On 15 September 2026, a working meeting was held at Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn between Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, and Esen Esenkulovich Usubaliev, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations and Oriental Studies at Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, Candidate of Historical Sciences and Associate Professor.
During the meeting, the parties discussed promising areas of cooperation in environmental education, the training of young professionals, the development of academic ties, and strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and environmental organizations in the countries of Central Asia.
Particular attention was paid to opportunities for expanding educational pathways for graduates of Kyrgyz National University. Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, proposed exploring cooperation with Green University in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, including the possibility for KNU bachelor’s degree graduates to enroll in master’s degree programmes at the university.
The initiative is aimed at expanding opportunities for young professionals from Kyrgyzstan to pursue postgraduate education in the fields of environmental protection, climate change, sustainable development, natural resource management, and other relevant environmental areas.
The Kyrgyz side expressed considerable interest in the proposal and readiness to further discuss practical mechanisms for cooperation. The parties emphasized the importance of developing regional cooperation among universities in Central Asia and creating additional opportunities for academic mobility for students and young professionals.
The meeting also addressed prospects for organizing joint educational and expert events, exchanging experience, and holding lectures, seminars, and round tables involving CAREC specialists, faculty members, and students, as well as the possible engagement of young people in regional environmental initiatives and projects.
Mergen Kepbanov emphasized that the development of human capital and the training of a new generation of specialists in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development are important components of regional cooperation in Central Asia. In this regard, cooperation between CAREC, Kyrgyz National University, and relevant higher education institutions in the region may contribute to establishing sustainable professional and academic ties.
Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn is one of the leading and oldest higher education institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes. The university actively develops international cooperation and academic mobility.
Following the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in continuing the dialogue and further developing specific proposals for cooperation, including opportunities for engagement with Green University in Tashkent and expanding educational opportunities for graduates of Kyrgyz National University.
The meeting was held in a constructive and productive atmosphere and marked an important step towards developing new forms of regional cooperation in environmental education and the training of qualified specialists for sustainable development in the countries of Central Asia.
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov – Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org