Samarkand – A Global Intellectual Hub: Strategic Analysis of the "Global Talent Forum" on Human Capital Formation in a Changing World

The ancient and vibrant city of Samarkand has once again become a major global intellectual dialogue platform. Held on October 29–30, the international "Global Talent Forum" on the theme "Human Capital Formation in a Changing World"—organized by the "El-yurt Umidi" Foundation under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan—marked a crucial strategic step for the country's future.

The Call of a New Era: Human Capital and Future Skills

Today, technological shifts, the acceleration of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the energy transition are radically transforming the landscape of the labor market. Requirements for specialists are constantly updating, demanding new approaches to education and workforce training systems worldwide.


 

According to the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2025," an average of 39 percent of core skills used today may change or become obsolete by 2030. Alongside technological competencies, the importance of analytical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning is growing rapidly.

Global Collaboration and the Samarkand Dialogue

This prestigious international event brought together nearly 100 experts, international organization representatives, government bodies, educational institutions, and scholarship program representatives from over 15 countries, including the USA, Turkey, the UK, China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, Japan, and Azerbaijan. The core focus of the meeting centered on how to translate international education, scientific ties, and professional experience into practical outcomes for the economy and society.


 

The international NGO "Uzbekistan’s Club," which continuously emphasizes the development of human capital in Uzbekistan, contributed as a strategic partner to the forum. Furthermore, the National Bank of Uzbekistan acted as the general partner, alongside forum partners MKBANK, Xalq Bank, Agrobank, Uzbekistan Airways, and Westminster International University in Tashkent.

Presidential Reforms and Transformation in the Education System

This international agenda in Uzbekistan is directly linked to the large-scale reforms implemented by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Expanding access to education, improving its quality, strengthening scientific cooperation, and fostering partnerships with leading foreign universities are being carried out cohesively. Notably, over the past eight years, higher education coverage has surged from 9 percent to 44 percent.


 

In October of this year, the head of state specifically emphasized the importance of continuity across all stages of education, the alignment of curricula with labor market demands, and the practical implementation of scientific developments.

Practical Needs and Priority Directions

The primary practical task today is to align educational investments with national priorities:

  • For new industrial capacities — engineers and technologists;
  • For the digital economy — specialists in data processing and cybersecurity;
  • For agriculture — modern solutions in water conservation and biotechnology.

Healthcare and public administration also require well-qualified personnel capable of implementing international experience adapted to local conditions.

Scholarships and the Contribution of the "El-yurt Umidi" Foundation

During dedicated panel sessions at the forum, scholarships were viewed as long-term investments directed toward the country's competitiveness.

Specifically, following three open selection rounds held by the "El-yurt Umidi" Foundation for 2025–2026, nearly 500 young people became recipients of the Presidential Scholarship. Encouragingly, 80 percent of the winners were admitted to the world's top 100 universities.

Representatives from the OECD, the Turkish Council of Higher Education, the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Bolashaq program, DAAD (Germany), the British Council, JICA, and EducationUSA took part in the event, discussing various models of workforce training and international academic cooperation.

"Samarkand Tea Time" and Practical Dialogue

On the second day of the forum, October 30, one of the foundation's traditional alumni gatherings — "Samarkand Tea Time" — took place. It enriched the international discussion with the personal experiences, professional success stories, and initiatives of scholarship holders. Additionally, direct dialogues were organized with employers and HR representatives from banks, ministries, and agencies, supported by companies such as "GRANDPHARM" and “MEROS PHARM.”

Historically a unifier of cultures and scientific traditions, the city of Samarkand has once again vividly demonstrated its role as a grand global intellectual platform where the quality of knowledge and the ability to apply it practically define the development prospects of the nation.