A plenary session and a series of panel discussions were held at University of Barcelona as part of the First Forum of Rectors of Universities of Uzbekistan and Spain, taking place in Barcelona, Spain.

The events focused on the higher education systems of the two countries, priority areas of international cooperation, and the development of inter-university partnerships.

The plenary session brought together representatives of the University of Barcelona, Westminster International University in Tashkent, the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE), and the Government of Catalonia. Participants delivered presentations on academic mobility, joint educational programmes, internationalisation, and the promotion of innovation.

Presentations were also made on the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan’s higher education system, the country’s experience in working with international rankings, and the growing engagement of universities on the global stage.

As part of the forum, panel sessions were organised on pedagogical innovation, international academic networks, and new strategies for cooperation.

The forum concluded with agreements to strengthen existing partnerships between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Spain, launch new joint educational and research projects, and further develop promising areas of collaboration.