KOICA Uzbekistan Office Hosts “2026 KOICA Alumni Networking” to Strengthen Alumni Ties and Cultural Exchange

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Uzbekistan Office hosted the “2026 KOICA Alumni Networking” event under the theme “AI Connects, Culture Bonds” at U-Enter in Tashkent on October 16, bringing together more than 100 KOICA alumni and representatives from partner organizations to strengthen alumni networks and promote cultural exchange between Korea and Uzbekistan.

The event was attended by H.E. Won Do Yeon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Uzbekistan, Kim Myong Jin, Country Director of KOICA Uzbekistan Office, and representatives from key partner institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of Advanced Training of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and others.

In his congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Won highlighted the important role of KOICA alumni as bridges of friendship and mutual understanding between Korea and Uzbekistan. He also noted that the connections built through their experiences in Korea serve as a valuable foundation for strengthening mutual trust and deepening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

KOICA Uzbekistan shared its major development cooperation achievements in 2026 and reflected on the activities of the first executive committee of the KOICA Uzbekistan Alumni Association (UzKAP), established in 2024.

A key highlight of the event was the transition to the second executive committee of UzKAP for the 2026–2028 term. The new committee, led by Jafar Khidirov of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, introduced its vision for strengthening alumni engagement, promoting knowledge-sharing, and expanding cooperation among KOICA training program graduates.

Another session featured a variety of cultural performances and interactive activities, including a traditional Korean daegeum (bamboo flute) performance by KOICA project volunteers, a traditional Uzbek performance, and Korean cultural experiences such as tuho (arrow toss), ddakji (paper tile flipping), jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking), and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) try-ons. Participants also enjoyed a selection of traditional Korean and Uzbek dishes, strengthening friendships through food and cultural exchange.

Since the establishment of the KOICA Uzbekistan Office in 1995, KOICA has supported Uzbekistan's development through various grant-aid projects and capacity-building programs, providing training and scholarship opportunities in Korea to approximately 3,300 Uzbek professionals. The Alumni Association, founded in 2024, has served as a platform for connecting KOICA training programs’ graduates, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and promoting sustainable partnerships between the two countries.

Reflecting on the event, Country Director Kim Myong Jin emphasized that the true value of KOICA's CIAT (Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow) programs lies in translating knowledge and experiences gained in Korea into meaningful contributions to Uzbekistan's development. She also reaffirmed KOICA's commitment to supporting the continued growth of the alumni association as a platform for knowledge-sharing, professional networking, and lasting cooperation between the two countries.