On April 11, 2025, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) hosted a meeting with representatives from the Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education – Economics Institute (CERGE-EI). The delegation included Tony Claudino, President and CEO of the CERGE-EI Foundation in New York; Dr. Joel M. Ericson, Head of Eurasian Representative Office and Founder of Steppe Global Education; and Katarina Stehlikova, Program Director of CERGE-EI in Prague, Czech Republic.

From the UWED side, the meeting was attended by Akram Umarov, the First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Gulnoza Ismailova, the Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation; and Slavomir Horak, faculty member at UWED.

Background: CERGE-EI is a joint academic and research institution affiliated with Charles University and the Economics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences. It specializes in training professionals in economics and conducting international-level economic research.

During the meeting, the guests were introduced to UWED’s key educational and research initiatives. In response, the CERGE-EI representatives expressed their deep admiration for the university’s significant achievements and highlighted its substantial contribution to the development of the education system in Uzbekistan.

CERGE-EI representatives expressed strong interest in collaborating with UWED, particularly in attracting students to pursue master’s and doctoral programs in the fields of international relations and economics.

Specifically, the idea of expanding academic exchanges and implementing joint projects was proposed, aiming to create new opportunities for students and faculty from both institutions.

In response, UWED proposed organizing online courses and guest lectures for its students on topics related to the geopolitical situation, with a focus on Eastern Europe. Furthermore, the university executive board committed to reviewing the details of the proposed programs and exploring possibilities for implementing joint initiatives.

As a result of the visit, a mutual understanding was reached regarding the next steps to strengthen educational ties and develop programs aimed at enhancing the qualifications of specialists in economics and international relations. The meeting laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and CERGE-EI.