The Importance of Dual Education and Strategic Partnership for National Prosperity and the Advancement of Youth
In today's era of rapid globalization and climate change, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has become one of the most pressing priorities on a global scale. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, the system for training specialists who possess intellectual potential, think independently and analytically, and fully meet contemporary requirements needs to be raised to a new level. In this regard, mutually beneficial cooperation between higher education institutions and non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) serves as an important foundation. A vivid example of this is the professional internship program organized for students within the framework of the memorandum signed between Diplomat University and the Sustainable Development Center, an NGO.
Specifically, from June 22 to July 17, 2026, second-year students of the "International Relations" program at Diplomat University are completing a 20-day intensive professional internship at the Sustainable Development Center. During this period, the students gained an in-depth understanding — from both legal and practical perspectives — of the UN's global "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" program, as well as of Resolution No. 83 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan of February 21, 2022, "On Additional Measures to Accelerate the Implementation of National Goals and Objectives in the Field of Sustainable Development for the Period up to 2030," which was adopted within its framework. In addition, they thoroughly analyzed the work of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) — an authoritative scientific and economic network operating under the auspices of the UN — and the system for assessing countries' positions in the ranking of the Global Sustainable Development Report (SDR).
During the internship, the young researchers studied the activities of governmental and non-governmental organizations, leading universities, and research centers working to improve sustainable development indicators in the Russian Federation and the countries of Central Asia. Having identified systemic problems and shortcomings in these regions and analyzed their particular solutions, they drew on the advanced experience of foreign countries to formulate a package of effective practical proposals applicable specifically to the conditions of Uzbekistan. In carrying out such complex tasks, the students significantly strengthened their practical skills and competencies, including working with statistical data, official sources, and regulatory and legal documents; making effective use of modern computer technologies; working within a team of specialists; and observing strict labor discipline.
At the conclusion of the internship, a scientific and practical round table on the theme "Youth and Sustainable Development" — organized with the participation of the leadership of the Sustainable Development Center, department heads, and students — provided a convenient forum for exchanging views and putting forward new ideas. There, the students presented their final presentations, reflecting the analytical data they had prepared on the SDGs assigned to them, the conclusions of foreign experts, and their own proposals. The Center's leadership highly praised the analytical potential and practical results of the young specialists. It was particularly noted at the meeting that the Sustainable Development Goals today open the door to enormous scientific, social, and professional opportunities for young people, and that their creative approach to solving pressing problems is a driving force behind the development of society.
The round-table participants emphasized the need to further expand the scope of such practical activities, organized on the basis of the memorandum between the higher education institution and the NGO. In particular, it is advisable to widely introduce the form of dual education within the higher education system in order to organically link the theoretical knowledge students acquire during their studies with practice directly in the working environment. Such systematic cooperation lays the groundwork for students to become genuine specialists and mature professionals in their field. This, in turn, will undoubtedly contribute to the further advancement of our country's socioeconomic prosperity and its standing on the international stage.