On the fourth day of the 25th session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), held in the historic city of Samarkand, an event of significant importance took place - the Global Educational Forum. The forum brought together more than 1,200 foreign and domestic specialists and experts from over 30 countries, all sharing a common interest in shaping the future of the tourism industry through education.
Notable participants included delegates from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Great Britain, Greece, India, Italy, Iran, and Spain, alongside educators and administrators from higher and professional institutions dedicated to training future tourism professionals. The event was presided over by the first Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Komiljon Karimov.
The Global Educational Forum served as a platform to showcase the role of education in influencing the trajectory of the tourism sector. Attendees were presented with a comprehensive overview of educational programs and strategies that aim to propel the industry forward, along with the objectives, vision, and concrete actions to realize these ambitions. Crucial policy issues were also deliberated upon, emphasizing the importance of innovation and education to meet the evolving demands of the tourism industry, both now and in the future.
The first keynote address, "Education, Investing in the Future," centered on the opportunities and challenges linked to investing in education within the context of the tourism industry. The speakers underscored the need for a coordinated approach to innovation and investment in tourism education, recognizing it as an essential driver of industry development.
The second keynote address, "Unleashing the Potential of Tomorrow: Transforming Technology, Innovation, and Education for a Limitless Future," delved into the latest technological advancements and educational trends relevant to the field of tourism. The discussion brought to light the ever-growing role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of the industry.
A noteworthy outcome of the Global Educational Forum was the signing of approximately 30 memorandums of understanding. These agreements are intended to foster bilateral cooperation between higher and professional educational institutions engaged in training the next generation of tourism professionals. This emphasis on collaboration is expected to further elevate the quality of education and prepare students for the dynamic and evolving world of tourism.
Uzbekistan has made significant strides in the realm of tourism education over the past three years. The country has witnessed a rapid expansion in specialized higher educational institutions, with the number growing from 16 to 30. This expansion has had a direct impact on student enrollment, which has surged from 4,100 to 11,500.
Notably, in 2018, on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage "Silk Road" was established in Samarkand. This institution has since become one of the leading educational establishments in the country dedicated to the field of tourism, reaffirming Uzbekistan's commitment to building a well-educated workforce to meet the evolving needs of the global tourism industry.
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