Fostering EU Knowledge and Sustainability Practices in Uzbekistan: The Jean Monnet Module on European Sustainable Development and Sustainability Science

forthcoming

The Jean Monnet “Teaching and Research” Module on European Sustainable Development and Sustainability Science (ESDSS) integrates EU sustainability policies into Uzbekistan’s higher education and policy landscape. Led by the Samarkand branch of Tashkent State University of Economics (SbTSUE), the project builds on the successful experiences of UZWATER and the SDSS course, strengthening EU-Uzbek collaboration in sustainability education and research. The ESDSS Module consists of three structured courses each 3 ECTS (total: 270 teaching hours, 90 hours or 3 ECTS per course), covering the European Green Deal, Circular Economy, and Farm to Fork Strategy. These courses will be delivered using a hybrid model (offline-online) and co-taught by Swedish and Uzbek faculty, ensuring 270 students and 45 professionals acquire specialized knowledge in EU sustainability policies over three years. Beyond academic training, the Module actively engages policymakers and civil society through nine major outreach events (three annual conferences and six public seminars) to foster EU-Uzbek dialogue on sustainability governance. Additionally, six policy briefs will be developed, providing concrete recommendations aligned with Uzbekistan’s 2030 Green Economy Strategy (PQ-4477). Faculty development is a key pillar, with training workshops enhancing the capacity of 15 SbTSUE faculty members to teach and research EU sustainability topics. By embedding these modules into SbTSUE’s curriculum, the project ensures long-term sustainability beyond EU funding. The initiative strengthens EU public diplomacy, showcasing the EU’s leadership in sustainability and expanding its visibility in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. By institutionalizing EU-focused courses, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, and enhancing policy dialogue, ESDSS delivers lasting academic, institutional, and societal impact, shaping sustainability governance in Uzbekistan while reinforcing EU-Uzbek collaboration.