On March 15, 2026, a meeting of rectors of higher education institutions of the Republic was held at Samarkand State University of Architecture and Construction. The draft of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Measures for the Radical Transformation of the Higher Education, Science, and Innovation System” was discussed.

During the meeting, Ilhom Sirojev, Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Qo‘ng‘irotboy Sharipov, Minister of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education, Science and Innovation, highlighted the strategic importance of the draft decree, its role in fundamentally renewing the higher education, science, and innovation system, and its significance in advancing ongoing reforms to a new stage. The document also outlines priority tasks aimed at improving the efficiency of higher education institutions, supporting research activities, and widely introducing innovative approaches.

The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Baxtiyor Yuldashev, Director of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, and Sardor Rajabov, First Deputy Minister, on the main directions of the decree, its implementation mechanisms, and expected outcomes. The presentation focused on improving university governance, developing the education quality assessment system according to international standards, and closely linking science and innovation with production.

Discussions were constructive. Rectors provided suggestions and feedback on implementing the proposed reforms, enhancing the effectiveness of higher education institutions, strengthening scientific potential, and increasing the international competitiveness of universities. The feedback was noted as instrumental in further refining the draft decree and ensuring its practical effectiveness.