Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil participated in the 8th General Assembly of the Union of Turkish Universities (TÜRKÜNİB), which took place in the capital city of Uzbekistan Tashkent. Held at Tashkent International University between October 14–16, 2025, the event focused on discussions about potential collaborations in the field of higher education.

During the meeting, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, Hilale Umarova, delivered a speech in which she outlined the work being carried out in the field of education, particularly higher education, in Uzbekistan. Umarova emphasized that education is the most important sector for a country where more than 60% of the population consists of young people. She also stated that there are currently 11 universities that are members of the Union of Turkish Universities, and that several more would be accepted as members during today’s meeting.

At the General Assembly, where the future activities of TÜRKÜNİB were discussed in detail, issues such as improving the Orhun Exchange Program, strengthening the union, establishing the Research and Innovation Fund, creating the permanent secretariat of TÜRKÜNİB, and organizing the Turkish Science and Innovation Days were also addressed. In addition, during the meeting where new membership applications were evaluated, the applications of the universities seeking to join TÜRKÜNİB were unanimously approved. As part of the event, a presentation was also delivered on the results of the “Turkish Barometer” scientific project of the Turkic Academy for the 2024–2025 term.

After the meeting, TÜRKÜNİB member universities from Uzbekistan opened information and promotional booths, while bilateral discussions between universities also took place during the event.

In his evaluation of the General Assembly, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil underlined that TÜRKÜNİB represents a significant platform for Turkish universities and expressed confidence that it will foster strategic partnerships among institutions. He further emphasized that the union will contribute to advancing quality in education, scientific research, and social responsibility, wishing that the 8th TÜRKÜNİB General Assembly brings prosperity to the entire Turkic World.

Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil was accompanied by Musa Talha Altun, Coordinator of the International Relations Office, during the visit to Uzbekistan.