For the first time, Tashkent hosted the international educational forum and exhibition Silk Road University Fair

The Silk Road University Fair international educational forum and exhibition took place in Tashkent for the first time

Under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, special attention is paid to identifying gifted youth, developing their intellectual potential, and creating broad opportunities for receiving a quality education. The opening of presidential, specialized, and creative schools has given the younger generation new opportunities to acquire knowledge, reveal their talents, and develop in accordance with the requirements of the modern world.

In these educational institutions, work is underway aimed at increasing students' interest in the sciences, developing independent and critical thinking skills, as well as supporting learning based on international educational standards. This creates the foundation for nurturing a new generation that, thanks to its knowledge and potential, will be able to perform with dignity at international olympiads, prestigious academic competitions, and in the global educational space.

Investing in gifted youth today is an important step towards the future development of Uzbekistan. Young people mastering international knowledge and experience, studying opportunities for education at the world's leading universities, and directing their potential toward the country's development are of great importance for strengthening the republic's scientific, intellectual, and economic potential.

In line with these objectives, on October 27–28, 2026, the Silk Road University Fair — an international educational forum and exhibition — was held for the first time at the Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Specialized School in Tashkent.

The event, organized by the College Counselor Network Uzbekistan (CCNU) in cooperation with the Agency for Specialized Educational Institutions, was aimed at developing cooperation between foreign higher educational institutions and schools in Uzbekistan, raising youth awareness of study abroad opportunities, and strengthening the professional capacity of school counselors.

Representatives from more than 40 universities across more than 10 countries participated in the forum. In addition, the two-day program reached more than 1,150 high school students, over 300 school counselors, and about 200 school principals.

Representatives from educational institutions in Australia, Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong (China), Grenada, Germany, Spain, Canada, Kazakhstan, the USA, France, China, and Switzerland took part in the exhibition.

Among them were Cardiff University Kazakhstan, City University of Hong Kong, James Cook University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, New York University Abu Dhabi, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The University of Hong Kong, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Toronto, The University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, James Madison University, and other foreign universities.

Organizations providing information on study abroad opportunities and assisting with orientation toward international education also participated in the exhibition.

The event became an important platform for establishing a direct dialogue with international universities, learning about educational programs and admission requirements, as well as developing long-term cooperation between schools in Uzbekistan and foreign universities.

On October 27, the opening ceremony of the event took place. Special attention was paid to the development of international cooperation in the field of education, guiding gifted youth toward higher education, and building the professional capacity of school counselors.

After the opening ceremony, professional meetings were organized for school leaders and counselors with representatives of international universities. During these meetings, the expansion of cooperation between educational institutions, the direction of students to international universities, and prospects for further interaction were discussed.

In the second half of the day, an exhibition of international universities was organized for students and school counselors. Participants communicated directly with representatives of admissions committees and received information about educational programs, admission requirements, application procedures, and opportunities to study abroad.

Such meetings helped young people identify fields of study corresponding to their academic interests and future professional goals, become better acquainted with international higher education systems, and form plans for further studies.

The exhibition also provided representatives of foreign universities with an opportunity to learn about the educational system of Uzbekistan, exchange experience with local schools and educators, and discuss areas for future cooperation.

On October 28, the event program continued with trainings and seminars aimed at developing the professional knowledge and skills of school counselors.

The sessions covered topics such as guiding students toward foreign universities, assisting them in the application process for international universities, building effective communication with universities, and improving career guidance work in schools.

In addition, representatives of international universities visited a number of schools in Tashkent and met with students and educators. During the visits, the parties exchanged information on international education opportunities and discussed prospects for cooperation between schools and universities.

The second day's program contributed to deepening school counselors' knowledge in the field of international education, exchanging experience, and strengthening partnerships with universities.

School counselors help students choose a university, define academic goals, and prepare to apply to international universities.

Therefore, special attention at the event was paid to their direct communication with representatives of international universities, the exchange of experience, and the development of professional knowledge.

The forum gave school leaders and counselors an opportunity to discuss the development of cooperation with foreign higher educational institutions, the improvement of student support mechanisms, and increasing the effectiveness of career guidance work.

Cooperation in this direction helps gifted students properly evaluate their abilities, consciously choose their further educational path, and effectively use the opportunities of international higher education.

For reference: today, more than 250 educational organizations operate within the system of the Agency for Specialized Educational Institutions, in which more than 90 thousand gifted students are enrolled.

Established in 2019, the Agency initially brought together 16 educational organizations. In subsequent years, the system expanded, and by 2026 the number of educational organizations exceeded 250.

As a result of opening new schools between 2021 and 2026, a total of 10,910 new jobs were created for managerial and teaching staff.

This large-scale educational system is aimed at early identification of gifted youth, developing their abilities, and creating conditions for acquiring deep knowledge and utilizing educational opportunities at the international level.

The Silk Road University Fair international educational forum and exhibition became an important initiative aimed at developing cooperation between schools in Uzbekistan, international universities, educators, and students. The two-day program gave students the opportunity to explore the prospects of international education, school counselors to exchange professional experience, and school leaders to establish new partnerships with foreign universities.

Supporting gifted youth, creating opportunities for them to receive a quality education, and unlocking their potential in the international scientific space serves the future of the country. In line with these goals, the Silk Road University Fair contributed to expanding the dialogue between schools and international universities, increasing educational opportunities for youth, and defining new directions for future cooperation.