On 16 December, IAIS Deputy Director Shakhboz Akhmedov and Research Fellow Mushtariy Usmonova visited the office of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan to meet with the Head of Mission, Ambassador Antti Karttunen.

During the meeting, Shakhboz Akhmedov presented an overview of the Institute's activities and key directions, emphasising the desire to expand co-operation in the educational and research spheres. Special attention was paid to the plans to organise trainings and projects related to leadership, strategic communications and water issues.

Ambassador Antti Karttunen, in turn, presented OSCE priorities in Uzbekistan, focusing on educational initiatives and security issues. He noted the interest in co-operation with the IAIS and stressed the importance of working together in such areas as the organisation of educational programmes, climate research and strengthening regional security. In particular, it was proposed to intensify interaction on water diplomacy and sustainable resource management, which is of particular relevance for Central Asia.

The parties expressed mutual readiness to coordinate efforts, exchange experience and joint implementation of educational and research projects. As a result of the meeting, it was agreed to support a continuous dialogue aimed at strengthening the partnership between IAIS and the OSCE to address current regional challenges and promote sustainable development in the region.