On November 27, 2024, the Swiss Embassy in Uzbekistan hosted a symposium titled “Discovering the Excellence of Swiss Education” at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent. Organized in collaboration with the Swiss Learning international network, the event brought together educators, innovators, and community leaders to discuss the impact of Swiss education on preparing individuals for modern challenges.
Strengths of Swiss Education
The symposium highlighted key features that make Swiss education well-regarded worldwide. Swiss institutions emphasize a balance between academic rigor and practical learning, fostering creativity, adaptability, and leadership. The event underscored how this educational model equips students with the tools to navigate a dynamic and competitive global environment.
Swiss education’s focus on innovation and interdisciplinary learning prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully across various fields. These principles have guided many alumni in applying their knowledge to solve contemporary issues, including in healthcare, technology, and social development.
Advancing Healthcare Through Partnerships in Uzbekistan
A significant part of the symposium was dedicated to showcasing collaborative initiatives between Switzerland and Uzbekistan, particularly in healthcare. One example was a keratoconus screening initiative led by Ms. Nikki Hafezi, ELZA’s CEO, and a graduate of ETH Zürich and the University of Bern. This project, undertaken with local NGOs, provided vision screenings to 117 families, identifying three children with keratoconus. These children received further medical consultations and guidance for managing the condition.
This initiative reflects how international collaborations can improve access to essential health services. The project also demonstrated how combining expertise with local partnerships can address community needs effectively.
Swiss Days in Uzbekistan: A Broader Perspective
The symposium was part of the Swiss Days program, a series of events promoting Swiss-Uzbek cultural and economic collaboration. Healthcare advancements featured prominently, highlighting Switzerland’s role in supporting sustainable and inclusive development worldwide.
Expanding Awareness Through Media
The success of the keratoconus screening initiative and related efforts was highlighted on ZAMON TV, reaching a wide audience in Uzbekistan. This feature helped raise awareness about the importance of addressing vision health while also showcasing the broader potential of Swiss-Uzbek cooperation in healthcare and education.
Strengthening Connections Through Shared Values
Reflecting on the event, Ms. Hafezi shared her commitment to continuing collaborations that bring meaningful improvements to communities. These efforts emphasize shared values of quality, equity, and innovation, which form the foundation of Switzerland’s approach to global partnerships.
A Path Forward
The symposium served as a valuable platform to explore the ways Swiss education can inspire collaboration and contribute to addressing real-world challenges. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event highlighted how education and partnership can pave the way for sustainable progress.
