Tashkent, Uzbekistan – October 10, 2025 — Central Asian University (CAU) hosted a key Monitoring Meeting as part of the EU-funded Erasmus+ project CirculEC, which supports the integration of circular economy principles into higher education across Central Asia.
Held in a hybrid format at CAU’s Tashkent campus, the event brought together over 50 participants, including academics from Central Asian and European partner universities, industry partners, and education stakeholders. The program featured presentations on new and updated academic modules, interactive classroom sessions under the "Circularity in Play" initiative, a student-led Circular World Exhibition, and a tour of CAU’s green campus infrastructure.
As one of 11 Central Asian universities in the CirculEC consortium, CAU has developed nine specialized modules—including two new courses: Circular Economy and Sustainable Development and Sustainable Business Practices. These are integrated into the Business School and School of Architecture & Design, equipping students with practical skills in sustainability, circular business models, and green entrepreneurship.
The event aligns with Uzbekistan’s "Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy" (2025) and the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy. CAU also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability through its Climate Action Plan 2030and Net Zero Program 2035, supported by partnerships with companies like AKFA Group and Huawei Tech Investment.
“Education is the foundation of Uzbekistan’s green transformation,” said Mrs. Shirin Yunusova, CAU Vice-Rector for Research & Innovation. “Through CirculEC, we are shaping future leaders in sustainability across the region.”
“Education is the foundation of Uzbekistan’s green transformation,” said Mrs. Shirin Yunusova, CAU Vice-Rector for Research & Innovation. “Through CirculEC, we are shaping future leaders in sustainability across the region.”
The CirculEC project aims to impact over 1,100 students region-wide by introducing 27 new modules and updating 27 existing courses in bachelor’s, master’s, and lifelong learning programs. CAU’s monitoring meeting is part of a broader regional tour that includes stops in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
By integrating circular economy thinking into both teaching and campus operations, Central Asian University demonstrates its leadership in sustainability education and its readiness to support Uzbekistan’s ambitious environmental and climate goals.
By integrating circular economy thinking into both teaching and campus operations, Central Asian University demonstrates its leadership in sustainability education and its readiness to support Uzbekistan’s ambitious environmental and climate goals.
