GREENDT highlights intercultural dialogue with Uzbekistan Cultural Day

As part of the second GREENDT project consortium meeting, which will take place in Vigo, Spain on July 14 and 15, 2025, a special event titled “Uzbekistan Cultural Day” will be held on July 15 from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Edificio Redeiras and from 17:00 to 19:00 at the Afundación building. The event is jointly organized by the University of Vigo, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Spain, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in France, and Fergana State Technical University (FSTU) and aims to celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan with an international audience. 

This initiative seeks to foster intercultural dialogue and highlight the significance of cultural heritage in advancing global values such as sustainability, inclusion, and cooperation. A key message of the event will be to promote the upcoming 43rd UNESCO General Assembly session, which will, for the first time in history, be hosted in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — marking a historic milestone as the session traditionally takes place in Paris. 

The event will feature a dynamic program including: 

  • Live performances of traditional Uzbek music and dance. 
  • Exhibitions showcasing national handicrafts, including embroidery, ceramics, and textiles.
  • Short documentary screenings on Uzbekistan’s cultural sites and intangible heritage.
  • Presentation of Uzbekistan’s more than 100-year-old rich history, from ancient civilizations to modern reforms.
  • Tasting of national Uzbek cuisine, offering guests an authentic multisensory experience. 
  • Guest speakers from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Spain and FSTU, who will discuss the role of cultural preservation and exchange. 

Beyond its cultural focus, the event is also an opportunity to reinforce Uzbekistan’s image on the global stage as a country that honors its traditions while embracing innovation and progressive reforms. By sharing its identity, history, and national values, Uzbekistan aims to position itself as a committed partner in the global effort for sustainable development. 

Uzbekistan’s Role in the Global Cultural Landscape 

Like every country, Uzbekistan holds a distinct place in the global cultural mosaic. With its ancient history as a cradle of civilizations and its strategic location along the Silk Road, the nation has for centuries been a vibrant crossroads of knowledge, trade, and cultural exchange. 

Today, the Uzbek diaspora spans many countries, where communities maintain a strong connection to national traditions while actively participating in local cultural life. This strong sense of identity—combined with a spirit of openness—enables Uzbek people to live in harmony with other cultures and contribute meaningfully to shared development. 

Events such as Uzbekistan Cultural Day play a vital role in promoting intercultural understanding and cross-border knowledge exchange. In an increasingly interconnected world, these moments of dialogue and celebration are essential for building trust, encouraging innovation, and reinforcing mutual respect among nations. 

 

Photo 1: MarjonaKhidirova

The GREENDT consortium to hold in Vigo its second project meeting for advancing Environmental Engineering Education

From July 14 to 15, 2025, the GREENDT consortium will gather in Vigo, Spain, for its second project meeting, which will take place at the Edificio Redeiras. Over two intensive days, partners will discuss the progress made, align efforts, and coordinate the next steps. Focusing on sustainable transition, digital innovation and capacity building, the project aims to support an inclusive transition across Uzbekistan’s and Central Asian Higher Education Institutions. 

Day 1 

The meeting will begin with welcome speeches and a brief overview of the agenda, led by Maribel Doval from the University of Vigo (UVigo). 

The morning will focus on project coordination (WP1), where the Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (IPVC) will present updates on the overall status, project deliverables, financial aspects, and the consortium agreement. The session will also include a presentation of the project’s Quality Control Plan and an external evaluation strategy. These tools are essential to ensure that the work stays on track and meets the expected standards. 

In the afternoon, after lunch, the spotlight will turn to the project’s technical work packages. WP2 and WP3 will address the planning of the next training sessions, with input from Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute (JizPI), Universidade de Averiro (UAveiro), Central Asia Green University (CAGU), and the UVigo. WP4 and WP5 will follow, with updates on laboratory equipment procurement, the implementation of the EE Nexus platform, and strategies for implementing training and digital learning platforms in Uzbek partner institutions. The day will wrap up with a group discussion to consolidate key insights and prepare for the strategic planning to come. 

Day 2 

The second day will shift focus toward the implementation of new educational programs. WP6 presentations will outline plans for launching master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering, while WP7 will address dissemination activities, including events in Vigo and Viana do Castelo 

After a short coffee break and informal interviews led by the Fundación Empresa-Universidad Gallega (FEUGA), the group will dive into a planning session to review the project’s timeline, performance indicators, and key takeaways from the meeting. CAGU will also present a preliminary plan for the next consortium meeting. 

In the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to visit the UVigo campus and learn more about the university’s facilities and educational environment. The meeting will close with a special cultural event, “Uzbekistan Cultural Day,” organized in collaboration with UNESCO and Fergana State Technical University (FerPI). It will be a unique chance to celebrate cultural exchange and strengthen the sense of community across the GREENDT partnership. 

Looking ahead 

The upcoming meeting in Vigo will be a key milestone for GREENDT. As the project begins to move from planning into implementation, partners will have the chance to build on the work done so far and take concrete steps toward strengthening environmental engineering education. With everyone’s continued collaboration and commitment, GREENDT is well positioned to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements in higher education systems across Central Asia.