For the first time, a ceremony was held in the capital to present the “International Student of the Year” award, recognizing the academic, social, and professional achievements of Uzbek students studying at leading universities around the world.

The event was organized by the Union of International Students of Uzbekistan (UzSU) with the support of the Youth Affairs Agency and the “El-Yurt Umidi” Foundation. It served as an important platform to support active and socially responsible youth, strengthen their ties with Uzbekistan, and engage them in projects of national importance.

As part of the ceremony, UzSU officially launched its activities in Uzbekistan, marking the beginning of the organization’s systematic work at the national level and the expansion of its international network.

The program also featured a panel discussion titled “The Role of Uzbek Students Studying Abroad in the Country’s Development,” which focused on the contribution of international students to Uzbekistan’s economic, social, and intellectual progress. The discussion was attended by First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Sodiq Safayev and entrepreneur Zafar Khoshimov, and was moderated by UzSU Chairman Jasurbek Jabborov.

Winners of the 2026 Award:
1️⃣ “Student of the Year” — Nozira Davroniy, student of Barnard College, Columbia University (USA);
2️⃣ “Contribution to Society and Diaspora Development” — Asadbek Ismoilov, student of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Hong Kong);
3️⃣ “Outstanding Representation of Uzbekistan on the International Stage” — Aakib Niyoz, student of the University of Oxford (United Kingdom);
4️⃣ “Innovation of the Year” — Asliddin Akbarov, student of the University of Siena (Italy).

The “International Student of the Year” award is not merely a form of recognition, but a key element of Uzbekistan’s strategy to connect with talented young people on a global scale.