The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has signed an agriculture-focused MoU with the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies, also known as Green University, aimed at advancing agricultural research and development in Uzbekistan.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will cover a number of areas, including joint projects and programs designed to enhance agricultural science and innovation and capacity development.
A particular emphasis will be placed on empowering women in agriculture by developing their research and leadership skills, it was shared.
Both institutions will seek funding for joint projects and will actively exchange scientific materials, publications, and other relevant information to support their collaborative efforts.
The MoU will also facilitate internship and fellowship opportunities for Green University students, and covers organising workshops, conferences, webinars, and other events to promote knowledge exchange and agricultural science.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, commented: “Our collaboration with Green University will make it possible to combine our resources and efforts to achieve common goals in sustainable development in Uzbekistan in particular and Central Asia as a whole.
“By leveraging our capacity and expertise, we will work to address critical challenges in agriculture and contribute to food security, livelihoods and sustainability at the national and regional levels. We look forward to putting our plans into action and developing innovative solutions for sustainable agrifood systems, especially in saline and arid environments.”
Dr. Charbel Tarraf, Chief Operations and Development at ICBA, added: “As we give youth engagement a priority in our capacity development programs, we work closely with academic institutions in different countries. We believe it is important to provide young people with resources and opportunities to engage in scientific research and innovation.
“Therefore, we offer a wide range of tailor-made programs to students, including internships and fellowships. And this partnership will allow students from Green University to benefit ICBA’s capacity development offerings,” Tarraf said.