On August 19, 2026, the annual scheduled meeting of the Council of Rectors and representatives of universities participating in the University of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (USCO) of the Republic of Tajikistan, which includes 11 leading universities of the Republic of Tajikistan, was held at the Tajik State University of Commerce.

The event was organized by the National Rectory of the SCO University of the Republic of Tajikistan, operating on the basis of the Tajik State University of Commerce, with the aim of further developing and coordinating the activities of Tajik universities within the SCO University network, as well as implementing the decisions of the SCO University Coordination Council.

The meeting was held in a hybrid in‑person and remote format with the participation of heads and representatives of higher education institutions of the Republic of Tajikistan that are members of the SCO University.

The main focus during the meeting was on reviewing the current state of cooperation between Tajik universities within the framework of the SCO University, promising areas for the development of educational and scientific collaboration, as well as preparing materials and proposals in accordance with the decisions of the SCO University Coordination Council.

Of particular importance was the discussion of issues related to the upcoming visit of the SCO University Rectorate delegation to the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as identifying further steps to enhance the participation of Tajik universities in implementing joint educational and research projects.

During the meeting, the participants considered a wide range of issues on the agenda. During the meeting, the National Rector of the SCO University of the Republic of Tajikistan, Rector of the Tajik State University of Commerce, Professor Nazarzoda Khairullo Holnazar, also informed the participants about the progress in implementing the decisions of the previous meeting of the SCO University Coordination Council, which was held on April 29, 2016, at the Patrice Lumumba Russian University of Friendship of Nations.

The speech emphasized that the participation of Tajik universities in the activities of the SCO University creates additional opportunities for the development of international academic cooperation, the expansion of inter‑university ties, the implementation of joint educational programs and research projects, the enhancement of academic mobility for teachers and students, as well as the development of modern competencies that are in demand in the context of the digital transformation of the economy and society.

Special attention was paid to the development of digital education and digital competencies, the expansion of scientific cooperation between universities of the SCO member states, and the intensification of Tajik educational organizations’ participation in the multifaceted projects of the SCO University.

The meeting participants noted the need to further strengthen cooperation between the universities of the Republic of Tajikistan — participants of the SCO University, to ensure systematic coordination of their activities and to increase the effectiveness of their participation in international educational and scientific initiatives.

Based on the discussion, priority areas for further work have been identified for the National Rectory and the universities participating in the SCO University of the Republic of Tajikistan, and relevant proposals and organizational measures have been agreed upon.

Holding the meeting of the Council of Rectors was an important step in preparing the Tajik side for the upcoming SCO University events and for further expanding international cooperation in the field of education and science.

The National Rectorate of the SCO University of the Republic of Tajikistan expresses confidence that the consistent coordination of the activities of the universities and the active participation of the Tajik side in the implementation of the SCO University’s initiatives will contribute to strengthening educational, scientific and innovative cooperation between the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Tajik State University of Commerce, National Rectorate of the SCO University of the Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, August 19, 2026