The Third International Festival-Exhibition of Foreign Universities in the Republic of Tajikistan 2026 opened April 6 at the National Library of Tajikistan, according to the Ministry of Education and Science’s press center.

Deputy Prime Minister Dilrabo Mansuri said the event reflects expanding international cooperation in education and science. She noted the festival is expected to evolve into a platform for dialogue, supporting new models of education development, scientific collaboration and the exchange of best practices.

Mansuri emphasized that amid rapid globalization and emerging challenges, integrating science, education, technology and innovation is essential to ensuring sustainable economic and social development.

Minister of Education and Science Rahim Saidzoda said education and science remain priority areas of state policy under President Emomali Rahmon, creating favorable conditions for improving education quality and training competitive specialists.

He added the festival provides a platform to present academic opportunities, strengthen direct ties between universities and expand scientific and innovative cooperation. It also supports joint initiatives such as dual-degree programs, joint faculties and collaborative research projects.

Speakers, including representatives of diplomatic missions and universities, highlighted the role of the event in strengthening international cooperation and advancing a unified higher education space.

Following the opening ceremony, participants visited the exhibition at the EXPO-Dushanbe Center, where more than 10,000 secondary school students from Dushanbe explored educational programs, scholarship opportunities and study options offered by foreign universities.

A conference titled “Quality of Education and Adaptation to International Standards” was held later at the National Library, bringing together local and international university representatives to discuss key issues in higher education development.

The festival runs from April 6 to 10 in Dushanbe, Khujand and Dangara district, aiming to expand international cooperation, promote access to quality education and strengthen scientific ties.