Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.
Central Asian University recognizes that achieving sustainable progress requires strong partnerships built on trust, shared vision, and collective action. In alignment with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the university actively collaborates with academic institutions, research centers, industry leaders, and international organizations to advance education, innovation, and social responsibility.

Through these partnerships, CAU strengthens institutional capacity, promotes knowledge exchange, and expands opportunities for students and faculty to engage in global initiatives. By fostering networks that unite diverse expertise from medicine and engineering to business and sustainability Central Asian University contributes to building an interconnected academic community dedicated to solving local and global challenges together.
Tripartite Partnership for Sustainable Urban Development

Central Asian University’s School of Architecture and Design has taken a significant step toward real-world engagement by launching a strategic collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - the German Agency for International Cooperation - and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This partnership represents a powerful model of cooperation between government, academia, and international expertise, aimed at fostering sustainable regional development and innovative urban planning solutions. The collaboration engages CAU students and faculty in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that address real challenges in spatial planning, infrastructure, and community design.

Together with GIZ experts and government representatives, CAU is working to integrate international sustainability standards into architectural education and practice. Planned activities include developing eco-friendly master plans, smart city models, and environmentally responsible design strategies that enhance urban quality and economic efficiency.
Through joint workshops, seminars, and field studies, this initiative provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life contexts while contributing to Uzbekistan’s sustainable urban transformation. The long-term vision of the partnership is to build a generation of architects and designers who can think globally and act locally advancing both national progress and the global sustainability agenda.
UniCEN Program - U.S.- Central Asia University Partnerships
Central Asian University is an active member of the UniCEN Program, implemented by the American Councils for International Education and supported by the U.S. Embassy. This program aims to promote academic cooperation between universities in the United States and Central Asia, focusing on mutual learning, innovation, and environmental awareness. Through this initiative, CAU engages in curriculum development that integrates environmental education and sustainability principles, student-led projects focused on climate and community development, and academic exchanges that connect faculty members with global peers. The partnership provides students and staff with valuable opportunities to collaborate on applied research, attend workshops, and participate in sustainability-themed innovation challenges. As a result, UniCEN has become a vital platform for CAU’s efforts to internationalize its educational practices and build capacity in environmental and social responsibility.
Erasmus+ Program - CirculEC Project

CAU is one of the partner institutions in the Erasmus+ CirculEC Project, an initiative funded by the European Union that promotes the introduction of circular economy and sustainable development concepts into higher education in Central Asia. Through this project, CAU’s academic departments and faculty members have collaborated with European universities to design new course modules on sustainability, green business models, and waste reduction strategies.
The project also provides extensive faculty training and professional development workshops, allowing lecturers to gain expertise in modern sustainability education methods. Participation in CirculEC has supported the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals across CAU’s curriculum, while also encouraging joint publications, conferences, and research projects on environmental innovation. This collaboration plays a key role in enhancing CAU’s academic quality, strengthening regional cooperation, and ensuring that sustainability remains an essential part of higher education in Uzbekistan.
Hilton Tashkent City Partnership- Green Hospitality Education

CAU’s partnership with Hilton Tashkent City reflects its commitment to advancing sustainability within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Through this collaboration, students from the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism gain access to real-world learning environments where they can apply classroom knowledge to professional practice. Hilton experts regularly conduct guest lectures and workshops focusing on sustainable hotel operations, energy efficiency, and waste management. The partnership also offers structured internship programs that enable students to experience international service standards and develop skills in eco-friendly business management. By combining academic preparation with industry-based training, CAU and Hilton Tashkent City are shaping a new generation of professionals equipped to promote responsible tourism and sustainable hospitality practices in Uzbekistan and beyond.
Joint Research and Regional Projects

Central Asian University continuously strengthens its research portfolio through international collaborations focused on sustainability and environmental innovation. Joint projects with universities from Kazakhstan, Germany, and the Netherlands have explored themes such as circular economy implementation, urban resilience to climate change, and digital tools for sustainable development. These research initiatives have led to several co-authored publications in Scopus and Web of Science–indexed journals, enhancing CAU’s visibility and impact in the global academic community. The university’s participation in such projects not only builds its research capacity but also contributes directly to regional knowledge exchange and the promotion of sustainable growth in Central Asia.
Youth Engagement and Global Forums
Recognizing that sustainable development begins with youth, CAU actively supports student participation in international forums and competitions related to climate action and sustainability leadership. Students have represented the university at regional and global events, including the Youth for Sustainability Forum in Almaty, the Green Solutions Ideathon with ASEAN and CIS student teams, and Model COP Conferences organized with UK partners. These experiences empower students to develop global competencies, leadership skills, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. The university’s ongoing efforts to encourage youth participation reinforce its mission to cultivate future leaders who can contribute meaningfully to sustainable development at local, national, and international levels.

Impact and Outlook
Through its partnerships and collaborative initiatives, Central Asian University continues to build a strong global network for sustainability education and research. Since 2022, the university has initiated several international sustainability projects, with over forty students taking part in global climate and innovation programs. These achievements demonstrate CAU’s commitment to creating transformative partnerships that strengthen institutional capacity, promote inclusive education, and support sustainable development across borders. Looking ahead, CAU aims to expand its network of international collaborations, deepen interdisciplinary research, and continue positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainability-oriented higher education.
Strengthening Global Partnerships in Healthcare Innovation

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasizes the importance of global partnerships to achieve sustainable progress, Central Asian University continues to foster strong international collaborations in medical education and healthcare innovation. One notable example is the visit of Dr. Nadeem Rahman, a distinguished Anesthesiologist, Intensivist, and Healthcare Executive from Cleveland Clinic (USA and Abu Dhabi). His visit strengthened the ongoing strategic partnership between CAU and Cleveland Clinic a collaboration designed to advance clinical excellence, research capacity, and healthcare innovation in Uzbekistan. Dr. Rahman, who serves as Vice-Chair for Enterprise Outreach, Intensive Care & Resuscitation at Cleveland Clinic and is an Assistant Professor at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, met with CAU’s faculty and students to exchange expertise and discuss best practices in evidence-based medicine, leadership, and digital healthcare transformation
During his visit, Dr. Rahman toured CAU’s Bloomberg Center and Simulation Center, where he commended the university’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and integration of simulation-based learning into the curriculum. He led an interactive session emphasizing that true excellence in medicine depends on teamwork, compassion, and lifelong learning

This partnership also extends to the construction of the CAU Hospital, the first medical center in Central Asia being developed in partnership with Cleveland Clinic Connected. The facility will serve as a Center of Excellence for education, clinical practice, and research combining international medical standards with local expertise to improve healthcare outcomes and sustainability in the region. Through this collaboration, CAU reinforces its commitment to SDG 17 by fostering international cooperation, sharing knowledge, and building sustainable systems of healthcare education that connect Uzbekistan with leading global institutions.

Advancing Healthcare through Strategic Global Partnerships


In support of Sustainable Development Goal 17, which calls for strengthening global partnerships to achieve sustainable progress, Central Asian University continues to collaborate with leading international organizations and industry innovators to transform healthcare in Uzbekistan. A key example of this commitment is the strategic partnership between AKFA Medline Social, Roche Diagnostics, and Central Asian University, established to advance laboratory medicine and digital healthcare solutions in the region. This long-term agreement marks a major milestone in building a more innovative, efficient, and accessible medical ecosystem in Uzbekistan.

Through this partnership, Roche Diagnostics, a global leader in laboratory diagnostics and personalized medicine, will provide state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, reagents, and digital solutions to support the AKFA Medline Social project implemented by AKFA Group in collaboration with CAU and AKFA Medline University Hospital. Key areas of cooperation include automated clinical chemistry and immunodiagnostic systems, molecular and infectious disease diagnostics, hematology and biochemistry instruments, and advanced software for laboratory workflow management and analytics.

A major focus of the collaboration is digital integration and innovation. A unified digital platform based on Roche technologies will enable streamlined laboratory monitoring and test processing, supported by artificial intelligence tools to improve diagnostic precision, speed, and predictive capabilities. In the long term, a unified patient database will connect diagnostic results with physician reports, strengthening continuity of care and data-driven clinical decision-making.

Beyond infrastructure, the partnership emphasizes education and research. CAU and Roche Diagnostics will jointly design professional training and certification programs for healthcare specialists, equipping them with skills in laboratory management, clinical analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, joint research initiatives will explore advancements in early diagnostics, preventive medicine, and sustainable healthcare systems.

This cooperation reflects a shared strategic vision to shape a new generation of medicine in Uzbekistan that is accessible, digital, and human-centered. By merging global expertise with local innovation, the partnership aligns with SDG 17 by fostering international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building to enhance healthcare quality and resilience across the country.
Central Asian University and Cleveland Clinic Sign Strategic Partnership to Develop CAU Hospital in Uzbekistan

Cleveland Clinic and Central Asian University have signed a long-term strategic agreement under the Cleveland Clinic Connected program to collaborate on the development of Central Asian University Hospital in Tashkent. The partnership reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, strengthening international cooperation in healthcare and education.Through this collaboration, Cleveland Clinic will guide CAU in hospital design, medical education, nursing training, and digital transformation ensuring the new 120-bed hospital meets global standards and can serve up to 269,000 patients annually. The initiative also includes staff training, exchange programs, and access to Cleveland Clinic’s best clinical practices, fostering knowledge sharing and capacity building. This partnership marks a major step toward developing a modern, patient-centered healthcare system in Uzbekistan based on global expertise and sustainable collaboration.
Central Asian University and Euromed School Sign Memorandum of Cooperation
Central Asian University and Euromed School have officially signed a memorandum of cooperation, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership in the field of medical education. This collaboration aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, promoting international cooperation and knowledge exchange to improve healthcare education.

During the meeting, representatives from both institutions discussed plans for joint projects aimed at enhancing the quality of education and preparing future medical professionals to meet global standards. The partnership will focus on organizing educational events, fostering academic exchange, and creating opportunities for the professional development of students and faculty.

Euromed School, known for its expertise in training medical professionals, offers advanced educational programs that adhere to international standards making it a valuable partner in advancing CAU’s mission to develop globally competent healthcare specialists.

The delegation, led by Dr. Gumkwang Bae, Dean of International Affairs, met with Prof. Erdogan Ekiz, Prof. Odiljon Abdurazzakov, Prof. Ahmed Aziz, and Ms. Tatyana Li to discuss potential initiatives, including student exchange programs, joint research projects, and academic partnerships in the fields of Hospitality Management, Tourism, and Intelligent Computing. Following the discussions, the guests toured CAU’s modern campus and visited the Hospitality Management & Tourism School’s demonstration guest rooms, designed to provide students with real-world learning experiences.


The visit concluded with a shared commitment from both institutions to promote long-term cooperation through international academic exchange and collaborative research contributing to global knowledge sharing and educational advancement in Central Asia.

Central Asian University Advances Circular Economy Education in Uzbekistan

Central Asian University hosted a key Monitoring Meeting under the EU-funded Erasmus+ CirculEC Project titled “Development of Innovative Curricula and Modules in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development” (Project No. 101129169). The event took place on October 10 at the CAU campus in Tashkent and gathered more than 50 experts and academics from Central Asia and Europe to review progress in integrating circular economy principles into higher education.
During the meeting, CAU showcased nine new and updated academic modules, including Circular Economy and Sustainable Development and Sustainable Business Practices. The event also featured a Circular World Exhibition led by students, along with classroom demonstrations under the theme Circularity in Play. Participants were invited to tour CAU’s campus to observe its sustainability-oriented infrastructure and green initiatives.
As a member of the CirculEC consortium, which includes eleven Central Asian and three European universities, CAU actively contributes to international academic cooperation and knowledge exchange. These efforts directly support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting sustainable practices and fostering global collaboration in education and research. Aligned with Uzbekistan’s “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy 2025” and the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, CAU continues to advance its Climate Action Plan 2030 and Net Zero 2035 programs. Through these initiatives, the university strengthens its role as a leader in sustainability education and contributes to national and international efforts toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Partnerships for the Goals - SDG 17

17.1 University Involvement in National and Regional SDG Policy Development and Implementation

Central Asian University plays an active and collaborative role in shaping Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) policies at both national and regional levels. The university contributes through partnerships with government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international experts to support evidence-based policy development, monitoring, and adaptive management.
CAU’s engagement includes:

  • Participating in EU-funded projects like Erasmus+ CirculEC, which advances circular economy education aligned with Uzbekistan’s national environmental strategies and SDG commitments.
  • Hosting international experts such as Dr. Alireza Mokhtar, founder of the NGO PathWay2050, to foster knowledge exchange on climate mitigation, carbon reduction technologies, and sustainable energy policies. This collaboration strengthens regional capacity for policy modelling, monitoring, and adaptive management.
  • Organizing academic visits and partnerships, exemplified by cooperation with Josip Juraj Strossmayer University (Croatia), to facilitate joint research, publications, and international dialogue supporting SDG implementation.

Through these multifaceted efforts, CAU bridges academia, NGOs, and policymakers to address sustainability challenges, inform national strategies, and contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The university’s role exemplifies how higher education institutions can drive innovation and responsible governance in sustainable development.

17.2 Central Asian University’s Role in Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on SDGs

Central Asian University, as part of the AKFA Group holding, actively initiates and participates in cross-sectoral dialogues involving government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Key examples include:

  • National Employers’ Conference on Poverty Reduction (2025): AKFA served as the General Sponsor, bringing together ministries, UNDP, and private sector stakeholders to strategize on poverty alleviation through innovation and partnership.
  • European Economy Days 2024: CAU and AKFA representatives engaged with government officials and international partners to discuss Uzbekistan’s economic integration, WTO accession, and export growth, reinforcing economic sustainability aligned with SDGs.
  • Erasmus+ GreenEngine Project: CAU faculty lead a capacity-building project with regional and European universities to innovate engineering education focused on sustainability and the European Green Deal, supporting national green economy goals.

Through these initiatives, CAU fosters multi-sector collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue, strengthening Uzbekistan’s progress toward sustainable development and demonstrating leadership in SDG-related partnerships.

17.3 Central Asian University’s Participation in International Collaboration on SDG Data

Central Asian University actively engages in international collaboration to support SDG-related education and data initiatives. A notable example is its involvement in the Erasmus+ Capacity Building Project titled “Fostering Creative Engineering for a Sustainable Green World (GreenEngine).”

This project is implemented jointly with leading universities from Uzbekistan, Georgia, Italy, Turkey, and Greece. It aims to transform engineering education by integrating sustainability, innovation, and creative thinking, aligned with the European Green Deal.

Through this collaboration, CAU contributes to developing educational frameworks and tools that enhance the understanding and measurement of sustainability challenges, thereby supporting evidence-based approaches to global environmental issues related to the SDGs.

17.4 Central Asian University’s Role in Reviewing Comparative Approaches and Developing International Best Practices for the SDGs

In the 2025 academic year, Central Asian University (CAU) produced 102 scholarly publications, with 28 dedicated to sustainability research, showcasing its strong commitment to tackling global challenges through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social responsibility.

These sustainability-focused research outputs cover a broad spectrum of disciplines:

  • Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering:
  • Research such as the “Energy, Exergy, Economic, and Environmental Analyses (4E) of Geothermal Power Plant with Double Flash System” advances practical, clean energy solutions supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
  • Biotechnology and Health Sustainability:
  • Studies on “Bacillus subtilis in Energy Harvesting and Biosensing” and bioactive compounds for wound healing contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
  • Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability:
  • Publications on AI applications in medicine and secure data transfer enhance healthcare efficiency and sustainability, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 9.
  • Sustainable Education and Social Development:
  • Research on AI integration in English for Academic Purposes and gender equity in the digital platform economy supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

CAU’s multidisciplinary sustainability research not only enriches academic knowledge but also generates practical solutions applicable regionally and globally. This active research agenda exemplifies CAU’s leadership in developing and disseminating international best practices to address the SDGs.

Moreover, CAU fosters global dialogue and cooperation through events like MUN Tashkent, where students engage in simulations of international diplomacy, enhancing their understanding of global governance and sustainable development.

Through rigorous research and international collaboration, CAU continues to strengthen its role in reviewing comparative approaches and advancing best practices for sustainable development.

17.5 Collaboration with NGOs and International Organizations to Advance the SDGs

Central Asian University actively collaborates with NGOs and international bodies to promote the Sustainable Development Goals across multiple sectors. Notable examples include:

  • Global Health and Education: Dr. Mokshada Sharma from CAU participates in initiatives led by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), strengthening partnerships focused on quality education (SDG 4) and sustainable health and well-being (SDG 3).
  • Youth Leadership at the UN: CAU student Amina Narzullaeva represented Uzbekistan as a Young Leader at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Youth Forum in Vienna, promoting safer and healthier communities through youth engagement.
  • Climate Science and Energy: CAU hosted Dr. Alireza Mokhtar, founder of the NGO PathWay2050, who shared expertise on climate change mitigation and sustainable energy strategies, inspiring campus-wide engagement with SDG 13 (Climate Action).
  • International Research Collaboration: CAU faculty and students actively participate in global conferences and forums, presenting research on topics such as renewable energy, green economy, gender-sensitive climate action, and sustainable urban development. These collaborations advance SDGs related to clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), gender equality (SDG 5), and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

Through these multifaceted collaborations with NGOs, international organizations, and global research communities, CAU contributes to advancing the SDGs by fostering knowledge exchange, capacity building, and community engagement.

17.8 Dedicated Courses on Sustainability and the SDGs

Central Asian University offers a range of dedicated courses, both core and elective, that address sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across various disciplines. These courses integrate concepts such as circular economy, sustainable development, environmental management, and responsible business practices to equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to global sustainability efforts.

New Courses:

  1. Circular Economy and Sustainable Development (10 ECTS)
  2. Core module for economics bachelor’s students focusing on economic principles related to sustainability, resource efficiency, pollution control, and the transition to circular economic models. It covers environmental issues and policy tools, preparing students to analyze and address environmental challenges.
  3. Sustainable Business Practices (10 ECTS)
  4. Core module for international business bachelor’s students examining sustainable business practices through circular economy concepts, environmental impact, and policy evaluation, aimed at developing business-oriented solutions to sustainability challenges.

Updated Courses:
Business Law (10 ECTS)
Elective for international business, accounting, and finance students that includes legal aspects related to the circular economy, extended producer responsibility, and regulatory compliance supporting sustainable business.

Principles of Management (10 ECTS)
Core (and elective for some majors) module emphasizing management principles with integration of circular economy and sustainability concepts to foster responsible business practices.

Sustainable Architecture I (10 ECTS)
Core module for architecture and design students covering sustainable building design, energy use, green architecture principles, material selection, and ecological considerations.

Urban Planning and Design (10 ECTS)
Core module for architecture and design students offering a comprehensive study of sustainable urban theories, socio-economic factors, and practical urban design approaches, with case studies and data analysis.

Creative Economy (10 ECTS)
Core module for PR and media management students exploring the creative economy’s role in innovation, economic growth, and social change, with sustainability case studies.

Principles of Business (10 ECTS)
Introductory core module for various business-related majors, covering fundamental business areas with emerging global topics including circular economy principles.

Integrated Case Study (10 ECTS)
Core module for accounting, finance, and marketing students integrating business functions through case analysis, including circular economy, sustainability, and responsible business practices.