Representatives from more than 40 countries, including ministers of education and science, about 500 local and foreign university leaders, and over a thousand experts are participating in it.
At the opening ceremony of the forum, I read out the address of our President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the conference participants.
In the greetings of our head of state, it was emphasized that mutual trust, good neighborliness, and partnership are strengthening among Central Asian countries. The greatest wealth of our region, with a population of nearly 85 million, is the young generation striving for knowledge.
“The most effective way to turn this huge demographic potential into a powerful intellectual force is quality, modern education and upbringing,” the message states.
Our President noted that educational reforms in Uzbekistan have become a priority direction of state policy. Recently, preschool and school education, vocational and higher education, and the management of science were united into a single system. The purpose of this is to ensure the continuity of stages from a child's initial acquisition of knowledge to their formation as a mature specialist and scientist.
The address emphasized that education must prepare youth for independent thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning. Increasing the role of teachers and mentors, strengthening cooperation between schools, technical schools, universities, and production, and especially expanding opportunities for girls, children in remote areas, and youth with special educational needs were indicated as important tasks.
Our President called for developing artificial intelligence and modern engineering directions, increasing joint programs and research among universities, and supporting the exchange of students and scientists.
Our head of state expressed confidence that practical proposals will be put forward at the forum on the path to the strategic goal of turning Central Asia into a common intellectual space united by science, enlightenment, high technologies, and innovations.
