Hungarian
The III. Uzbek-Hungarian Rector’s Forum concludes in Samarkand with the signing of more than fourty cooperation agreements
The III. Uzbek-Hungarian Rector’s Forum was held on March 5, 2026, hosted by the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand. As a continuation of previous forums held in Hungary and Uzbekistan, the event aimed to further strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions of the two countries, primarily through discussions on current issues such as innovation, artificial intelligence, the internationalization of higher education and the development of university-industry relations.
At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Kongratbay Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan; József Rózsa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary; Dr. Mukhsinjon Kholmukhamedov, Rector of the host institution; and on behalf of the Hungarian Rector’s Conference, Dr. Béla Merkely, President, and Dr. Levente Kovács, Co-President.
During the plenary session, rectors from both countries gave presentations on the development of Uzbek-Hungarian higher education relations, the enhancement of international competitiveness, and the role of innovative educational models. In his presentation, Dr. Béla Merkely introduced the mission ot the Hungarian Rector’s Conference, as well as the achievements of Semmelweis University in international rankings and its vision, while other speakers highlighted the importance of innovation-driven education and research.
In the afternoon parallel sessions, participants discussed workforce training required in the age of artificial intelligence, the development of scientific collaborations and joint research laboratories, as well as practical aspects of technology transfer and university-industry relations.
Participants had the opportunity to deepen partnerships between Uzbek and Hungarian higher education institutions during bilateral meetings, where new opportunities were identified for cooperation. As a result, more than forty new cooperation agreements were signed.
One of the major milestones in Uzbek-Hungarian professional relations is the INNO Technopark established in Jizzakh in partnership with Óbuda University, of which the opening ceremony took place the day after the forum. Alongside Zafra Azimov, First Deputy Governor of the Jizzakh region, the attendees were welcomed on the Hungarian side by Rodrigo Ballester, ministerial commissioner responsible for the internationalisation strategy of Hungarian universities. The research and higher education sector was represented at the opening by Dr. Béla Merkely, President of the Hungarian Rector’s Conference, and Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Óbuda University and Co-President of the Conference, alongside the host institutions represented by Alisher Usmankulov, Rector of Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute, and Botir Usmonov, Rector of Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology.
Following the opening ceremony, the delegation visited the premises of the Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute, where they became acquainted with local innovation and educational activities.
The program continued on March 7 with university visits in Tashkent, where participants gained insight into the operations of leading Uzbek higher education institutions, in line with the profiles of the Hungarian delegations. The professional programs weere completed by cultural visits in Samarkad and Tashkent.
