06.11.2026

16.2.1 Elected representation

The University Council, the university’s highest governing body, includes representatives of the students’ and staff trade union council. Members other than ex officio members are elected by secret ballot at a general meeting. For example: A reporting and election conference of the Trade Union Committee was held at Bukhara State University.

During the conference, the committee’s activities over the reporting period were critically reviewed, with particular attention to employees’ social, economic, and legal protection, labor relations, health and wellness initiatives, and the organization of meaningful leisure activities. Future priorities were also discussed, and elections to trade union bodies were conducted.

The conference was attended by University Rector O. Xamidov, R. Nosirova, Representative Organizer of the Republican Council of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers in Bukhara Region, and D. Jo‘rayev, Adviser on Youth Affairs to the Chairperson of the Regional Council of the Federation.  

Mirkhon Uktamovich Khomidov, a lecturer at the Department of Sports Activities, has been elected as the Head of the Primary Youth Union Organization of Bukhara State University.

He was elected in recognition of his initiative, leadership skills, active engagement, and commitment to effectively representing and protecting the interests of students and young people. Academic staff also have the right to elect and be elected to the University and faculty Councils.

16.2.2 Students’ Union

A trade union and a youth union primary organisation operate at the university; the interests of students and staff are protected by the trade union and its elected bodies. Expelling a student who is a union member requires the written consent of the students’ trade union, giving the union a formal role in governance decisions.  Students may join any public association lawfully operating at the university.  A clear example of the activities of the Youth Union is the following: An awareness-raising event entitled “Combating Corruption – The Foundation of Our Future” was organized at Bukhara State University on the initiative of the Departments, in cooperation with faculty tutors and active members of the Youth Union.

The event focused on raising students’ legal awareness, promoting zero tolerance towards corruption, and strengthening their sense of social responsibility. Participants discussed the negative consequences of corruption and the legal framework for combating it.

An “Eco Championship” initiative was organized on the campus of Bukhara State University at the initiative of Youth Union coordinators and active members of the BukhSU Volunteer Center. During the campaign, coordinators and volunteers joined efforts to clean the university grounds and promote a cleaner environment. The initiative aimed to raise students’ environmental awareness, encourage care for nature, and strengthen their sense of environmental responsibility.

A dictation competition entitled “Followers of Fitrat” was organized at Bukhara State University on the initiative of Firdavs Jo‘rayev, Youth Union Coordinator and Faculty Leader of the “Youth Academy”. The competition was dedicated to the memory of Abdurauf Fitrat, a prominent Uzbek writer, intellectual, and linguist.

The event was held in cooperation with the Bukhara Regional Branch of the Center for Teaching and Professional Development in Official Language Administration, Z. Sohibova, a lecturer at the Department of Uzbek Language and Literature, and faculty tutors.

The initiative aimed to promote the Uzbek language, strengthen students’ literacy, and preserve the intellectual legacy of Abdurauf Fitrat.

16.2.3 Identify and engage with local stakeholders

The rectorate and the University Council consider the recommendations of public organisations and take them into account in their work.

Bukhara State University has launched specialized foreign language courses for students of Technical School No. 1 to strengthen institutional cooperation and support the promotion of foreign language learning in Uzbekistan.

The courses cover English, German, French, and Russian, with leading university specialists involved in delivering the classes. This initiative aims to improve the quality of foreign language education, enhance students’ competitiveness in the labour market, and support their preparation for international language certification.

The initiative represents a practical example of engagement with local stakeholders and contributes to improving educational opportunities for young people in the region.

Bukhara State University’s “Agrobioprotection” Laboratory, operating under the Department of Agronomy and Soil Science, hosted a scientific and practical seminar with representatives of the Plant Quarantine and Protection authorities of Bukhara Region.

The seminar focused on modern biological pest control methods, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and phytosanitary sustainability. A key outcome was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Bukhara District Plant Quarantine and Protection Department and the university’s “Agrobioprotection” Laboratory.

This partnership aims to strengthen students’ practical skills, promote the application of scientific research in agricultural production, and expand the use of environmentally friendly plant protection methods in the region.

16.2.4 Participatory bodies for stakeholder engagement

The Board of Trustees is established as a public governing body of the university. Its members include local government (khokimiyat), the business community, public organisations, foundations and representatives of other educational institutions. For example, Bukhara State University experts from the Department of Psychology conducted a practical seminar and training for judges and staff of the Bukhara Regional Court, focusing on stress management, psychological resilience, and effective communication skills.

During the event, university professors shared their academic knowledge and professional expertise, providing practical recommendations and conducting interactive exercises to help participants understand and manage workplace stress.

This initiative represents a valuable example of university-local government cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, professional development, and the practical application of university expertise to address the needs of local public institutions.

Bukhara State University organized a “Court and Youth Meeting” at the Bukhara Regional Court, bringing together law students and local judicial representatives. Led by the Chairperson of the Regional Court, U. Ro‘ziyev, the meeting focused on strengthening young people’s legal awareness, promoting justice and the rule of law, and discussing key judicial reforms.

The meeting provided a platform for students to exchange views, raise questions, and share their perspectives with local judicial authorities. This initiative strengthened university–local government engagement and encouraged student participation in discussions on legal and institutional issues.

Bukhara State University held a strategic meeting chaired by Rector Prof. Obidjon Xamidov to discuss improving student affairs, educational activities, and student support systems. The meeting brought together university administrators, faculty representatives, tutors, student residence staff, psychologists, and representatives of local law enforcement authorities. Key discussions focused on student welfare, transparent accommodation procedures, compliance with university regulations, and strengthening students’ legal awareness and social responsibility.

Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening cooperation between the university, parents, mahallas (local communities), and law enforcement authorities to create a supportive and safe educational environment.

This initiative demonstrates the university’s commitment to engaging local stakeholders in addressing student needs, strengthening community partnerships, and improving institutional support mechanisms. 

Bukhara State University has a Public Council, a standing participatory body that brings together the university, state organisations, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. The Council operates under its own regulation, monitors public opinion on the university’s activities, and takes part in socially significant projects with civil society institutions. On 25 July 2025 the Council held a meeting with the participation of Rector Professor Obidjon Khamidov and Council members. The meeting elected the chair, deputy chair and secretary of the Council, reviewed the draft work plan and discussed proposals on the Council’s work.

16.2.5 University principles on corruption and bribery

Bukhara State University has published its principles and commitments on corruption and bribery in a set of four internal documents. The core document is the Anti-Corruption Policy, approved by Rector’s Order No. 428-U of 20 October 2021. It prohibits offering, promising or accepting bribes, whether directly or through intermediaries, as well as facilitation payments, and it sets strict limits on gifts and hospitality. The Policy provides confidential reporting channels and protects whistleblowers from dismissal or discrimination. Liability applies to every employee regardless of position, the university cooperates with law enforcement bodies, and anti-corruption terms extend to contractors, suppliers, partners and donors.

The Policy is supported by three further documents. The Regulation on Managing Conflicts of Interest, approved by Rector’s Order No. 374 of 7 September 2021, requires all staff to disclose conflicts of interest annually, prohibits nepotism and favoritism, and assigns decisions on such cases to the Ethics Commission. A dedicated methodology establishes monitoring of the anti-corruption system on the ISO 37001:2016 framework, including vetting of counterparties and protection of whistleblowers. Finally, staff guidelines make anti-corruption and ethics training compulsory for all employees, with testing and refresher sessions at least once a year.

The Department of Educational Quality Assurance and the Anti-Corruption Compliance Control Department of Bukhara State University conducted monitoring of final examinations to ensure fairness, transparency, and objective assessment of students’ academic performance.

The monitoring focused on examination procedures, the work of examination committees, and the impartial evaluation of students by academic staff. Preventive discussions were also held with faculty members to raise awareness of conflicts of interest and prevent favoritism, nepotism, cronyism, and other forms of misconduct during the assessment process.

This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to transparency, academic integrity, accountability, and good governance.

Bukhara State University organized an awareness-raising seminar entitled “A Corruption-Free Future” for first-year students, focusing on strengthening integrity, accountability, and fairness in higher education. The seminar addressed the negative impact of corruption and bribery on society and education, highlighting academic and everyday corruption, nepotism, and cronyism. Participants discussed the importance of academic integrity, transparent assessment, and equal opportunities for all students.

The event also provided an open platform for students to share their views and propose ways to prevent corruption. It concluded with awareness campaigns under the hashtags #StopCorruption and #CorruptionFreeFuture. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to promoting anti-corruption principles, preventing bribery and misconduct, and fostering a culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability within the academic community.

16.2.6 Academic freedom policy

Bukhara State University supports academic freedom and recognizes the rights of its academic staff and researchers to pursue independent teaching and research activities. In accordance with the University’s internal regulations and the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, academic staff and researchers have the right to:

Participate in discussions on matters related to the University’s activities;

Choose appropriate teaching methods and tools and conduct research aimed at ensuring high quality in teaching, learning and scientific activities;

Pursue research in their areas of expertise and improve their academic knowledge, practical experience, research methodologies and teaching skills;

Participate in national and international research grants, scientific projects and contractual research activities;

Prepare high-quality textbooks and teaching materials in their respective academic disciplines;

Supervise students’ research activities;

Access and exchange academic and methodological knowledge and publications with international colleagues;

Participate in recruitment and selection procedures and apply for academic positions in accordance with applicable legislation;

Exercise other academic and professional rights provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

These provisions demonstrate the University’s commitment to safeguarding academic freedom, supporting independent research, promoting diverse approaches to teaching, and enabling academic staff to develop and communicate knowledge within their respective fields.

16.2.7 Publication of financial data

Bukhara State University publishes its financial data for 2025 openly on its official website, in the “Open Information” section. For each quarter of 2025, the page provides three items: travel expenses, information on the university’s state procurement (including purchases made through direct contracts), and financial reports. The page is freely accessible to anyone without registration or login, and it was published on 14.08.2025.

16.3 Working with government

16.3.1 Provide expert advice to government

Bukhara State University provides expert advice to local government bodies of Bukhara region on social policy, drawing on applied research and outreach work of its academic staff.

In February 2025, lecturers of the Department of Psychology carried out psychological assessments, trainings and individual consultations with more than 150 residents of 15 mahallas in Bukhara city, Bukhara district, Kagan city and Vobkent district, in border and remote areas with high levels of unemployment and poverty. On the basis of this work the department prepared an analytical report with recommendations on the social and psychological situation in these neighbourhoods, including the causes of dependency attitudes among the unemployed, the need for psychological services in mahallas and measures to improve social relations and family wellbeing.

Academic staff of Bukhara State University serve on standing committees of regional government and provide expert input into regional economic policy. Rector Professor Obidjon Khamidov, Doctor of Economics, is an elected member of the Bukhara Regional Council of People’s Deputies and chairs its Standing Committee on Local Budget, Entrepreneurship Development and Economic Reforms.

The nineteenth extended joint meeting of the Committee was held at Bukhara State University under his chairmanship, with the participation of deputies and heads of regional departments. The Committee reviewed the draft Programme for the Comprehensive Socio-Economic Development of Bukhara Region for 2026 and the draft regional budget for 2026, the coefficients and fixed amounts for certain local taxes on legal entities and individuals, minimum rental rates for state-owned property and the recognition of rights to unauthorised land plots and buildings. After hearing reports from the regional departments of economy and finance, taxation, state assets and justice, the Committee recommended the draft decisions for the agenda of the next session of the Regional Council.

Following the priorities set by the President of Uzbekistan during his visit to Bukhara region on 31 May – 1 June 2025, which include turning the region into an area free of poverty, unemployment and crime, the university supports district and neighbourhood (mahalla) authorities in developing local action plans.

Rector Professor O. Khamidov, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Tourism D. Yavmutov and Head of the Department of Marketing and Management J. Tokhirov held a working meeting in Mirob mahalla of Karakul district with the mahalla chairman, assistants to the district governor, the women’s activist, the youth leader, the crime-prevention inspector and the tax inspector. The university experts advised local officials on targeted measures to remove the mahalla from the “red” (most disadvantaged) category, reduce unemployment and poverty, support the employment of returning migrants and prevent crime. They also studied households that had started greenhouse, livestock, fish-farming and sewing businesses with bank loans, and helped the local authorities draft a roadmap for the mahalla based on the “Gijduvan experience” model of Nodirabegim mahalla. The university’s work with mahalla authorities on this programme continues.

16.3.2 Policy and law-makers outreach and education

Bukhara State University provides outreach and capacity-building for policy-makers in Bukhara region through seminars and training delivered with international partners. In 2025 the university took part in a policy-focused training seminar for district and city governors on global standards of public administration, local economic development and social policy.

Bukhara State University, together with the Bukhara regional branch of the Agency for Management Efficiency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University (USA), held an online seminar for about 90 district and city governors and their deputies. Rector Professor Obidjon Khamidov spoke on applying international governance practice at local level and presented the university’s training opportunities for public officials. Maxwell School experts Dan Nelson and Mirjakhon Turdiev presented international capacity-building programmes for civil servants and modern public management tools. Governors discussed local economic development, innovative approaches to social policy and access to foreign grant and education programmes.

Sh. Khalimova, PhD in Biology, Department of Biology, held a training seminar for staff of the Bukhara regional branch of the Forestry Department and forestry enterprises of Navoi region on the cultivation and processing of medicinal plants and their use in healthcare. Forestry officers took part in it. The seminar was organised with the Scientific and Production Centre for the Cultivation and Processing of Medicinal Plants (Tashkent), the university’s partner. Cultivating medicinal plants instead of collecting them from the wild reduces pressure on natural forest ecosystems. Bukhara State University provides capacity-building for government and law enforcement officials in cooperation with state bodies. In 2025 the university delivered a professional training programme for police officers responsible for juvenile crime prevention in Bukhara and Navoi regions.

From 18 to 28 August 2025, Bukhara State University hosted training sessions for inspector-psychologists of the juvenile affairs units of the internal affairs bodies of Bukhara and Navoi regions. The programme was organised to implement the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of 18 March 2025 on improving the work of internal affairs bodies in preventing offences among minors. Theoretical and practical classes in general psychology, social psychology, family psychology and child psychology were delivered by psychologists of Bukhara State University together with the Advanced Training Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The training focused on modern approaches to working with minors, prevention of psychological risks and communication with children.

 16.3.3 Participation in government research

Bukhara State University carries out policy-focused research in cooperation with local government on urban transport. Erkin Farmonov, a doctoral researcher of the university, developed the first integrated public transport map of Bukhara city in cooperation with Bukhara regional Transport department. The research, which included a study of public transport optimisation in Hungary, covered about 40 bus routes serving 13 bus companies and some 120,000 passengers a day (95,000 residents and 25,000 visitors). The map, in Uzbek, Russian and English, has been installed at bus stops in the city and is linked to the national UZTransport and UZTmyBus passenger information apps.

Bukhara State University undertakes policy-focused applied research in collaboration with local government to support the national poverty reduction policy. In 2025, within the implementation of Presidential Resolution No. 347 on improving state policy on poverty reduction and employment, the university, the Bukhara Regional Prosecutor’s Office and Bukhara District Government jointly launched a programme of science-based crop cultivation in household plots of low-income families in Bukhara district.

Scientists of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Agrobiotechnology carried out applied research on the agricultural potential of the district’s mahallas, including soil and water conditions, suitable crops and market demand, and developed recommendations for each mahalla following the “One mahalla, one product” principle. The research projects and recommendations were presented to the management teams of all 36 mahallas of Bukhara district (mahalla chairmen, assistants to the district governor and other members of the “mahalla seven”) for use in their work with poor households. The research results form the basis of the district’s measures to raise the incomes of low-income families through household farming.

16.3.4 Neutral platform to discuss issues

Bukhara State University provides a neutral platform where government bodies, business, researchers and international partners meet to discuss regional development challenges openly. A round table brought together representatives of the Main Department of Economy and Finance of Bukhara Regional government, regional enterprises and foreign and local academics. Tolib Mukhammadov, chief specialist of the Main Department of Economy and Finance, presented the regional strategy for poverty reduction based on the green economy. Representatives of industry, Ikrom Ikromov, Deputy Director of BukharaAgrocluster LLC, and Beshim Khamroyev, Executive Director of the joint venture Bukhara Varnet, spoke on sustainable development and the opportunities and problems of introducing green technologies in their enterprises. Professor Bakhtiyor Navruz-zoda and Associate Professor Makhmud Oripov of Bukhara State University presented the “green development” model of the economy and strategic directions of the green economy in Bukhara region, and Dr Dilshod Durdiev of the Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany) spoke on eco-friendly lead-free materials for green technologies. The discussion allowed government, business and academia to compare their positions on the transition of the region to a green economy.

Bukhara State University acts as a neutral platform where regional and district authorities meet local residents to discuss employment, poverty and local development issues. In 2025 the university brought together the Bukhara Regional Tourism Department, Kagan District Khokimiyat and residents of Choloki mahalla of Kagan district to discuss how tourism can raise the incomes of low-income families, within the national Programme on increasing the incomes of poor families through new tourism services (Annex 11 to Presidential Resolution No. PQ-12 of 17 January 2025).

On 24 January 2025 the university hosted the forum “Training qualified personnel and introducing international education programmes into vocational education”.

More than 400 participants took part: the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Bukhara Regional Khokimiyat and district khokimiyats, the Institute for the Development of Professional Education, heads of vocational education departments of Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Samarkand and Navoi regions, heads of vocational colleges, representatives of 180 large employers and a delegation of the German company AVESTOS GmbH. The forum discussed the gap between the skills produced by vocational colleges and the needs of employers, dual (work-based) education and the introduction of international education programmes. As a result, more than 20 cooperation agreements on dual education were signed between vocational colleges and employers.