Plenary Session Held at the University of Barcelona within the Framework of the First Uzbekistan–Spain Rectors’ Forum

Plenary Session Held at the University of Barcelona within the Framework of the First Uzbekistan–Spain Rectors’ Forum

Following the opening events of the First Uzbekistan–Spain Rectors’ Forum held in Madrid, the forum continued its work on June 12 at the University of Barcelona (UB). During the plenary session organized as part of the forum’s next day, participants discussed the higher education systems of both countries, key areas of international cooperation, and opportunities for strengthening inter-university relations.

In the opening part of the plenary session, Professor Joan Guàrdia Olmos, Rector of the University of Barcelona, Komiljon Karimov, Rector of Westminster International University in Tashkent and Vice President of the International Ranking Expert Group (IREG), and Fatima Terol, Deputy Head of the International Promotion of Higher Education Unit at the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE), delivered remarks. The speakers emphasized the importance of further expanding cooperation between universities in Uzbekistan and Spain.

Following the opening remarks, Maria Pia Moret, representative of the Department of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia, delivered a presentation entitled “The Catalan University System: Priorities, Internationalisation and Innovation.” The presentation highlighted the strategic development of higher education in Catalonia, ongoing efforts to expand international cooperation, and innovative approaches being implemented across the sector.

During the plenary session, Komiljon Karimov also presented a report on “The Higher Education System of Uzbekistan,” outlining the reforms being carried out in the country’s higher education sector, the experience of working with international rankings, and the growing international engagement of Uzbek universities.

In addition, Yasmin Paricio, Co-Chair of the Central Asia Observatory of Casa Asia, delivered a presentation on initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge about Central Asia and Uzbekistan at the international level.

The delegation of Uzbekistan State World Languages University actively participated in the plenary session, held discussions with international partners, and promoted the university’s initiatives in the field of international cooperation.

The forum program continued with a networking session and a series of bilateral meetings. During these meetings, participants exchanged views on strengthening partnership relations, developing joint academic programs and research projects, and identifying priority areas for future cooperation.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants summarized the outcomes based on the agreements reached and proposals put forward during the discussions, outlining further steps to elevate cooperation to a new level. The forum officially concluded its work.