On November 20, the International Forum of Rectors of Central Asian Universities, titled “Transformation of Central Asian Universities in the Context of Global Challenges”, commenced at the State Residence of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. The event is dedicated to the centennial anniversaries of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast and the Kyrgyz Republic’s Institute of Education.

The forum gathered leaders in education and science, university rectors, and experts from across Central Asia. Among the participants was a delegation from Osh State University, led by Rector Kudaiberdi Kozhobekov. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Edil Baisalov and Minister of Education and Science Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva delivered opening remarks.

Discussions at the forum focus on a variety of topics related to the transformation of regional universities and their responses to global challenges. During the plenary and thematic panel sessions, higher education leaders and experts presented on key issues, including the integration of education, science, and business as a foundation for sustainable university development, the role of research universities in economic modernization, and the significance of digital education in advancing higher education.

A notable highlight of the forum was the signing of bilateral memorandums and cooperation agreements. Osh State University, represented by Rector Kozhobekov, formalized partnerships with several institutions: the Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages (Uzbekistan); Arkalyk State Pedagogical Institute named after B. Altynsarin (Kazakhstan); Karaganda University named after Academician E.A. Buketov (Kazakhstan); East Kazakhstan University named after Sarsen Amanzholov (Kazakhstan); International Engineering and Technology University (Kazakhstan); Kokshetau University named after Shokan Valikhanov (Kazakhstan); Tajik State University of Law, Business, and Politics (Tajikistan); and Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University (Kazakhstan).

These agreements aim to enhance collaboration in education, scientific research, knowledge exchange, and academic mobility for faculty and students across the region.