The Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (NRNU MEPhI) hosted the "Central Asia: Atom-2050" session on October 23, bringing together approximately 500 young participants from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to discuss the development of nuclear technologies and workforce training in the region.
The event, held both in person and online, marked the first open meeting between young people and nuclear industry leaders from Central Asian countries.
Organized as part of the Impact Team 2050 initiative with the participation of the International Youth Advisory Council, the session focused on developing a shared vision for nuclear technology development through 2050, identifying barriers to entering the industry and proposing mechanisms for involving young specialists.
The meeting brought together representatives of government agencies and organizations involved in the development of nuclear energy and related technologies. Participants included Bekhzod Normatov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Fuel and Energy Complex Issues; Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, Director of the Uzatom Agency; and Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.
Other speakers included Timur Zhantikin, Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Committee; Mirlan Parkhanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan; and Abduvakil Rasulov, Director General of TAUZ Hydro under Tajikistan's Ministry of Energy and Water Resources. The discussions addressed nuclear industry development, personnel training and cooperation between educational institutions, government agencies and employers.
Opening the session, Bekhzod Normatov discussed Uzbekistan's transition from considering nuclear energy development to implementing a nuclear power plant project. He noted that construction of an integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh region involves not only the development of energy infrastructure but also the establishment of a high-technology industry supported by engineering personnel, scientific research and safety standards. Normatov emphasized the importance of preparing specialists capable of operating nuclear facilities, maintaining safety and developing technologies.
"Building a modern power plant is a massive undertaking. But it is equally important to train the specialists who will operate it, ensure its safety, advance its technologies, and pass on their knowledge to the next generation," Normatov stated.
He identified workforce training as one of the key conditions for implementing the project. The session was held in Uzbekistan, which, according to the organizers, is the first country in Central Asia to begin practical implementation of an integrated nuclear power plant project.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev addressed the role of young people in the long-term development of nuclear energy. He noted that the interests and perspectives of younger generations should be considered when developing major nuclear industry programs, as current students and young professionals will be working at nuclear facilities in the coming decades.
"It is vital for us to hear your voices and your vision. As we shape major programs today, we must take your interests into account, because in 20 to 30 years, it will be you working at these facilities and driving them forward," Likhachev stated.
He also emphasized the importance of preparing specialists who can contribute to the development of nuclear technologies and their respective countries.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan discuss nuclear technology development
Representatives of other Central Asian countries presented their approaches to nuclear technology development and workforce preparation. Timur Zhantikin discussed Kazakhstan's Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant construction project and highlighted the importance of involving students in practical activities during their education.
Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Minister of Energy Mirlan Parkhanov and Tajikistan's TAUZ Hydro Director General Abduvakil Rasulov presented their perspectives on the development of nuclear technologies in their countries. Their remarks addressed current approaches to training specialists, regional cooperation and the exchange of experience with younger generations.
Impact Team 2050 presents proposals from Central Asian youth
A central part of the session was the presentation of a report titled "Central Asia: Atom-2050" by representatives of the Impact Team 2050 International Youth Advisory Council. The report was presented by Mukhiddin Umidov from Uzbekistan, Diana Gamazova from Kazakhstan and Bektan Kydyev from Kyrgyzstan.
It outlined the aspirations of young people from four Central Asian countries regarding careers in the nuclear industry, identified barriers to entering the profession and presented proposals for addressing those challenges. The presentation drew on national dialogues conducted in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Participants discussed different perspectives on entering the nuclear sector and identified areas where universities, employers and government institutions could begin practical cooperation. The report formed the basis for subsequent discussions between young participants and industry representatives.
Uzatom Agency Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev addressed proposals presented by the youth representatives and discussed the industry's readiness to consider their initiatives. He emphasized the need to develop mechanisms that connect education with professional practice, allowing young specialists to participate in nuclear industry projects.
"We need to seriously develop a system for the transition from education to professional practice, so that this ambitious project we are implementing becomes a platform where young people can realize their potential, feel truly valued by the industry, and contribute to its development," Akhmedkhadjaev stated.
The discussion focused on opportunities for young professionals to apply their knowledge within nuclear energy projects and participate in the industry's development. The Central Asia: Atom-2050 session brought together young representatives from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with nuclear industry officials to discuss the sector's development through 2050.
The meeting addressed workforce preparation, barriers to employment, cooperation between educational institutions and industry organizations, and mechanisms for involving younger generations in nuclear technology projects. The event concluded with discussions on the proposals presented by the International Youth Advisory Council and opportunities for cooperation between young specialists and nuclear industry representatives.