ICBA and Green University Forge Partnership to Promote Sustainable Agriculture in Uzbekistan
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has officially entered into a collaboration with the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies, commonly known as Green University, by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to advance agricultural research, capacity development, and sustainability initiatives in Uzbekistan.
The MoU was signed in a ceremony held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, by Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, and Dr. Jasur Salikhov, Acting Rector of Green University. The event was attended by H.E. Mohammad AlDaheri, Head of Economic, Political, and Media Affairs at the UAE Embassy in Tashkent.
This collaboration is set to foster closer cooperation between the two institutions in key areas such as joint agricultural research projects, innovation in agricultural practices, and capacity-building programs. The partnership will offer internship and fellowship opportunities for Green University students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge agricultural techniques. Additionally, the agreement includes plans to organize workshops, conferences, webinars, and other knowledge-exchange events to further promote agricultural science in the region.
A significant focus of this partnership will be on empowering women in agriculture, enhancing their research and leadership skills. Both ICBA and Green University will seek funding for joint projects and will actively share scientific materials, publications, and other relevant information to support their collaborative efforts.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, expressed her optimism about the partnership: “Our collaboration with Green University will allow us to pool our resources and expertise to achieve common goals in sustainable development, particularly in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. By leveraging our capacities, we aim to tackle critical challenges in agriculture and contribute to food security, livelihoods, and sustainability at both the national and regional levels. We are eager to implement our plans and develop innovative solutions for sustainable agrifood systems, especially in saline and arid environments.”
Dr. Jasur Salikhov, Acting Rector of Green University, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: “Green University is pleased to announce this new strategic partnership with ICBA. Our collaboration aims to create a more resilient and sustainable future for food systems and local communities in Uzbekistan through joint scientific research, innovative agricultural practices, capacity building, and youth empowerment initiatives.”
Dr. Charbel Tarraf, Chief Operations and Development Officer at ICBA, added: “Youth engagement is a priority in our capacity development programs. By working closely with academic institutions, we aim to provide young people with the resources and opportunities needed to engage in scientific research and innovation. This partnership will allow students from Green University to benefit from ICBA’s tailored capacity development offerings.”
This partnership builds on ICBA’s ongoing efforts to support sustainable agricultural development in Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region. Earlier in 2024, ICBA’s management met with senior government officials and other partners in Uzbekistan to explore further collaboration opportunities. These initiatives are part of ICBA’s broader mission to build strategic alliances worldwide, promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, and improved livelihoods.
