The International Conference on Sustainable Development in Central Asia was held on September 4, 2023, at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Uzbekistan. Attendees from the University of Tsukuba included President Prof. Nagata Kyosuke, Vice President for Global Affairs Prof. Ikeda Jun, and Head of the NipCA Project Prof. Usuyama Toshinobu. Also in attendance were Fellow Advisors Prof. Dadabaev Timur and Associate Prof. Shioya Satoshi, Associate Prof. Yamamoto Yukiko (NipCA Project Faculty), Researcher Soipov Jasur (NipCA), and Assistant Prof. Djalilova Nigora (CEGLOC). The Nippon Foundation was also represented by the NipCA project team, led by Executive Director Mori Yuji .
The event commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Safoev Sodiq, President of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Dr. Nagata, President of the University of Tsukuba, Mr. Hatori Takashi, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Mr. Mori, Executive Director of the Nippon Foundation. This was followed by presentations on various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-related issues by experts from various fields.
In the session on “Decolonization”, Professor Dadabaev gave a presentation titled “Between Coloniality and Indigenization: Two Polarities in Knowledge Generation in Central Asia.” In the session titled “Problem of sustainability”, Professor Shioya discussed “Diversion and the Aral Sea Crisis”.
Professor Yamamoto’s speech was dedicated to the topic of “Teaching SDGs in Higher Education Institution”, which was presented in the “Education” session, and Dr. Soipov discussed “The Role of Structural Mediation Actors and Their Effects on Uzbek Trainees Pre-Departure And Sojourn in Japan” in the “Migration” session.
The conference was a valuable gathering, providing a platform for experts to examine SDGs-related issues from various perspectives.
After the conference, Professor Yamamoto also visited four partner schools in Uzbekistan, engaging in discussions with local officials to strengthen our future cooperation.
