NORCA Research Environment will host a high-level Uzbekistan–Nordic dialogue on regional transformation, governance, and international cooperation on June 1, 2026.
The event is organized as part of the broader NORCA research and policy engagement framework and will bring together policymakers, academics, diplomats, and policy experts from Uzbekistan and the Nordic region.
The dialogue will focus on ongoing transformations in Central Asia and explore future avenues for academic and institutional cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Nordic countries. It reflects key NORCA themes related to governance transformations, regional cooperation, knowledge-based development, and emerging transregional connections between Central Asia and Northern Europe.
Convenors
- Prof. Rustamjon Urinboyev, Lund University
- Prof. Timur Dadabaev, UWED / University of Tsukuba / Lund University
Preliminary Program
Date: June 1, 2026
Venue: Lund University
13:00 – 13:15
Arrival, Coffee and Networking
13:15 – 13:30
Opening Remarks
13:30 – 14:10
Keynote Address
H.E. Sodiq Safayev
Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Uzbekistan and Rector of UWED
“Era of Knowledge-Based Development and the Challenges of Transition in Central Asia”
14:10 – 14:40
Keynote Address
Javlon Vakhabov
Director, International Institute for Central Asia (IICA)
“Central Asia in Transition: Regional Cooperation and Strategic Outlook”
14:40 – 15:00
Coffee Break
15:00 – 16:30
Closed Roundtable Discussion
Central Asia and the Nordic Region: Reform, Governance, and Cooperation
Topics include:
- Regional transformation and reform processes
- Governance and institutional development
- Knowledge-based cooperation
- Future Nordic–Central Asian engagement
16:30 – 17:00
Institutional Dialogue and Next Steps
17:00 – 17:15
Closing Remarks
Please note that this is a preliminary program and may be subject to further revisions.