC
TSUOS works with Islamic Business and Finance LLC to integrate ethical finance principles into the educational process, aligning economic education with sustainability values. The partnership includes joint research, professional training, and curriculum development on Islamic finance and responsible investment practices. This collaboration promotes SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
- Cooperation with the Center for Public Diplomacy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
In cooperation with the Center for Public Diplomacy of the SCO in Uzbekistan, TSUOS engages in scientific and cultural projects, student exchanges, and joint conferences to strengthen mutual understanding between member states. The cooperation also involves applied research in diplomacy, regional development, and intercultural communication. These activities directly support SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
- Within the “Ibrat Farzandlari” project
More than 2,000 video lessons have been published within the framework of the project so far, and about 1 million students are learning languages in the “Ibrat Academy” application.
In the project, senior specialists of TSUOS have been teaching Eastern languages below:
Arabic language – Fatilloev Madiyor
Persian language – Behzod Jafarov
Dari language – Husniddin Inomiddinov
Pashto language – Oybek Muhammad
Turkish language – PhD. Gulomjon Sobirov
Indian language – PhD. Kamola Rahmatjonova
Urdu language – PhD. Mohira Umarova
Chinese language – PhD. Nigina Rasuleva
Korean language – Muqaddas Taylanova
Malay language – Erkin Bekkulov
Vietnamese language – Sarvinoz Saidazimova
Tajik language – Abdurahim Solijonov
- Partnership with “Sharoit+” NGO for Inclusive Education
Through the Inclusive Education in Higher Education in Uzbekistan programme supported by the British Council, TSUOS collaborates with Sharoit+ to develop inclusive curricula, improve accessibility for students with disabilities, and train academic staff. This partnership promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan — MoU for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) & Inclusive Education
Agreement: TSUOS signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan focused on developing inclusive higher education and improving social protection for persons with disabilities.
Main actions under the MoU:
- Joint development and implementation of inclusive education policies and support services at TSUOS;
- Co-design and delivery of staff training on accessibility, inclusive pedagogy and reasonable accommodations;
- Collaborative development of accessible learning materials (audio, video, mobile-friendly content) and campus accessibility assessments;
- Taking measures to improve access for students with disabilities to educational and scientific resources;
- Joint monitoring and evaluation of inclusion measures, with pathways to scale successful practices across Uzbek higher education;
- Implementing activities to establish cooperation with organizations in Eastern countries that work with persons with disabilities.
Events & capacity building: On 17 February 2024, TSUOS hosted a seminar-training on “Introducing Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education.” A.Abdukhalilov (Assoc. Prof., Social Work Dept., and Deputy Chair of the Association) presented inclusive education concepts, planning stages and practical features of implementation; discussions concluded with the signing and direction-setting for the cooperation memorandum.
Through cooperation with Iran’s Saadi Foundation, TSUOS enhances Persian language education and cultural understanding. The partnership includes:
- Organizing mutual exchanges of academic staff and students;
- Hosting joint seminars and conferences;
- Conducting research on innovative and effective methods for teaching the Persian language.
This cooperation supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through:
- Academic and personnel exchange programs for students and faculty;
- Organization of scientific, educational, and cultural events;
- Support for developing Chinese language textbooks for Uzbek schools;
- Promotion of Silk Road educational and cultural initiatives;
- Collaborative publishing and humanitarian projects.
The partnership with Rasanah IIIS (Saudi Arabia) focuses on joint research and policy studies related to Middle Eastern and international relations. Key areas include:
- Conducting joint research projects and advisory studies;
- Exchanging experts, researchers, and academic publications;
- Co-organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops;
- Sharing databases and developing specialized research programs.
This collaboration advances SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
- The Korea Foundation & The Academy of Korean Studies
These partnerships advance Korean studies and cultural understanding at TSUOS through:
- Exchange of professors, students, and researchers;
- Establishment of Korea-related education programs;
- Joint academic projects and data sharing;
- Visiting professorships and Korean language courses at TSUOS.
- Korea–Uzbekistan Business Association & EduLink Global Co., Ltd.
These partnerships strengthen international employability and skills development for youth (SDG 8).
- The Korea–Uzbekistan Business Association supports academic collaboration and project development for Korean–Uzbek cooperation.
- EduLink Global Co., Ltd. assists in project facilitation, information sharing, and preparation for international cooperation in education and innovation.
In line with SDG 4 – Quality Education, Mitsubishi Corporation provides the Mitsubishi International Scholarship to support talented TSUOS students and foster the development of promising young leaders in Uzbekistan.
TSUOS cooperates with Kosaido Business Support to facilitate student employability and professional training.
Activities include:
- Providing job search guidance, seminars, and mock interviews;
- Supporting internships in Japan and Uzbekistan;
- Offering information about Japanese companies and employment opportunities.
Through this partnership, TSUOS implements a Global Human Resources Development Program, combining language learning, protocol and manners education, and paid international internships in Japan. The initiative enhances intercultural competencies and strengthens Japan–Uzbekistan ties.
TSUOS collaborates with the Vivekananda International Foundation to promote dialogue and research on regional and global issues.
The partnership includes:
- Organizing bilateral seminars and symposiums;
- Supporting academic exchanges and publication sharing;
- Enhancing cultural and diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and India.
- KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) is among the key partners of Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, contributing to educational and developmental collaboration between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea.
- Cooperation with the Uzbekistan Women and Girls Association
TSUOS collaborates with the Uzbekistan Women and Girls Association to support gender equality (SDG 5) through multiple joint initiatives:
- Protecting the rights of women and girls and ensuring their social security via legal, psychological, and business-support services. uzbwomen.uz
- Supporting women’s entrepreneurship through training in business planning, marketing, and financial management. uzbwomen.uz
- Providing free consultations in legal, medical, psychological and business areas to women and girls. uzbwomen.uz
- Enhancing legal and medical literacy among women and girls via seminars, training programs, and learning materials. uzbwomen.uz
- Facilitating international links for women and girls by collaborating with global organisations and participation in international projects. uzbwomen.uz
In August 2023, TSUOS hosted a roundtable discussion with the Association’s Chair, Nasiba Mirodilova, focused on the role of women and girls in entrepreneurship and science.
Overall Impact and SDG Alignment
Through these extensive collaborations with NGOs and cultural organizations, TSUOS contributes to:
- Expanding access to inclusive and equitable education (SDG 4);
- Promoting gender equality and empowering women (SDG 5);
- Enhancing decent work and economic growth (SDG 8);
- Promoting reduced inequalities (SDG 10);
- Fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16);
- Strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17).
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