{"id":49220,"date":"2026-08-06T14:52:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T12:52:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/?p=49220"},"modified":"2026-08-06T14:52:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T12:52:27","slug":"gulnoza-ismailova-el-yurt-umidi-uzbekistan-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/uzbekistan\/gulnoza-ismailova-el-yurt-umidi-uzbekistan-education\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cThis is the right time to engage with Uzbekistan\u201d: Gulnoza Ismailova on education, talent and the country\u2019s future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gulnoza Ismailova heads Uzbekistan\u2019s El-Yurt Umidi Foundation<\/a>, which supports Uzbek students and professionals pursuing education and training at leading institutions abroad. Her career has spanned academia, diplomacy, public administration and the Central Election Commission.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this interview with Novastan Editor-in-Chief Mathieu Lemoine, she discusses Uzbekistan\u2019s growing investment in human capital, the return of internationally trained specialists, cooperation with European universities, the changing expectations of young Uzbeks and the Foundation\u2019s ambition to move \u201cfrom mobility to co-creation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Novastan: To begin, could you introduce yourself to our readers? Your career has taken you through academia, diplomacy, public administration, the Central Election Commission and now El-Yurt Umidi. Looking back, what experiences have most shaped your understanding of Uzbekistan\u2019s development?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gulnoza Ismailova:<\/strong> Looking back, I realise that every stage of my career has shown me a different dimension of Uzbekistan\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I began my career in academia, working with young people preparing for careers in the civil service and diplomacy. Those years convinced me that successful reforms always begin with people. They also showed me that Uzbekistan\u2019s development depends on strengthening our own institutions while engaging confidently with the world, learning from international experience and sharing our own ideas and achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My years in public administration taught me another important lesson: successful reforms are never simply about adopting the right policies. They also depend on strong institutions, professional civil servants and the trust of citizens. Building that trust takes time, consistency and people who genuinely believe in public service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, these experiences naturally led me to my current role at the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation. If there is one lesson my career has taught me, it is that lasting reform begins with people. Strategies and institutions provide the framework, but it is talented and committed professionals who turn ambition into reality. That lesson continues to shape the way I think about education, public service and leadership today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For readers who may not yet be familiar with it, what is the mission of El-Yurt Umidi? What challenge was the Foundation created to address?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people assume that the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation is simply a scholarship programme, but our mission is much broader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Foundation was created because the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, recognised that reforms require people with the right knowledge and international experience. A country can invest in infrastructure and technology, but without qualified specialists it is very difficult to achieve lasting change. That is where we come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, we support around 500 talented young people who want to study or undertake professional training at universities and educational institutions included in the world\u2019s top 300 rankings. Our scholars specialise in many different fields, from healthcare and engineering to public administration, education and digital technologies. What unites them is their desire to contribute to the country\u2019s development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Participants in an El-Yurt Umidi Foundation programme in Uzbekistan. Photo courtesy of El-Yurt Umidi Foundation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Investing in human capital has become one of Uzbekistan\u2019s key priorities. The economy is changing, technology is changing and the skills countries need are changing as well. If we want to remain competitive, we must prepare people who can work to international standards and introduce new ideas into our institutions and industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How has the way Uzbekistan thinks about education, talent and international cooperation evolved over the past decade?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I think the biggest change has been in the way we look at talent. Ten or fifteen years ago, studying abroad was often seen primarily as an individual achievement. Today, it is increasingly viewed as an investment in the country\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a much stronger understanding that education does not end with earning a diploma. We live in a world where technology, economies and labour markets are changing very quickly. Continuous learning, international exposure and the ability to adapt have become essential, both for individuals and for institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same shift has taken place in international cooperation. It is no longer simply about signing agreements or organising official visits. Today, partnerships are expected to produce tangible results, including joint research, academic exchanges, dual-degree programmes, scholarships, professional training and innovation. The emphasis is on creating long-term relationships that benefit both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When selecting scholarship recipients, what qualities do you look for beyond academic excellence? What kind of future leaders does Uzbekistan hope to cultivate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Academic excellence is certainly important, but it is only one part of the picture. High test results or admission to a prestigious university do not automatically mean that someone will make a lasting contribution to the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also look for motivation, a clear sense of purpose and a genuine commitment to Uzbekistan\u2019s development. We want to understand why a candidate has chosen a particular field of study and how they see themselves applying that knowledge when they return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another quality we value is curiosity. The world is changing so quickly that technical knowledge alone is not enough. We are looking for people who are open to new ideas, willing to learn from different cultures and able to work across disciplines and borders. These qualities are becoming just as important as academic achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Young participants at an El-Yurt Umidi Foundation event. Photo courtesy of El-Yurt Umidi Foundation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many countries worry that students who study abroad will never return. How has Uzbekistan approached this challenge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a question that every country investing in international education has to consider. There is no single solution, and I do not believe it is only about requiring graduates to come back. The more important question is whether they have meaningful opportunities when they return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Uzbekistan, our approach combines commitment and opportunity. El-Yurt Umidi scholars agree to return and work in Uzbekistan after completing their studies: three years for master\u2019s graduates and five years for bachelor\u2019s and doctoral graduates. We hope they see this not merely as a contractual obligation, but as an opportunity and a privilege to contribute to the country\u2019s development at a time of profound transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That commitment must be matched by real opportunities. Over the past several years, Uzbekistan has changed significantly. As reforms have accelerated, so has the demand for professionals with international education and experience across public administration, higher education, healthcare, industry and many other sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, our graduates may receive attractive opportunities abroad. What encourages them to return is the feeling that they can make a real difference here. They come back at a time when new ideas are welcomed, institutions are evolving and there is genuine space to contribute. Many tell us that this sense of purpose is one of the strongest reasons for building their careers in Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could you share some examples of former scholarship recipients whose experience abroad has made a tangible contribution to Uzbekistan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many inspiring stories, and what I find most rewarding is seeing how differently our graduates contribute after returning to Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One example is Bobur Turaev, a paediatric cardiac surgeon who studied at University College London with the support of the Foundation. After returning home, he became part of a team that successfully performed a highly complex heart-valve reconstruction on a six-year-old child using the patient\u2019s own tissue. Today, he performs numerous life-saving paediatric heart operations, giving children the chance to grow up healthy and offering their families hope for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another example is Islombek Ismailov, a lecturer at Urgench State University. After completing his studies abroad, he dedicated himself to nurturing young mathematical talent. Under his guidance, his students have achieved outstanding results in international competitions. At the RUDN Math Olymp in 2025, they won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. At the VI International Open Mathematics Olympiad in Ashgabat in 2026, they earned two gold, three silver and two bronze medals, while the university\u2019s teams also received silver and bronze medals in the team competition. Editor\u2019s note: RUDN Math Olymp is an international mathematics competition organised by RUDN University, also known as the Peoples\u2019 Friendship University of Russia.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would also mention Husniddin Khidirov, who is involved in strategic projects at the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company. He is applying the knowledge and international experience he gained abroad to one of Uzbekistan\u2019s most important industries, helping strengthen the company\u2019s strategic planning and project-management capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These stories are very different, but they share a common thread. One graduate is helping save children\u2019s lives, another is mentoring future mathematicians and another is contributing to the modernisation of a strategic industry. They remind us that the value of a scholarship extends far beyond the individual recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how we assess the impact of our programme. We certainly look at the number of scholarships awarded, but what matters even more is what happens afterwards: whether our graduates improve institutions, introduce new ideas, advance research, mentor young people or contribute to the country\u2019s development in other meaningful ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which fields of study are currently the highest priority for Uzbekistan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, our highest priority is STEM disciplines, as they provide the foundation for innovation, industrial development and economic competitiveness, all of which are central to Uzbekistan\u2019s long-term development strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond STEM, we also focus on sectors that are driving the country\u2019s economic transformation. These include energy, manufacturing, transport and logistics, agriculture and food production, tourism and services, healthcare, education and public administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We prioritise these fields because they are directly linked to Uzbekistan\u2019s development goals. The country is modernising its economy, expanding digital infrastructure, improving public services, strengthening its healthcare and education systems and creating higher-value industries. Achieving these ambitions requires specialists who not only possess strong technical expertise, but also understand international standards and best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the country\u2019s needs continue to evolve, our scholarship priorities evolve as well. We regularly review priority fields to ensure they remain aligned with Uzbekistan\u2019s economic strategy and the skills that will be needed in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Participants working during an El-Yurt Umidi Foundation programme. Photo courtesy of El-Yurt Umidi Foundation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You have worked at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, the Academy of Public Administration and now El-Yurt Umidi. How has the relationship between universities and public institutions changed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I think there has been a very noticeable shift over the past decade. When I worked at the Academy of Public Administration and later at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, cooperation between universities and public institutions certainly existed, but it was often limited to traditional areas such as internships, guest lectures or recruitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the relationship is much more strategic. Universities are increasingly seen as partners in national development rather than simply as providers of education. Government institutions are working more closely with universities to identify the skills the country needs, develop new academic programmes, support research and innovation and prepare specialists for priority sectors of the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, we see this transformation every day. We work closely with ministries, universities and employers to ensure that scholarship priorities reflect Uzbekistan\u2019s long-term development goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there is still room for further progress. We need even closer cooperation between universities, government and industry to ensure that graduates have the skills employers are looking for and that research contributes more directly to innovation and economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared with ten years ago, however, I believe we have made significant progress. There is now a shared understanding that developing human capital is a collective responsibility and that universities and public institutions achieve much more when they work together than when they work separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your time at the Academy of Public Administration, you helped train future civil servants. What qualities do today\u2019s public officials need that perhaps were not emphasised a generation ago?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fundamental values of public service, including integrity, professionalism and responsibility, remain as important as ever. But I believe the expectations placed on public officials today are quite different from those of a generation ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest changes is that we have become much more people-centred in the way we think about public administration. In the past, greater emphasis was often placed on hierarchy and administrative procedures. Since 2016, the focus has increasingly been on serving citizens, understanding their needs and improving the quality of public services. Ultimately, the success of any reform is measured by the difference it makes in people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shift requires a different set of skills. Today\u2019s public officials need to be adaptable, open to new ideas and comfortable working across institutions. They need to use data and evidence to inform decisions, communicate effectively and build partnerships with universities, businesses, civil society and international organisations. Public administration has become much more collaborative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also believe that international exposure has become an important asset. It is not about copying what other countries do, but about learning from global experience and adapting successful practices to Uzbekistan\u2019s own context. That is one of the reasons why the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation\u2019s targeted traineeships are so valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International education is about much more than acquiring technical knowledge. What ways of thinking do Uzbek students bring back from studying abroad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I think the greatest benefit of international education is not simply acquiring new knowledge or technical skills. It is learning to understand context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, almost any information can be found online. You can watch lectures from the world\u2019s leading universities, read textbooks, access scientific journals and even learn new technical skills without leaving your home. But what you cannot learn from a textbook or the internet is how things actually work in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When students study abroad, they are exposed to different academic cultures, institutions and ways of solving problems. They begin to see that every policy, institution and management system is shaped by its own history, culture and social context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That experience changes the questions they ask. Instead of saying, \u201cThis is how they do it abroad, so we should do the same,\u201d they begin to ask, \u201cWhy does this work in this particular context, and how can we adapt the underlying principles to Uzbekistan?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think that is a much more mature way of approaching reform. The ability to interpret context is one of the most valuable outcomes of international education. It is also one of the reasons why our graduates are often able to become effective agents of change within their own institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Europe remains an important destination for Uzbek students. Beyond rankings, what makes European universities particularly valuable partners?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is their educational philosophy. The mission of many European universities is not simply to produce highly qualified specialists, but to educate responsible citizens and future leaders who understand their role in society. This humanistic tradition has shaped European higher education for centuries and remains one of its greatest strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students are encouraged to think independently, question assumptions, engage in respectful debate and reflect on the broader social impact of their work. In other words, universities cultivate judgement, not just expertise. They place great emphasis on holistic development alongside academic achievement, helping students develop intellectual curiosity, ethical responsibility and a strong sense of civic engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For us, this is particularly valuable. Uzbekistan needs highly qualified professionals, but it also needs people who are prepared to take responsibility, contribute to public life and help strengthen institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we look beyond rankings when choosing international partners. We value universities whose academic culture is built on openness, academic integrity, critical inquiry and a commitment to serving society. Those qualities help shape graduates who are not only excellent professionals, but also active citizens and future leaders capable of contributing to Uzbekistan\u2019s long-term development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What opportunities would you encourage French and European universities to explore in Uzbekistan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I would encourage them to think beyond the traditional model of international cooperation. Student mobility will always remain important, but I believe the greatest opportunities now lie in building long-term institutional partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our ambition is to move from mobility to co-creation: from simply sending students abroad to creating knowledge, innovation and solutions together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I see particularly strong potential in joint research projects, dual-degree programmes, faculty exchanges, the co-supervision of doctoral students and collaborative research centres in areas such as green technologies, water and environmental sustainability, healthcare, space and engineering. These are fields where international cooperation can generate tangible benefits for both Uzbekistan and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also believe there is significant untapped potential in strengthening cooperation between universities and industry. One example is our recent partnership involving the French National School of Civil Aviation, ENAC, Airbus and Tashkent State Transport University<\/a> to develop a joint educational programme in civil aviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initiatives like this demonstrate how academia, government and industry can work together to prepare specialists whose skills are directly relevant to the labour market, while also supporting technological development and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can educational cooperation achieve things that traditional diplomacy cannot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I believe higher education is one of the most powerful forms of diplomacy. Governments can sign agreements, but it is people who build lasting relationships. Universities create those human connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every student, researcher or professor who spends time in another country gains something much more valuable than academic knowledge. They develop friendships, professional networks and a deeper understanding of another culture. Those relationships often last for decades and continue long after a particular project or government programme has ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that sense, educational cooperation can sometimes achieve things that traditional diplomacy cannot. Diplomacy operates through governments, while universities connect societies. They build trust, encourage dialogue and create communities of people who continue working together throughout their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also believe education creates a different kind of ambassador. When students study abroad, they represent their country every day, not through official speeches, but through their work, their values and their interactions with others. At the same time, they return home with a deeper understanding of another society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Political priorities may change over time, but relationships built through education, research and shared knowledge tend to endure. That is why I see higher education not only as an investment in human capital, but also as an investment in peace, mutual understanding and the future of Uzbekistan\u2019s partnership with Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uzbekistan is becoming increasingly visible in Europe, yet many people still know relatively little about it. What would you most like European audiences to understand about the country today?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I think the biggest misconception is that many people still have an outdated image of Uzbekistan. Over the past several years, Uzbekistan has changed remarkably, and it is transforming much faster than many people outside the region realise. Today, it is a country of opportunities, yet perceptions often take longer to change than reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would also encourage people to look beyond the headlines and discover Uzbekistan\u2019s rich intellectual, scientific and cultural heritage. Central Asia has been a crossroads of civilisations for centuries, and Uzbekistan has a long tradition of scholarship, science and cultural exchange. Today, we are building on that heritage while embracing new ideas and international cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, I hope more people will see Uzbekistan not simply as a country seeking partners, but as a partner with something meaningful to contribute. We believe international cooperation works best when it is based on mutual respect, shared learning and common goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether in higher education, research or innovation, we see our relationship with Europe as a genuine partnership, one in which both sides learn from each other and grow together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having worked with several generations of students and young professionals, how would you describe today\u2019s young Uzbeks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If I had to describe today\u2019s young Uzbeks in a few words, I would say they are full of hope, dynamic, highly motivated and remarkably diverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have a wide range of interests and aspirations. Some are passionate about artificial intelligence and engineering, others about entrepreneurship, science, public service, culture or the creative industries. This diversity is one of the greatest strengths of today\u2019s generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also find them to be much more globally connected than previous generations. As both an educator and a mother, I see this not only through the thousands of scholarship applicants I meet, but also through my own children. Their curiosity, confidence and ability to navigate an increasingly interconnected world reflect the qualities I see in so many young Uzbeks today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What impresses me most is their confidence during interviews. They communicate easily across cultures and are eager to learn from the best universities around the world. At the same time, many of them have a strong desire to contribute to Uzbekistan\u2019s future. They do not see international education as an opportunity to leave the country forever, but as a way to gain knowledge and experience that they can bring home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their expectations are also changing. They want opportunities to grow, to be challenged and to have their ideas heard. They value merit, openness and continuous learning, and they are looking for environments where initiative and creativity are encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women are playing an increasingly visible role in Uzbekistan\u2019s public and professional life. What trends have you observed among female scholarship recipients?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the past several years, I have seen a very encouraging change. More and more young women are pursuing international education, taking on leadership roles and building successful careers in fields in which women were traditionally underrepresented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This progress has not happened by chance. It reflects the strong political commitment of the President of Uzbekistan to expanding opportunities for women and ensuring that girls\u2019 education and women\u2019s leadership are recognised as national priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, society has become increasingly supportive of women\u2019s education, and today we see more women serving in senior leadership and decision-making positions across government, academia and the private sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, we see this trend very clearly. Nearly 30 per cent of our scholarship recipients are women, and every year we meet more talented young women studying engineering, artificial intelligence, medicine, public administration, economics and many other fields. They are ambitious, highly motivated and increasingly confident in pursuing their professional goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, I believe there is still more we can do, particularly in STEM disciplines, where women remain underrepresented around the world. This is not simply a question of representation. Countries are stronger when they are able to benefit from the talents of all their people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we are working with the British Council to launch a joint Women in STEM scholarship initiative<\/a>. The programme is designed to support talented Uzbek women pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while also encouraging more young women to consider careers in these fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We see this as an investment not only in individual scholars, but also in the future scientific and technological capacity of Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the green transition are transforming labour markets worldwide. How is El-Yurt Umidi adapting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pace of technological change means that no scholarship programme can remain static. We have to anticipate the skills that will be needed not only today, but five or ten years from now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, we regularly review our scholarship quotas for priority fields to ensure they remain aligned with Uzbekistan\u2019s national development priorities and the changing demands of the global economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an ongoing process. Every year, we assess emerging trends, consult with ministries, universities and industry and adjust our priorities accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, we are placing particular emphasis on areas such as artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies, cybersecurity, biotechnology, advanced engineering, renewable energy and other STEM disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, we recognise that technological transformation also requires strong expertise in public policy, education, healthcare and management to ensure that innovations are implemented effectively and responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I believe the future will depend on more than technical expertise alone. The professionals who thrive in the coming decades will be those who combine deep knowledge in their field with adaptability, critical thinking, digital literacy and the ability to work across disciplines and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As technologies evolve, the ability to continuously learn, unlearn and relearn may become the most important skill of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across the different institutions where you have worked, what have been the most encouraging changes in Uzbekistan\u2019s governance? What challenges remain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most encouraging change, in my view, has been the transformation of public administration itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, there is a much stronger focus on strategic planning, project management, digital transformation, evidence-based policymaking and performance measurement. Public institutions are increasingly expected not only to implement policies, but also to think strategically, anticipate future challenges and evaluate the real impact of their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have also seen a major shift towards a more people-centred approach to governance. A good example is the mahallabay<\/em> approach, which brings public services and decision-making closer to communities by identifying needs and solving problems at the neighbourhood, or mahalla, level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, success is measured not simply by whether a task has been completed, but by whether it improves people\u2019s lives. I believe this represents an important evolution in the philosophy of public administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, every reform brings new expectations. One of the greatest challenges is ensuring that these new approaches become embedded in institutional culture rather than depending on the enthusiasm of individual leaders or teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategic planning, project management and digital transformation are not simply new management tools. They require new ways of thinking, stronger coordination across institutions and continuous investment in people\u2019s skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Young participants gathered in the Senate chamber of Uzbekistan\u2019s Oliy Majlis. Photo courtesy of El-Yurt Umidi Foundation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, what would success look like for El-Yurt Umidi in ten years\u2019 time?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I am a very ambitious person when it comes to investing in people and in my country\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation will be known not simply as a scholarship foundation, but as one of the key institutions driving Uzbekistan\u2019s human-capital development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope the Foundation will strengthen its broader strategic role. Beyond supporting individual scholars, we want to help identify the skills Uzbekistan will need in the future, strengthen cooperation between education, government and industry and contribute to shaping national human-capital policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, I would like the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation to become not only a scholarship provider, but also a centre of expertise in talent development and workforce planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internationally, I hope we will be recognised as a trusted partner by leading universities, research institutions and governments around the world. Our ambition is to move from mobility to co-creation, from sending students abroad to building long-term partnerships in education, research and innovation that create value for everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A participant at an El-Yurt Umidi Foundation event in 2025. Photo courtesy of El-Yurt Umidi Foundation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I would like people to look back and say that El-Yurt Umidi helped shape a generation of professionals who transformed Uzbekistan not only through their knowledge and expertise, but through their integrity, openness and commitment to serving society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, in ten years\u2019 time, our graduates are strengthening institutions, advancing science, improving healthcare, modernising industry and building lasting bridges between Uzbekistan and the rest of the world, I believe we will have fulfilled our mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, what message would you like to send to European universities, researchers, students and policymakers about Uzbekistan today?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

My message would be very simple: this is the right time to engage with Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would encourage European universities, researchers and policymakers to look beyond old perceptions and discover today\u2019s Uzbekistan for themselves. You will find talented young people, ambitious universities, committed institutions and partners who are genuinely interested in learning, collaborating and creating knowledge together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uzbekistan is a country with a rich history, a vibrant culture and a young generation determined to shape a better future. We are proud of our heritage, but we are equally excited about the future we are building, one that is open, innovative and connected to the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would also encourage students and researchers to consider Uzbekistan as a place for academic exchange, joint research and innovation. International cooperation should always be a two-way process. We have much to learn from Europe, but we also have our own experience, perspectives and ideas to contribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sincerely hope that more European colleagues will visit our country, meet our people and experience Uzbekistan first-hand. I am confident they will discover not only a reliable academic and research partner, but also the warmth, hospitality and openness that define our nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to understand today\u2019s Uzbekistan is to experience it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview by Mathieu Lemoine, Editor-in-Chief for Novastan English.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Gulnoza Ismailova heads Uzbekistan\u2019s El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, which supports Uzbek students and professionals pursuing education and training at leading institutions abroad. Her career has spanned academia, diplomacy, public administration and the Central Election Commission. In this interview with Novastan Editor-in-Chief Mathieu Lemoine, she discusses Uzbekistan\u2019s growing investment in human capital, the return of internationally trained […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":358,"featured_media":49227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4939,4665,4668,5],"tags":[415,5002,5001,5004,3974],"coauthors":[358],"class_list":["post-49220","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interview","category-politics","category-society","category-uzbekistan","tag-education","tag-el-yurt-umidi","tag-gulnoza-ismailova","tag-scholarships","tag-uzbekistan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49220","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/358"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49220"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49220\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49236,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49220\/revisions\/49236"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49220"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49220"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49220"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novastan.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=49220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}