Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 21 October 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Central Asian University for Environmental Studies and Climate Change, also known as Green University.

This university, established by presidential decree on 31 May 2023, is the first higher educational institution in Uzbekistan specializing in environmental studies.

In line with the "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy, the country is taking steps to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which cover 17 objectives in areas such as climate change, clean water and energy, healthcare, and education.

A key aspect of achieving these goals is the availability of skilled professionals, which led to the launch of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as "Environmental and Sustainable Management," "Environmental Economics," "Ecology and Public Administration," "Sustainable Development," "Sustainable Finance," "Environmental Law," and "Environmental Mass Communication."

The university building, designed to accommodate 450 students, has been renovated and equipped with modern facilities. Courses are taught in English with faculty from the U.S., the U.K., Mexico, and France.

During his visit, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that ecology is becoming as crucial as digital technologies and stressed the need to expand dual education and apply knowledge in practical settings.

He also instructed the creation of vocational schools to train mid-level specialists in ecology in Karakalpakstan and other regions of Uzbekistan.

The university has already established partnerships with foreign universities, developing joint educational programs. Its modern laboratory plays a key role in engaging students in scientific research. The President visited the lab and noted its potential for conducting contract-based analyses in regions with challenging soil and water conditions.

Interdisciplinary research and the integration of academic studies with practical applications are key focuses of the university, which is also implementing a "Hub and Spoke" learning system to optimize resources and enhance student mobility.

Future plans include transforming former college buildings in Yunusabad and Bostanlyk districts into full-fledged campuses for the university.