The British Council, in partnership with the British Embassy in Tashkent, successfully hosted the second Alumni UK Networking and Learning & Development Day in Tashkent. The event brought together a vibrant community of UK alumni from across Uzbekistan for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and professional growth.
The programme opened with remarks from the British Ambassador Timothy Smart, British Council Director Michael Houlgate, senior representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, Executive Director of "El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation Gulnoza Ismailova, and Rector of the International Agriculture University Munira Aminova, setting the tone for a day focused on resilience, innovation, and community building. The event highlighted the growing impact of UK education in Uzbekistan, where over 1,200 students studied in the UK in 2023-24 and transnational education continues to expand and according to HESA statistics 10 000 students benefitted from TNE in 2023-2024.
The first session, titled “Thriving in a Changing World: Resilience, Uncertainty and Connection” featured thought-provoking talks by Aziza Umarova, Head of the Delivery Unit at the Agency for Strategic Reforms (Chevening alumna and graduate of St. Andrew’s University); Bokhodir Ayupov, CEO of IT Park University (graduate of Surrey University); and Anvar Isamukhamedov, CEO of Paynet (graduate of the University of Reading). Speakers explored the challenges of navigating global uncertainty, the role of youth in sustainable development, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
This was followed by a compelling talk by Dr. Sukhrob Saliev, a practicing surgeon, and an international expert in healthcare systems and public health (Chevening alumnus, graduate of University College London), who examined the intersection of AI, physical activity, and pharmaceuticals in modern healthcare. His session, “AI, Physical Activity, Pills: Who is Who?” sparked engaging discussions on the future of diagnosis, patient trust, and the evolving role of technology in medicine.
The afternoon sessions shifted focus to alumni-led initiatives and professional development. In “From Passion to Impact: Turning Ideas into Sustainable Initiatives,” moderator Umida Nurjanova guided a panel of distinguished alumni and winners of the Study UK Alumni Award, including Orzugul Goyibova (University of Bristol), Munira Begmuratova (WIUT), Azizbek Kurbonov (WIUT), Lusine Manukyan (University of Cambridge), and Eldor Mannopov (Durham University). Each speaker shared their journey from UK education to impactful leadership in fields ranging from tech and finance to youth empowerment and healthcare.
The final panel, “Continuing Professional Development”, moderated by Nodira Isamukhamedova (graduate of the University of Leeds), explored strategies for lifelong learning and career advancement. The speakers of this panel discussion were Nargiza Kuchkarova, Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tatyana Bistrushkina, American Chamber of Commerce, Laziz Khujakulov, UNDP, Sirojiddin Olimov, CEO “Mutolaa” and Shakhzoda Nosirova, UZINFOCOM. The session underscored the importance of ongoing education and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in lively networking sessions, exchanged ideas, and celebrated the achievements of Study UK Alumni Award winners. The event concluded with reflections from key speakers and a call to action for alumni to remain connected, collaborative, and committed to driving positive change in Uzbekistan and beyond.
This year’s gathering reaffirmed the strength and diversity of the UK alumni community in Uzbekistan. It showcased how UK-educated professionals are contributing to innovation, inclusion, and development across sectors. The British Council and its partners look forward to continuing to support this dynamic network and to welcoming new alumni into the fold.
“For me, this is more than just another event. It’s about people – the connections forged through education, and the ways those experiences shape who we are. UK education is recognised around the world for its quality, its openness, and its impact. But its true strength lies in what happens afterwards – in how our alumni use what they learned to build careers, inspire communities, and strengthen the ties between Uzbekistan and the UK”, Timothy Smart, British Ambassador to Uzbekistan said in his remarks.
The British Council's Country Director Michael Houlgate noted: “The British Council’s global alumni network empowers members to connect, share expertise, and support each other. Through this network, individuals turn the skills and insights gained through their UK study into real-world impact, innovation, and growth. Today’s event encapsulates these efforts, as we work together to expand networks, enhance skills and celebrate strengthened bonds between the UK and Uzbekistan”.
