The European Union, UNDP, and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation marked the completion of a four-year project that provided education and entrepreneurship support to over 700 Afghan citizens in the Surkhandarya region. The project, titled "Enhancing the Capacities of Surkhandarya Region to Educate and Train Afghan Citizens," was celebrated at a Career Festival and closing ceremony at the Educational Centre for Training Afghan Citizens (ECTAC) in Termez on 25 June 2026.
The initiative, launched in 2022 with a total budget of €2 million, offered bachelor's degree programs and technical training in IT, tourism, and agribusiness. A mini-grant program provided seed capital and equipment for graduates to start businesses, creating jobs and fostering economic integration with local host communities. The project also handed over a Digital Learning Platform, an IT Hub, and an EU Knowledge Centre to ECTAC, permanently upgrading the region's educational infrastructure.
EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar said the project's legacy is "not just the impressive infrastructure we leave behind, but the enduring spirit of collaboration and the bright economic futures these talented graduates will build." UNDP Resident Representative Akiko Fujii highlighted that the project gave Afghan citizens, particularly women, tools to strengthen livelihoods and contribute to Surkhandarya's economic development.
Uzbek officials praised the collaboration. Special Representative for Afghanistan Ismatilla Ergashev called it "a shining example of our nation's commitment to regional prosperity." Deputy Minister of Higher Education Uktam Salomov noted that ECTAC has become "a premier hub of modern learning and innovation." Deputy Khokim of Surkhandarya Oybek Ashurov said the project demonstrates how education and skills development contribute to local economic growth.
The project's completion establishes a blueprint for inclusive, community-driven development, with the EU and UNDP reaffirming their partnership with Uzbekistan to foster regional prosperity.