A central pillar of this engagement is the growing cooperation in Uzbekistan, in particular with TIIAME National Research University. This partnership focuses on shared priorities such as land and water management, post-mining and landscape restoration, and capacity development through joint teaching and training activities. Cooperation with TIIAME reflects UNU-FLORES’ commitment to strengthening academic exchange and applied research in Central Asia, while supporting the development of locally grounded expertise aligned with international sustainability agendas.
In parallel, UNU-FLORES is deepening its engagement with Tajikistan, following the partnership agreement formalised in 2024 between the United Nations University and the Republic of Tajikistan. Building on this framework, a UNU-FLORES delegation will travel to Tajikistan in early March 2026 to conduct expert consultations and institutional meetings in Dushanbe. The mission is linked to ongoing analytical work on critical raw materials, sustainable resource governance, and investment opportunities, and aims to strengthen cooperation with national authorities and sectoral stakeholders in support of evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development.
UNU-FLORES is also closely following and supporting discussions on the future institutional presence of UNU in Central Asia. In this context, the initiative by Kazakhstan to establish a UNU institute in Almaty represents an important opportunity to further anchor activities in the region. UNU-FLORES stands ready to contribute its expertise in interdisciplinary sustainability science, resource nexus approaches, and international academic cooperation to support this initiative.
Taken together, these activities reflect the growing and long-term commitment of UNU-FLORES to Central Asia. Through academic partnerships, parallel country engagements, and involvement in institutional development, UNU-FLORES aims to support the region in addressing complex sustainability challenges while fostering knowledge exchange between Central Asian partners and the global UNU network.
