Building Partnerships and Advancing SDG Education for a Sustainable Future

Enhancing Higher Education Reform and Sustainable Development: TSUULL's Global Engagement in International Conferences and Study Visits

As a Higher Education Reform Expert, Prof. Dr. Nozliya Zarilovna Normurodova, representing Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature (TSUULL), actively participates in various international conferences and study visits organized by prominent bodies like SPHERE and the European Commission. These events provide a platform for higher education leaders, policymakers, and reform experts to collaborate, share best practices, and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in higher education reform.
Prof. Normurodova's involvement in these international forums underscores TSUULL's commitment to advancing higher education reforms in Uzbekistan and aligning them with global standards, particularly in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability, international collaboration, and teaching innovation. Her participation allows TSUULL to contribute to global discussions on policy reforms, learn from best practices in Europe and beyond, and drive forward the university’s mission to foster educational excellence, inclusivity, and international cooperation.
Furthermore, these events provide a valuable opportunity for cross-sectoral dialogue and collaboration, allowing TSUULL to engage with experts from various sectors and enhance the university’s role in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By learning from best practices for SDG implementation, working with NGOs for sustainable development, and engaging with community-based education models, Prof. Normurodova and the TSUULL team can deepen their commitment to sustainable development. These interactions help TSUULL build stronger partnerships with institutions, NGOs, and communities, fostering collaboration for sustainable growth and positive social impact.
Additionally, these events highlight the importance of education and commitment to sustainable development, which is crucial for TSUULL’s ongoing efforts to integrate SDGs into academic programs, research initiatives, and campus operations. By focusing on community engagement in SDG education, TSUULL strengthens its role in educating and empowering students to become change agents for sustainable development in Uzbekistan and beyond.
The following sections outline key events that Prof. Normurodova has attended as part of her role as a Higher Education Reform Expert, highlighting the institutional strategies and innovative practices being explored across European higher education institutions. Through these engagements, TSUULL continues to enhance its expertise in higher education reform, actively contributes to the global dialogue on sustainable development, and plays a pivotal role in shaping Uzbekistan's higher education landscape in alignment with European Union and global frameworks.
Study Visit: Inclusive Internationalisation - From Good Intentions to Measurable Outcomes
Hosted at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium | 3-4 October 2024
As part of a distinguished group of higher education reform experts, Prof. Dr. Nozliya Normurodova, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature (TSUULL), participated in a key HERE Study Visit in Ghent, Belgium, focusing on the theme of inclusive internationalisation. The visit was jointly organized by SPHERE, Ghent University, and Artevelde University of Applied Sciences. It brought together stakeholders from academia, policy, and student bodies to explore actionable strategies for making international higher education accessible to a broader range of students, including those facing financial, social, and linguistic barriers.

 
The webinar on synergies between Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA), featured key discussions on enhancing academic mobility and research collaborations. Nozliya Normurodova participated as part of her ongoing commitment to advancing international cooperation in higher education at TSUULL, in alignment with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The webinar explored how both programs can be leveraged to foster global research partnerships and support international academic careers. By collaborating across Europe and beyond, institutions can drive innovation, promote academic excellence, and ensure that research benefits global development goals.

Key Takeaways:

• •    Research Collaboration: How MSCA supports early-career researchers in contributing to the global knowledge economy while adhering to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• •    International Mobility: Enhancing academic mobility and research exchanges to contribute to SDG 4.

Through her active participation, Nozliya Normurodova advocated for expanding collaborative research opportunities between TSUULL and European institutions, showcasing how Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a key player in international academic partnerships.

 
The HERE Study Visit held at TAMK focused on university-industry collaboration for advancing employment, innovation, and sustainable ecosystems, directly addressing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Nozliya Normurodova participated in this visit, representing TSUULL’s commitment to fostering sustainable educational practices and creating industry-academic synergies.
At TAMK, participants explored collaborative curricula, applied research centers, and learning labs designed to bridge the gap between higher education and industry needs. This holistic approach aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), as it encourages sustainable practices within industry sectors and provides real-world problem-solving opportunities for students.

Key Insights:

• •    Collaborative Curriculum: Integrating industry practices into academic programs to enhance employability and foster innovation.
• •    Sustainability in Education: Fostering a green transition within universities by integrating sustainability into curricula, research, and partnerships with the private sector.

Nozliya Normurodova highlighted Uzbekistan's potential to implement similar collaborative frameworks at TSUULL, particularly in fostering sustainable academic-industry partnerships that meet both economic and environmental goals, in line with global SDGs.

 
As part of the ongoing dialogue on sustainability in higher education, Nozliya Normurodova participated in the HERE Virtual Study Visit hosted by University College Cork (UCC). This study visit focused on greening strategies and the role of higher education in promoting sustainability, aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
The visit showcased how UCC integrates sustainability into its operations, curricula, and community outreach programs. Through the Green Campus strategy, UCC serves as a model for embedding environmental responsibility in higher education institutions.

Key Insights:

• •    Sustainability as a Core Principle: Integrating sustainability into research, teaching, and community outreach, ensuring that universities contribute to a green future.
• •    Collaboration with Local Communities: How UCC engages with local stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability at regional and national levels.

Nozliya Normurodova emphasized the importance of incorporating green practices into TSUULL’s institutional strategy, aligning Uzbekistan’s higher education goals with the European Green Deal and SDGs, while also promoting eco-friendly academic programs and research.

 
This study visit will focus on how universities can contribute to social and economic development through their third mission, which emphasizes partnerships with external organizations, businesses, and civil society. The event will bring together higher education reform experts (HERE) to discuss the evolving role of universities in societal engagement, innovation, and addressing global challenges like digitalization, climate change, and sustainable development.

Key Objectives:

• •    Understand the role of universities in driving innovation and socio-economic development through collaborations with external partners.
• •    Explore strategies for strengthening university-industry-civil society relationships to address real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
• •    Share best practices on teaching and learning innovations, particularly in digital education and lifelong learning.
• •    Gain insights into the Uzbek context and how universities in Uzbekistan can maximize their impact through societal engagement and collaboration.

This visit is essential for higher education leaders, policy makers, and those involved in the strategic development of universities. It will provide valuable insights into how universities can enhance their societal role, foster community engagement, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development goals. Participants will leave with practical strategies to integrate these concepts into their institutions' operations and development plans.

 
The Annual Conference of the Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) serves as a vital forum for community building, knowledge sharing, and networking for those involved in higher education reform. This conference brings together nominated experts from EU Neighbourhood countries, appointed by the European Commission, who play an instrumental role in catalyzing reforms in their home countries. Participants are provided with opportunities for training and updates on higher education policy trends, particularly those aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Key Objectives:

• •    Reflection and assessment of the SPHERE contract’s relaunch, with focus on policy topics and event outcomes.
• •    Presenting a study on greening in higher education: results of the European Commission’s request for a report on sustainable practices in the sector.
• •    Providing a platform for sharing current reform priorities and promoting EU projects linked to these reforms.
• •    Forecasting 2024 SPHERE work plan and assessing the interests and needs of the HERE community.

This conference offers a rich space for participants to engage deeply with cutting-edge trends in higher education reform, with a particular emphasis on greening initiatives and their broader integration into national and EU policies.

 
This study visit will explore how innovation, digitalisation, and international collaboration enhance learning and teaching (L&T) in higher education. Focused on UCLouvain’s strategy for L&T innovation, the event will provide insights into the university’s efforts to modernize its pedagogical approaches in response to technological advancements and societal shifts.

Key Objectives:

• 1.    Understand the institutional policies and strategies driving innovation in L&T, including technology integration.
• 2.    Explore how technological developments enhance educational outcomes and teaching practices.
• 3.    Assess the role of various institutional actors in driving innovation within the university, from leadership to academic services.
• 4.    Discuss how international cooperation can foster innovation and improve the quality of education across borders.

This visit is particularly relevant for higher education leaders, student representatives, and those in quality assurance agencies seeking to understand the evolving landscape of teaching and learning in a rapidly digitalizing world.

 
This seminar, organized under the SPHERE project, will focus on the evolving implications of the Bologna Process for higher education systems in countries neighboring the European Union (EU). With the upcoming Tirana Ministerial Conference in 2024, the event will provide a timely update on the major developments within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and highlight the social, technological, and policy changes impacting these countries.

Key Objectives:

• •    Explore the latest developments in the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), considering its social and technological influences.
• •    Assess the achievements, challenges, and future directions for higher education systems in countries neighbouring the EU, with a specific focus on the EHEA.
• •    Discuss the implications of the European Education Area (EEA) for the broader educational landscape and its influence on higher education systems beyond the EU.
• •    Offer a platform for region-specific exchanges, enabling participants to share insights on the impact of European educational reforms in their own countries and institutions.

This visit is designed for higher education policymakers, university leaders, and student representatives engaged in educational reform. The event will offer practical insights into how higher education systems in the region can align with EU standards and address key challenges in their ongoing development. Participants will gain valuable knowledge to apply in shaping their institutions’ strategies and policies in line with European educational priorities.

 
This virtual seminar, organized under the SPHERE project, explores the evolving landscape of learning and teaching in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event addresses the major shifts in educational practices, focusing on the impact of digital learning and the long-term transformations triggered by the global health crisis. The seminar provides a timely opportunity for Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) to reflect on the status of teaching and learning in a post-pandemic world.

Key Objectives:

• •    Explore the impact of COVID-19 on higher education institutions, with a focus on how teaching and learning practices have evolved in response to the pandemic.
• •    Discuss the status quo of digital learning, hybrid teaching, and new pedagogical approaches that have emerged during and after the pandemic.
• •    Share best practices for adapting to the new educational realities and integrating digital tools to enhance learning outcomes.
• •    Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among higher education leaders, policymakers, and experts to ensure effective adaptation and reform.

This seminar is particularly relevant for higher education leaders, policymakers, and academic staff involved in adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic. It offers a platform for participants to share insights, reflect on their experiences, and develop strategies for the future of teaching and learning in a post-COVID world.

 
On November 7-8, 2024, a representative from Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature will participate in the Erasmus Mundus Thematic Seminar on "Jointness," held in Brussels, Belgium. The seminar will bring together approximately 70 experienced academic and administrative staff involved in Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programmes. The event aims to explore and exchange best practices on various aspects of "jointness," including program design, quality assurance, student recruitment, admission processes, student services, and joint degrees.
This seminar is an excellent opportunity for TSUULL to engage in meaningful discussions about the implementation of joint international academic programs, specifically Erasmus Mundus Master’s degrees. By participating, TSUULL aims to enhance its expertise in fostering international cooperation, improving the quality of its educational offerings, and strengthening its role in global higher education reform. Furthermore, the seminar's focus on "jointness" aligns with TSUULL’s commitment to promoting cross-border academic collaboration and excellence in educational program management.

 
From November 13-14, 2024, a representative from TSUULL will actively participate in the Erasmus+ Cluster and Contact-Making Seminar for Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East, hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, and virtually via the RingCentral platform. This event, organized by the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) of the European Commission and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), gathers higher education and vocational education institutions from the regions mentioned above, alongside Erasmus+ stakeholders, including National Focal Points, National Agencies, and European Union Delegations.
The central theme of this year’s event will focus on "Digital in Education," addressing the digital transformation in education systems and its impact on the labor market and the future of work. As part of the Global Gateway initiative, the Erasmus+ programme aims to accelerate the digital transition and enhance education and training. This seminar is an opportunity for TSUULL to engage in cross-border dialogue, share best practices, and explore potential collaborations to address the digital divide, foster innovation, and further integrate digital transformation into higher education.
The seminar will include the Cluster Meeting on November 13-14, followed by a Contact-Making session on November 14, where participants will engage in collaborative exercises to forge new project partnerships. This event is aligned with the European Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027), supporting the development of digital skills and competencies across various educational sectors.