The ECOSF delegation let by Prof. Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECOSF, including Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon, Executive Director ECOSF, and Mr. Khalil Raza, Programme Manager ECOSF visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan on December 16-20 to strengthen the institutional cooperation between the ECOSF and key government, academic, and scientific institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with a particular focus on advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) collaboration at the regional level. The visit was aimed at deepening engagement with national stakeholders, explore opportunities for joint programmes and capacity building, and advance dialogue on Uzbekistan’s fuller participation in ECOSF’s regional initiatives in alignment with Uzbekistan’s national development priorities and the broader objectives of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Tashkent, 17 December 2025 — The ECOSF delegation held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Sardor Radjabov, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss avenues for strengthening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI).

During the meeting, Dr. Radjabov outlined Uzbekistan’s strong commitment to advancing STI as a key driver of sustainable development, economic modernization, and youth empowerment. He emphasized the Government’s focus on strengthening higher education, research capacity, and innovation ecosystems, while highlighting the importance of regional and international cooperation in achieving these objectives.

Prof. Dr. Tayebi, President ECOSF welcomed Uzbekistan’s clear vision and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage at a senior level. He highlighted ECOSF’s role as the specialized science and technology arm of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and noted that Uzbek scholars, scientists, teachers, and students have already benefited from several ECOSF regional programmes. He also recalled that Uzbekistan was among the original signatories of the ECOSF Charter in 1995, demonstrating its early commitment to regional scientific cooperation.

Dr. Memon, Executive Director underscored the immense potential of the ECO region to advance science and innovation through collective action. He reiterated the importance of Uzbekistan’s ratification of the ECOSF Charter and its Additional Protocol to enable full participation in ECOSF’s governance structures and to maximize the benefits of regional STI collaboration.

Mr. Raza provided an overview of ECOSF’s key programmes and initiatives, including capacity-building activities, science education and youth innovation programmes, electric mobility, climate action, and regional scientific forums. He highlighted opportunities for Uzbekistan to further enhance the participation of its universities, research institutions, and scholars in ECOSF-led activities.

Dr. Radjabov expressed his appreciation for the Foundation’s ongoing programmes and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to active participation. He further emphasized that Uzbekistan will thoroughly review and make concerted efforts toward the ratification of the ECOSF Charter.

Both sides expressed interest in maintaining close communication, expanding engagement of Uzbek institutions in ECOSF programmes, and continuing discussions on steps toward strengthening institutional partnership within the ECO framework.