Among the significant outcomes of the Third Uzbek-Hungarian Rectors’ Forum was the signing of an agreement between Semmelweis University and the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the establishment of several new university partnerships.
At the event held in Samarkand, Jizzakh, and Tashkent from March 5–7, 2026, the Hungarian delegation was led by Béla Merkely, President of the Hungarian Rectors’ Conference and Rector of Semmelweis University. A more than thirty-strong Hungarian delegation participated in the forum. The central theme of the event was the future of higher education in the digital era, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, innovative educational models, and creating globally competitive universities. During the three-day program, representatives of Hungarian and Uzbek higher education institutions discussed further opportunities for cooperation through plenary sessions, thematic sessions, and bilateral consultations.
At the opening of the forum, Béla Merkely emphasized the strengthening of ties between the higher education institutions of the two countries.
The forum also provided an opportunity for participating universities to conclude new partnerships. Semmelweis University signed agreements with four Uzbek higher education institutions: Samarkand State Medical University, Tashkent State Medical University, Navoi State University, and the International University of Turkic States. The aim of these partnerships is to expand educational and research cooperation, strengthen student and faculty mobility, and launch joint scientific projects and training programs. In connection with the forum, the delegation also paid professional visits to Samarkand State Medical University and Tashkent State Medical University, where they discussed specific opportunities for future educational and research collaboration with the leaders of the institutions.
The program continued on the second day in the city of Jizzakh, where the Hungarian and Uzbek delegations attended the opening of the INNO Technopark and gained insight into the region’s industrial and innovation developments. To conclude the three-day program, on March 7, the Semmelweis University delegation visited the Uzbek Olympic Village, where they were received by Adkham Ikramov, Minister of Sports, and Oybek Kasimov, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
At the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Semmelweis University and the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The aim of the agreement is to strengthen professional and scientific cooperation in the fields of sports medicine, space medicine, and rehabilitation medicine. The partnership could create opportunities for launching joint research programs, training courses, and sports health projects, contributing to the development of competitive sports and sports science in both countries.
Semmelweis University was represented in the delegation by Béla Merkely, along with Tamás Hegedüs and Klaudia Vivien Nagy.
Source: https://semmelweis.hu/english/2026/03/new-partnerships-at-the-third-uzbek-hungarian-rectors-forum/