Within the framework of activities of the National Erasmus+ Office in Tajikistan, Saidqosim Mukhtorov, member of the Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) team and Director of the International Center and Global Engagement of the Institute of Economy and Trade of Tajik State University of Commerce, participated in the SPHERE International Seminar. The event brought together representatives from more than 20 countries to exchange experiences and reflect on the impact of higher education reforms.
During the seminar, Saidqosim Mukhtorov delivered a presentation entitled “HERE Impact Stories: What worked and why”, highlighting successful cases of HERE activities in Tajikistan. The presentation focused on the transition to green education and emphasized Tajikistan’s environmental vulnerability as a mountainous country with a predominantly rural and agricultural population. The strategic importance of green education as a key driver of sustainable development was underlined.
As a significant example of impact, the presentation showcased the experience of HERE members Dr. Farhod Sharopov and Dr. Zarrina Kadyrova, as well as the establishment of the Scientific Research Institute of Sustainable Development and Green Economy at the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan. The crucial role of the HERE team in shaping the institute’s vision, priorities, and institutional structure through close cooperation with national stakeholders was particularly emphasized.
At the conclusion of his presentation, Saidqosim Mukhtorov strongly condemned manifestations of neo-Nazism and xenophobia that led to the tragic killing of a 10-year-old Tajik child in a school in Moscow. He stressed the importance of ensuring a safe, inclusive, and equitable educational environment and proposed that future HERE seminars focus on issues related to the safety of learning environments and equality.
The National Erasmus+ Office in Tajikistan will continue to support the activities of the HERE team aimed at modernizing higher education, promoting green education, and strengthening international cooperation in the field of education.