IAOA Establishes Central Asia Liaison Office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
New regional platform to support academic exchange and cooperation across Central Asia
On June 13, 2026, the International Academic Organizations Alliance (IAOA) established its Central Asia Liaison Office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The liaison office has been developed with the support and local coordination of Prof. Dr. Obid Tursunov of the Faculty of Energy at TIIAME National Research University. It will serve as a regional platform for academic communication, institutional liaison and project coordination between IAOA and universities, research institutions, scholars and young professionals in Central Asia.
With Uzbekistan as its principal regional hub, the office will gradually strengthen connections with academic and research communities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and other parts of Central Asia. Through this regional approach, IAOA aims to support sustained, practical and mutually beneficial forms of international academic cooperation.
The establishment of the Central Asia Liaison Office reflects IAOA’s efforts to develop cooperation through trusted local academic networks. Uzbekistan’s position in Central Asia, together with its expanding engagement in higher education, scientific research and international cooperation, provides a strong foundation for connecting institutions and experts across the region.
The liaison office will support communication and cooperation in areas including international academic exchange, expert visits, youth development, joint research, academic conferences, scholarly publishing and institutional partnerships. It will also help identify opportunities for cooperation in fields relevant to the region, including energy, agriculture, water resources, environmental studies, engineering and sustainable development.
TIIAME National Research University has established academic strengths in water management, agricultural engineering, energy, environmental research and sustainable development. IAOA and Prof. Dr. Obid Tursunov have previously maintained communication concerning international academic exchange, visiting scholar development, young researcher training and conference cooperation. The new liaison office provides a more stable mechanism for continuing and expanding this engagement.
The Central Asia Liaison Office is intended primarily as a platform for academic liaison, information exchange and project coordination. It does not replace the governance or institutional independence of participating universities and organizations. Its work will be guided by the principles of openness, mutual respect, practical cooperation and academic independence.
By establishing the office in Tashkent, IAOA seeks to create a practical regional point of contact that can connect scholars, identify meaningful opportunities and support the implementation of concrete cooperative projects.
Starting from Uzbekistan, the liaison office will gradually expand communication with universities, research institutions, academic organizations and young scholars across Central Asia. It will also help IAOA better understand the academic priorities and practical needs of institutions in the region, enabling future cooperation to be developed around local strengths and shared interests.
Looking ahead, IAOA will work through the Central Asia Liaison Office to develop regional expert networks, support joint academic activities, facilitate international research cooperation and expand opportunities for young scholars and professionals.
The office is expected to contribute to stronger knowledge exchange and institutional connections between Central Asia and the wider international academic community.