Uzbekistan-Hungary Third Rectors Forum: Bilateral Cooperation Agreements Signed

The third Uzbekistan-Hungary Rectors' Forum on the topic "Higher Education in the Digital Era: Artificial Intelligence, Innovation Models, and Globally Competitive Universities" was held at the "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand.

 

The forum was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kongratbay Sharipov; the President of the Hungarian Rectors' Conference, Béla Merkely; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Uzbekistan, József Rózsa; the Rector of Óbuda University, Levente Kovács; as well as heads of leading higher education institutions and sector representatives from both countries.

 

According to information, educational and scientific cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hungary is developing on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2017. Currently, more than 50 higher education institutions of Uzbekistan are actively cooperating with over 30 universities and scientific-educational organizations of Hungary based on nearly 100 partnership agreements. Furthermore, 17 joint startup projects are being implemented.

 

Within the framework of the forum, issues such as introducing artificial intelligence technologies into the education system, creating innovative educational models, inter-university scientific research, establishing joint laboratories, and strengthening "university-industry" cooperation were discussed.

 

The event included a plenary session and several parallel sessions, where rectors and experts from both countries gave presentations on developing modern higher education, supporting innovations and startups, and increasing the scientific activity of youth.

 

In the final part of the forum program, a ceremony for the exchange of bilateral cooperation agreements took place based on agreements reached between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Hungary. It was stated that these agreements will serve to implement joint educational and scientific research projects in the fields of agriculture, engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, energy, medicine, and pedagogy.

 

Furthermore, within the framework of the forum, a series of events are planned for the Hungarian delegation in Samarkand and Jizzakh regions, including familiarization with the activities of the INNO Technopark established in Jizzakh in cooperation with Óbuda University, and visits to other higher education institutions.