Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar attended the Uzbekistan–Turkey Rectors Forum held in Uzbekistan. The general session of the forum, hosted by Uzbekistan Bukhara State Technical University, featured important messages aimed at strengthening academic collaborations between the two countries. In the meeting where a common vision in higher education was discussed, raising quality standards in education, increasing scientific production, and digital transformation processes were among the prominent topics.
Academics and university representatives speaking at the forum emphasized the importance of training qualified human resources in the increasingly competitive global environment. It was highlighted that education systems need to be restructured in accordance with the requirements of the age, and it was stated that especially innovative collaborations and joint research projects play a critical role in the future model of higher education.
In addition to Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University from Turkey, Middle East Technical University, Hacettepe University, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul University, Ankara University, Atatürk University, Ege University, Bursa Uludağ University, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University,
Health Sciences University, and Kafkas University rectors participated in the forum, where our university was represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Tekşen, who attended the meetings and made presentations.
In the general session of the forum, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar made a presentation titled “Developing Uzbekistan-Turkey Higher Education Cooperation for Global Competitiveness,” while Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Tekşen also presented on the topic of “University-Industry Cooperation.”
It was emphasized at the forum hosted by Uzbekistan Bukhara State Technical University that the strategic partnership in higher education between Turkey and Uzbekistan needs to be advanced further.
Developing Uzbekistan-Turkey Higher Education Cooperation for Global Competitiveness
In the general session of the forum attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, joint research projects, academic exchange programs, and digital education models between the universities of the two countries were among the prominent topics. In the meeting attended by numerous rectors, academics, and higher education representatives from Turkey and Uzbekistan, the importance of training qualified human resources in the global competitive environment was emphasized.
Starting his speech by mentioning the historical and cultural significance of Bukhara, Rector Dalgar stated that the city has been the center of knowledge, trade, and thought for centuries. He expressed that the scientific journeys from Bukhara to Anatolia in the past could be re-established today through universities, research centers, and technology collaborations, stating that global competition in higher education is now measured not only by the number of students but also by knowledge production, technology development, internationalization, and social impact capacity.
In his speech, Rector Dalgar noted that universities have transformed into institutions that shape the future of countries in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, health, and food security, emphasizing that digital transformation has become inevitable for higher education systems. He stated that universities should not only provide professional knowledge to students but also equip them with digital literacy, problem-solving, and lifelong learning skills.
The forum also highlighted Turkey's internationalization capacity in higher education. Rector Dalgar reminded that Turkey ranks among the countries with the highest number of international students in the world, with 350,000 international students, stating that international students are not only individuals receiving education but also the future researchers and cultural ambassadors.
Rector Dalgar stated that new collaborations could be developed between the two countries in the fields of education, research, and development, proposing the establishment of joint diploma programs, dual diploma practices, joint master's and doctoral programs, and thematic research networks. He mentioned that fields such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, artificial intelligence, energy, health sciences, and tourism offer significant opportunities for collaboration.
Rector Dalgar indicated that MAKÜ is ready to share its specialization experience in agriculture and animal husbandry with universities in Uzbekistan, stating that joint projects could be carried out in areas such as digital livestock, smart farming applications, biotechnology, food safety, and micro-credential programs.
At the end of the forum, a common will was expressed to strengthen academic relations between Turkish and Uzbek universities, increase joint research projects, and support the processes of digitalization in higher education. Participants agreed that the forum would pave the way for new collaborations in the higher education of the two countries.
