Speech by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr Safarzoda Dilshod Ghani at the 2024 Graduation Ceremony of the University of Central Asia

Your Excellency Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha and the members of the Board of Trustees

Your Excellency Dr. Maxim Khomyakov

Faculty and staff of the University of Central Asia, graduates and distinguished guests!

First of all, on behalf of myself and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2024 on their successful completion of studies at the University of Central Asia. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours in work and education. Congratulations, dear graduates!

As you all know, the University of Central Asia was founded in 2000 by the signing of an international agreement by the Presidents of the Republic of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ismaili Imamate. The first building of the University was commissioned in 2016 in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and the second building of the University was officially opened on September 14, 2018, in Khorog by the Founder of Peace and National Unity, the Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon.

At the official opening ceremony of the University, the Founder of Peace and National Unity, the Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon noted the following: (The beginning of the quote) "The University of Central Asia in the Khorog is a new page in the system of higher professional education of the country... I believe that the activity of the newly established institution is not only for the benefit of our country but will serve to expand the multilateral cooperation of the countries of the region in the field of education" (End of quote).

I am pleased to mention that since then, the University of Central Asia, based on the advice of the Head of State, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, has been cooperating closely

with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan. Among the many areas of cooperation, I am happy about the following achievements.

Before the official opening of the University, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Central Asia, which significantly contributed to the improvement of the educational and methodological activities of the University.

The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is proud to be one of the founders of the University of Central Asia and President Emomali Rahmon is a Patron of UCA.

UCA contributes to the efforts made by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan to improve access to quality learning opportunities for learners across various regions of the nation. Today, UCA academic and research programmes are offered in Dushanbe, Bokhtar, Khorog, Khujand and Kulob.

I am pleased that out of 183 students studying at this international campus in Khorog, 150 of them are from Tajikistan. Of the 27 bright students graduating today from Khorog, 22 are from Tajikistan.

I congratulate the graduates, wish them great success in their academic and professional journeys, and compliment UCA for preparing them well through rigorous programmes of intensive study.

I commend the efforts of the UCA and the entire Aga Khan Development Network for their significant contributions to the advancement and development of Khorog. These current and upcoming projects are integral to a broader vision aimed at transforming Khorog into a thriving, modern university city, well-equipped to prosper in the knowledge-based society of the future.

I am encouraged by the fact that UCA strives to achieve and maintain rigorous quality standards in partnership with leading international universities including the University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, and the University of Technology in Sydney.

UCA admits students according to both academic excellence and their potential to be the future leaders without regard to their financial background by providing substantial scholarships. This criteria based on merit is greatly valued by the government.

UCA’s world-class educational offerings at the undergraduate level have led to its graduates being admitted, several on full scholarships, to internationally recognised universities including Brown, Duke, Michigan, University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, University of Cambridge, University of Helsinki, and National University of Singapore. UCA’s holistic education approach develops its students not only for academic excellence but also trains them to be passionate advocates for the disadvantaged, talented artists and musicians, award-winning athletes.

Graduates who have opted for employment have been able to secure impressive jobs and are using their knowledge of economy, environment, technology, media, arts and society to contribute to the economic prosperity and sustainability of Tajikistan.

UCA’s employability-driven courses, through its School of Professional and Continuing Education, in English language, business, digital technology and skills, entrepreneurship as well as technical and vocational educational training have been offered to over 250,000 learners of whom 131,000 are from Tajikistan. Over 50% of these learners are women. These courses have led to employment, enterprise, career advancement and job creation, and complement the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in promoting employment, entrepreneurship and innovation for the youth. It is encouraging that the school has expanded recently to Khujand and Kulob cities and plans extending its programme to Danghara.

UCA’s cutting-edge research on complex topics such as food and water security, glaciers and permafrost, urban development, and climate change is helping to enhance the resilience of Central Asia’s mountain societies and its many smaller towns and cities. I encourage UCA to continue to strengthen its research initiatives and set a good example for other institutions.

I am delighted to hear about the development of new international standard master’s programmes in the field of Sustainable Development. Acknowledge that UCA is currently delivering the Certificate Programme in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation to the employees of Hydromet and other government organisations.

Dear attendees! I am confident that the University of Central Asia will closely cooperate with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and other educational structures within the Republic, thereby making a valuable contribution to the country's educational landscape in the future.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate once again the Class of 2024 and their parents on their graduation. I wish you one of you every success.

Be always proud and successful!