On February 26, 2025, the United Nations Youth Office, represented by Sudha Balakrishnan, Chief of UN System Coordination and Accountability section at the UN Youth Office, and Bianka Lui Herzog, Programme Management Officer, visited the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED). The visit was arranged with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Nations.

The meeting was attended by O. Yusupdjanov, First Vice-Rector for Youth issues and Spiritual-Educational Affairs, G. MirKhalilova, Head of the International Academic Cooperation Office, A. Rakhimov, Leader of the UWED Youth Union, and representatives of the Uzbekistan Youth Union.

During the visit, the UN representatives were briefed on the activities of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and the main directions of the UWED Youth Union’s work. The discussion focused on recent developments in Uzbekistan’s youth policy, the role of youth in the state’s policies and agendas, and the current state of cooperation between the UN Youth Office and Uzbekistan.

Sudha Balakrishnan highly appreciated the relevance of the issues discussed during the February 14, 2025, meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and youth, emphasizing the opportunities created for young people in Uzbekistan. She noted that youth in Uzbekistan play a key role in addressing climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is evident through initiatives and achievements in entrepreneurship led by young people.

Additionally, Sudha Balakrishnan held a roundtable discussion with UWED students on the topic “Prospects for Cooperation in Youth Policy between the UN and Uzbekistan”. During the event, students and guests exchanged views on the activities of UN structures in Uzbekistan, the steps necessary to achieve the UN’s SDGs, and the knowledge and skills young leaders need.

At the conclusion of the event, an agreement was reached to expand cooperation with the United Nations Youth Office and UWED to regularly organize such meetings.