On October 13, 2025, a monitoring meeting of the project “CirculEc: Circular Economy – Development of Innovative Curricula and Modules on Circular Economy and Sustainable Development” was held at the Tajik State University of Commerce. This project is being implemented with funding from the European Union through the Erasmus+ CBHE – Capacity Building in Higher Education program.
The CirculEc project is focused on the development of innovative curricula and modules on circular economy and sustainable development. These programs are being created for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels, with the overall aim of enhancing environmental competencies, strengthening the principles of green economy, and applying sustainable development practices in the higher education systems of Central Asian countries.
The project involves 14 higher education institutions, including 11 universities from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, and 3 partner universities from Spain and Italy. It is designed to educate over 1,100 students. In total, 27 new teaching modules have been developed and implemented, and 27 existing programs are being updated.
The event was opened by the Vice-Rector for Science and International Relations of TSUC, Jamshid Mashokirov. The Rector of the university, Professor Khayrullo Holnazar Nazarzoda, then delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing that such events are an important step towards strengthening scientific cooperation and friendly relations among partner countries.
In his speech, Professor Nazarzoda highlighted that under the guidance of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, important initiatives have been launched at the university to promote green economy, use of renewable energy sources, and strengthening sustainable education. To this end, two solar power stations with a total capacity of 19 kW have been constructed at TSUC and brought into operation in cooperation with the local company Tojikgidroelektromontaj (TGEM).
Dr. Mohbonu Nakhatzoda, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Office in Tajikistan, emphasized the significant role of higher education institutions, particularly TSUC, in the successful implementation of the project. She noted that such initiatives contribute to improving the quality of education, fostering regional integration, and enhancing internationalization processes in Central Asian countries.
Other key speakers included:
Madina Yusubaliyeva – project coordinator from East Kazakhstan Technical University;
Oksana Bezler – representative of the Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsoyuz (KarUK);
Zarina Kodirova – professor at TSUC.
They discussed the development and implementation of educational modules, monitoring mechanisms, the preparedness of institutions to adopt innovative content, and the readiness of students to engage in green and circular economy learning. A Green Economy Center has also been established at the university as part of the project.
During the event, it was announced that a student competition on circular economy and sustainable development would be held as part of the project. Students are encouraged to submit their own project ideas to participate.
At the end of the meeting, participants exchanged views on the challenges and opportunities in developing green and circular economies, and recommendations were proposed for the next phase of the project.
This event was a key part of the CirculEc project’s monitoring process and continued on October 14 at the Tajik Technological University. The aim of these meetings is to assess the implementation of the project, exchange experiences, expand international cooperation, and develop improved educational programs in the field of green economy.