Uzbekistan expands water diplomacy and engineering education initiatives

The proposals were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a presentation on improving the training of engineering personnel for the agricultural and water sectors.

Officials noted that scientific research is not always sufficiently applied in the implementation of large scale agricultural and water management projects. As a result, some initiatives fail to deliver the expected outcomes.

To address this issue, authorities proposed strengthening the link between science and practice and increasing the involvement of scientists and researchers in major sectoral projects.

Dual education system to be introduced

One of the central reforms involves introducing a dual education system.

Under the proposal, university students will spend four days studying theoretical subjects and two days a week completing paid practical training at enterprises.

Future specialists in water management will be able to participate in projects focused on water conservation and efficient irrigation. Students in hydraulic engineering fields will take part in canal concreting projects, cost estimation, and the construction of small hydropower plants.

Students specializing in the mechanization of agriculture will be involved in preparing agricultural machinery and participating in harvest operations.

Focus on water diplomacy

Officials also emphasized that a significant share of Uzbekistan’s water resources depends on transboundary sources.

As a result, special attention will be given to training specialists in water diplomacy. Authorities plan to expand the master’s degree program in International Water Diplomacy and increase the number of state grants available.

The program is expected to train highly qualified specialists who may also work with neighboring countries on regional water management issues.

New technologies and research initiatives

Universities will also expand scientific and innovative activities as part of the reforms.

Plans include the use of drones to monitor cultivated land, the application of satellite data for crop yield forecasting, and the use of space based information to combat agricultural pests.

To support these initiatives, the university plans to introduce drone operation courses, establish a laboratory for space and satellite research, and create additional research laboratories.

Following the presentation, President Mirziyoyev instructed responsible agencies to ensure closer cooperation between scientific research and practical work, while introducing modern technologies into the training of specialists for agriculture and water management.