SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals
Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy
Bukhara State University (BuxDU) actively collaborates with regional government bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to contribute to the development and implementation of policies that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines BuxDU’s direct involvement in identifying challenges, developing policies and strategies, modelling future scenarios, monitoring interventions, and enabling adaptive management.
Identifying Problems and Challenges:
Bukhara State University (BuxDU) has been deeply involved in identifying problems and challenges related to youth unemployment, corruption, and educational deficiencies. The university has pinpointed significant issues such as the high unemployment rates among graduates and returning migrants, the susceptibility of regional healthcare workers to corruption, and the need for professional development in the tourism sector. Through job fairs like the ones held on July 25th at the Bukhara Architecture and Construction Technical School and on July 5th at the “Samanids” Cultural and Recreational Park, BuxDU and its partners have directly addressed the challenges of joblessness. Additionally, by engaging with at-risk youth in neighbourhoods like “Bobur” and “Beshtuvo,” BuxDU’s leadership has identified specific social and economic challenges, aiming to provide practical support and pathways to employment.This year, significant attention has been given to youth issues, particularly in ensuring employment for graduates and young people returning from migration. On July 25th, Buxoro City hosted a job fair at the Bukhara Architecture and Construction Technical School. The Bukhara City Employment Support Center organized the event to provide job opportunities for unemployed graduates and youth. Various companies and organizations from the region participated, presenting vacancies to the attendees. This event aimed to help young people find employment through platforms like the government portal vacancy.argos.uz and the National Employment System my.mehnat.uz.
Morover, BuxDU’s leadership has been conducting regular meetings with assigned youth from the “Bobur” and “Beshtuvo” neighborhoods in Gijduvon district. The university rector visited these areas on July 25th to discuss issues, listen to suggestions, and offer practical support to help these young individuals find their place in life and secure employment.
Developing Policies and Strategies
BuxDU has collaborated with regional government bodies and NGOs to develop policies and strategies to create initiatives that address the identified challenges. For example, the development of digital employment platforms such as vacancy.argos.uz and the National Employment System my.mehnat.uz are the results of these collaborations, aimed at reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth. Similarly, the anti-corruption training conducted in June for healthcare workers, led by Yorqin Karimovich Quliyev, reflects BuxDU’s strategy to instil an anti-corruption culture in regional institutions. These initiatives demonstrate how BuxDU works alongside local authorities to shape policies that address critical regional issues and promote sustainable development.
Anti-Corruption Training
In June, an anti-corruption training course was conducted for healthcare workers in the region. The course, led by Yorqin Karimovich Quliyev, head of the Compliance Control Department, focused on building immunity against corruption, implementing ethical guidelines, and organizing weekly anti-corruption events within their organizations.
Modeling Likely Futures with and without Interventions
BuxDU conducts research to model likely futures with and without interventions, providing policymakers with data-driven insights into the potential outcomes of various initiatives. Economic impact studies of job fairs and digital employment platforms illustrate the long-term benefits of such interventions in reducing unemployment and stimulating local economies. By evaluating the effectiveness of anti-corruption training programs, BuxDU has developed models predicting the positive impact of reduced corruption on institutional trust and governance. These models underscore the importance of continued investment in such training programs to enhance public sector efficiency and integrity.
Career Day for Graduates BuxDU organized a “Career Day – 2024” job fair for final-year students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Faculty of History and Law. The event aimed to connect graduates with potential employers, facilitating direct interactions, interviews, and contract signings.
Industrial Employment Opportunities On May 6-7, “Uzbekistan GTL” held selection exams at the Bukhara Engineering Technology Institute for final-year students. The company offered employment opportunities in various technical fields, emphasizing the provision of free meals and accommodation for employees from distant regions.
Enabling Adaptive Management:
BuxDU supports adaptive management by continuously improving policies and strategies based on real-time data and stakeholder feedback. Feedback mechanisms, such as regular meetings with regional governments and NGOs, allow for the timely adjustment of policies in response to emerging challenges and changing circumstances. Workshops and roundtable discussions, like the forum held on March 16th to integrate employers with professional education institutions, further refine strategies and promote adaptive management. By offering training programs for government officials and NGO staff on policy analysis and implementation, BuxDU builds local capacity for effective SDG policy development. Initiatives like practical training at “Navoiyazot” JSC for chemistry students and collaborations with companies like “Ekvatorial Chodak” LLC highlight BuxDU’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptive management in response to evolving regional needs.
Employers and Professional Education Institutions Forum On March 16th, BuxDU hosted a forum to integrate employers with professional education institutions. The event included presentations on the benefits of dual education and discussions with entrepreneurs about implementing foreign experiences in local practices.
Practical Training at “Navoiyazot” Throughout April, final-year chemistry students from BuxDU participated in practical training at “Navoiyazot” JSC. They learned about the company’s production processes and engaged in hands-on activities related to chemical production.
District Governor and Youth Meetings
A series of meetings were held between the Vobkent district governor and university graduates. These meetings aimed to ensure young professionals’ employment by discussing job opportunities and providing practical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Industry Collaboration Roundtable
On May 30th, a roundtable was held at BuxDU in collaboration with “Ekvatorial Chodak” LLC. The event introduced graduates to the company’s operations and included exhibitions, discussions, and tours of the production facilities.
Monitoring and Reporting on Interventions:
The university plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of implemented policies and strategies. BuxDU regularly follows up with participants of job fairs to track employment outcomes and job satisfaction, publishing annual reports on employment trends and policy impacts. Similarly, the effectiveness of anti-corruption training is assessed through surveys and performance metrics, with findings published in case studies and best practice guides. In the realm of education, the impact of reforms is monitored through student performance data and teacher feedback, ensuring continuous improvement.
These initiatives demonstrate BuxDU’s direct involvement in regional SDG policy development through collaboration with government bodies and NGOs, addressing key challenges, developing and refining policies, predicting outcomes, monitoring effectiveness, and enabling adaptive management.
Cross-sectoral dialogue about SDGs
The events held in Bukhara throughout the year have strongly contributed to cross-sectoral dialogue about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on water management, tourism, education, and youth employment. Here’s a summary of how these events align with the goals of cross-sectoral dialogue:
1. Participation in the VIII All-Russian Water Congress: Bukhara State University’s Associate Professor, Sh.R. Sharopova, attended this international forum where experts from 26 countries discussed critical topics such as water supply, sanitation, digital transformation in water management, and regional quality standards for water. This event was a significant platform for cross-sectoral dialogue, bringing together international organizations, manufacturers, and water supply professionals to discuss the future of water resource management, which is directly related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
2. Professional Development Courses for Tourism Sector Employees: In line with the directive from the President of Uzbekistan, Bukhara State University organized professional development courses for employees in the tourism sector of Romitan and Kogon districts. Led by Kamolov Xudoyor Zoirovich, these courses provided practical knowledge on developing tourism routes and aimed at enhancing the region’s tourism potential. This initiative supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by improving the skills of those working in the tourism industry and fostering sustainable tourism.
3. International Scientific-Practical Conference in Tajikistan: Professor Nazzora Bekova Jo’rayevna from Bukhara State University participated in an international conference in Panjakent, Tajikistan, where she presented her works on Alisher Navoi’s Persian heritage. The conference also included discussions with leading academics from various countries, fostering cultural and academic exchange. This aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting scholarly dialogue and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international academic collaboration.
4. Meetings with Graduating Students from Shofirkon, Romitan, Qorakul and Kogon Districts: Bukhara State University facilitated several meetings between local government officials and graduating students from these districts to discuss employment opportunities. These discussions emphasized the importance of supporting young professionals, particularly in education, science, and industry. The involvement of local government, educational institutions, and industry leaders in these meetings reflects a concerted effort to address SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Meeting with the mayor of Shofirkon district:
Meeting with the mayor of Romitan district:
Meeting with the mayor of Qorakul district:
Meeting with the mayor of Kogon district:
Recently, in the context of promoting youth employment and local development, the university hosted several important meetings between district officials and graduating students. One such event took place at the university’s conference hall, where the Governor of Qorovulbozor District, Akmal Ostonov, engaged with graduates from various higher education institutions in the region. The focus of the meeting was to address the employment opportunities available to these young professionals, aiming to facilitate their integration into the workforce. The event was attended by district sector leaders, deputy governors, and relevant organizational heads, underscoring the importance of collaboration in ensuring that graduates are placed in suitable jobs, thereby contributing to economic growth and reducing youth unemployment.
In another initiative that underscores the university’s commitment to sustainable tourism, faculty and students from the Faculty of Economics and Tourism participated in the Internal Tourism Fair and Destination Forum held at the Nadir Devonbegi Complex in Bukhara. The event aimed to increase public engagement with the country’s tourism sites and support tourism-related businesses. It featured a marketplace for local handicrafts and provided a platform for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) interactions, enabling participants to exchange experiences and explore new opportunities within the tourism sector. This initiative aligns with the SDGs by promoting sustainable economic growth through the development of tourism.
In addition to these events, the university organized a career-focused event in collaboration with “British American Tobacco Uzbekistan.” The “UzBAT Got Talent” event, held at the university’s active hall, provided students with the opportunity to learn about the company’s operations, explore career opportunities, and potentially secure employment within the company. The event emphasized the importance of creating pathways for students to transition from academic settings to professional environments, contributing to the broader goal of decent work and economic growth.
Furthering this commitment, the university also facilitated a series of meetings between other district governors and graduating students. For example, the Governor of Bukhara District, Xayrullo Jo’rayev, met with university graduates to discuss job placements based on available vacancies. Similarly, the Governor of Vobkent District, Farhod Umarov, engaged with graduates to address employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. These meetings aimed to provide practical support to graduates in securing jobs or starting their own businesses, ensuring that they contribute positively to the local economy.
On the international front, Bukhara State University’s Department of International Cooperation held an online meeting with representatives from the German accreditation organization ACQUIN. The discussion focused on the international accreditation process for the university’s educational programs, which is crucial for ensuring the quality and global recognition of its offerings. The meeting provided detailed insights into the accreditation process, including self-assessment reporting, expert evaluations, and cost structures. This initiative reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance its academic standards and achieve international accreditation, contributing to the SDGs by improving the quality of education.
In addition, the symposium, organized in collaboration with multiple prestigious institutions, including Bukhara State University, focused on “Computer Science and Educational Technologies.” It brought together leading scholars from over 30 countries to discuss innovative methods and technologies in higher education, particularly in engineering education. The event’s discussions and outcomes contribute to the global discourse on enhancing the quality and accessibility of education through modern technological approaches.
The plan to hold future symposia at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology in 2025 and Bukhara State University in 2027 further emphasizes the commitment of these institutions to fostering international collaboration and advancing education. The involvement of new partners like the Tashkent University of Information Technologies also highlights the expanding network of collaboration in the field of educational technology.
The symposium’s results, with selected articles to be published in the Scopus-indexed “IEEE ISCSET 2024 Proceedings,” reflect the event’s academic significance and its contribution to global knowledge in the field. This connects with the ongoing efforts at Bukhara State University to align with international standards and contribute to global education and innovation initiatives.
These events collectively demonstrate Bukhara State University’s commitment to initiating and participating in cross-sectoral dialogues about the SDGs, involving various stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to address pressing global challenges.
Collaboration for SDG best practice
Bukhara State University recently organized a training course on implementing a “Corruption Prevention Management System” in accordance with the international ISO 37001:2016 standard. This course was facilitated by “CERT Academy GROUP,” an international company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The training was aimed at equipping organizations with the necessary tools and knowledge to combat corruption effectively.
BioEcUz Project Participants Visit “PET Baltija” JSC
As part of the BioEcUz project, faculty members from Bukhara State University visited “PET Baltija” JSC, one of the largest polymer waste processing plants in the Baltic States. The factory employs over 150 workers and sources polymer waste from more than 20 countries for processing into raw materials for other industries. This visit provided valuable insights into international best practices in waste management and recycling.
Cultural-Educational Event on the Day of Friendship of Nations
On July 30th, in celebration of the Day of Friendship of Nations, Bukhara State University actively participated in a cultural and educational event held at the Somoniylar Park in Bukhara. The event brought together representatives from various nationalities, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration among different communities.
Recognition of Talented Women at International Conference in Turkey
A group of talented women from Uzbekistan, including a part-time student from Bukhara State University, Shahrizoda Hamroqulova, was recognized at an international conference in Alanya, Turkey. The conference was organized by Baygench Publishing and Shine Girls Academy and celebrated the creative works of prominent Uzbek women in various fields. The event highlighted the strong cultural and academic ties between Uzbekistan and Turkey, promoting international collaboration and exchange of best practices.
Education for SDGs in the wider community
Alumni
4th-Year Chemistry Students from Bukhara State University at “Navoiyazot” JSC: On April 7, 2024, 4th-year Chemistry students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Bukhara State University (BuxDU) continued their industrial internships at “Navoiyazot” JSC as part of a bilateral cooperation agreement. The students familiarized themselves with the production processes, products, and operations of the enterprise. “Navoiyazot” was established in 1964 and produces over 70 types of products for agriculture, the oil and gas industry, energy, and mining. The company is undergoing phased modernization to improve efficiency. After the modernization, it will produce 100,000 tons of PVC, 75,000 tons of caustic soda, and 300,000 tons of methanol annually, creating over 900 new jobs, with more than 50% of the products intended for export. The students visited various production departments and learned about the technological processes involved.
Meeting of Romitan District Governor Umid Barnoyev with Graduating Students: The Governor of Romitan District, Umid Barnoyev, held a meeting with graduating students from higher educational institutions in the region at Bukhara Engineering Technology Institute. The discussion focused on employment opportunities for these graduates. Various organization heads, representatives from the employment assistance center, and education leaders attended the meeting. Governor Barnoyev highlighted the government’s efforts to support youth and emphasized the importance of securing jobs for graduates according to their specialties.
Meeting of Qorako’l District Governor Khurshid Tohirov with Graduating Students: The Governor of Qorako’l District, Khurshid Tohirov, met with students from higher educational institutions in the district. Representatives from local organizations and companies also participated, offering available job positions. Governor Tohirov discussed the significant changes in the district over the past few years and the ongoing demand for highly educated professionals, particularly in teaching subjects like mathematics, physics, Russian, and English.
Meeting of Kogon District Governor Otabek Qazoqov with Graduating Students: The Governor of Kogon District, Otabek Qazoqov, met with students from the district studying at Bukhara State Medical Institute and other local universities. The meeting was organized to discuss employment opportunities for graduating students. Participants included representatives from educational institutions, employers, and relevant authorities.
Meeting of Qorovulbozor District Governor Akmal Ostonov with Graduating Students: The Governor of Qorovulbozor District, Akmal Ostonov, held a meeting with graduating students from local higher education institutions at Bukhara State University. The focus of the meeting was on securing employment for graduates based on available job openings. Attendees included district sector leaders, the governor’s deputies, company representatives, and the graduates.
Industrial Internship for 4th-Year Chemistry Students at “Navoiyazot” JSC: 4th-year Chemistry students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Bukhara State University are currently undergoing an industrial internship at “Navoiyazot” JSC as part of a bilateral cooperation agreement. The students are getting acquainted with the production processes and activities of the enterprise.
Forum on “Employers and Professional Educational Institutions”: On March 16, 2024, Bukhara State University will host a forum on “Employers and Professional Educational Institutions” at 9:00 AM. The forum aims to facilitate integration between employers and professional educational institutions, with discussions on the benefits of dual education and implementing foreign experiences in the country. Experts from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, along with foreign experts and partner organizations, will participate in the forum. Employers seeking to attract qualified specialists are invited to attend.
Industrial Internship of 4th-Year Chemistry Students at “Xanadu Grant Plus” LLC and “Uzbekhydrogeology” SE: On May 27, 2023, 4th-year Chemistry students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Bukhara State University participated in an industrial internship at “Xanadu Grant Plus” LLC and “Uzbekhydrogeology” State Enterprise. The internship is part of a cooperation agreement signed between the university and “Xanadu Grant Plus” LLC on April 27, 2023. During the internship, students gained insights into the production processes and the key tasks and activities of “Uzbekhydrogeology” in the field of groundwater management, including exploration, monitoring, and ensuring sustainable use of water resources.
Local community
Zero Tolerance towards Corruption’ Training Course: This course, aimed at employees of medical associations in the region, focuses on anti-corruption measures and practical guidance for promoting integrity and compliance within their organizations. It includes educational activities designed to instill anti-corruption values and practices in the workplace, which aligns with the goal of educating the wider community on important social issues.
Career Preparation Activities: The initiative to hold a master class on “Resume Preparation Methods and Interview with a Recruiter” at the university’s Career Center is another example of educational outreach. This activity is designed to equip students and future professionals with the skills needed for successful employment, contributing to their personal and professional development. This initiative directly serves the local community by enhancing the employability of young people, preparing them for the workforce, and supporting their integration into the local economy.
Tourism Potential Enhancement in Romitan and Kogon Districts: The assignment given to Bukhara State University to enhance the tourism potential of Romitan and Kogon districts, including training employees of tourism enterprises, is a clear example of educational outreach. These activities are aimed at improving the skills of local tourism workers, thereby contributing to the economic development of the community and aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
These initiatives demonstrate the university’s commitment to providing education and training that supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the wider community.