Uzbekistan’s sector of higher education (HE) was in the transformation phase initiated by a government decree in the late 2012. The soviet style system of doctoral education (DrEd) was being replaced by a EHEA and ERA oriented system. At the time of initiating the reforms, Uzbek HE stakeholders turned to the European colleagues for assistance and expertise to implement planned changes in doctoral education. UZDOC, the first European project focused solely on the reform of doctoral education in Uzbekistan, was started under the coordination of UNICA, supported by the Uzbek Ministry of Higher Education eager to accelerate the reforms. We believe that after three years of successful project implementation, Uzbek sector of DrEd is prepared to push the reform in the next phase. UZDOC 2.0 structural project, in which the Uzbek Ministry of Higher Education is a partner, had the overall goal of furthering the quality of doctoral education in Uzbekistan higher education institutions (HEIs), building on the results of the 1st UZDOC project coordinated by UNICA. The Project consisted of four elements crucial for a successful reform of DrEd in Uzbekistan : institutional and structural support, integration of quality assurance elements and mechanisms, building and increasing the capacity for human resources, and creating better connections with the business and industry sector in Uzbekistan by reducing the skills gap between doctorate holders and the sector. UZDOC 2.0 had substantial impact on the capacity of participating Uzbek HEIs for development and modernisation of the quality of DrEd. The consortium was composed to provide best coverage of expertise from European institutions, to offer good geographical coverage, dissemination and exploitation potential, and involvement of diverse and mutually complementing Uzbek partners and stakeholders.We believe that by implementing the UZDOC 2.0 project, Uzbek DrEd sector became familiar with the latest European trends, integrated good practices and methodologies, and able to better respond to the challenges facing the Uzbek research and economy sectors.

DECIDE will foster the right of individuals with special needs in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan to access education, enjoy the right of participation in everyday society and to combat discrimination by instilling awareness and acceptance in society as in line with the Bologna Process and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This in turn facilitates the creation of the Access Liaison Officer role at each institution, to promote disability access, and the National Special Needs Awareness Day focus via the nationally strategic Action Groups comprised of Universities, Public Administration institutes, Ministries and NGO's. The project will promote and develop access to inclusive education, social integration and non-discrimination treatment of those with special needs in education in accordance with Bologna Process and UN criteria. Through implementation of the 8 DECIDE Introductory and Advanced Curriculum modules, the project will foster regional integration and cooperation across different regions of the Central Asian countries through joint initiatives, sharing of good practices and cooperation to improve the level of competencies and skills in HEIs and Society by developing these new and innovative education programmes.