On January 26, 2026, the Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) Eldor Aripov held a meeting with Ben Bradshaw, Assistant Vice-President of the University of Guelph (Canada).

The meeting continued the online dialogue between ISRS and the University of Guelph that took place in November 2025, focusing on future cooperation between Uzbekistan and Canada in the fields of higher education, science, and technology. The parties exchanged views on expanding academic and research collaboration and discussed potential formats for partnership.

Special attention was paid to sustainable development, climate change, water resource management, and the application of innovative approaches in agriculture and education. Both sides expressed readiness to work together in these areas.

During the discussion on academic cooperation prospects, Ben Bradshaw emphasized that the University of Guelph is interested in developing academic exchanges and joint educational programs for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as in implementing research projects in agricultural sciences and sustainable development.

The meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere and reaffirmed the parties’ commitment to continuing the dialogue, deepening cooperation, and elaborating joint initiatives in the coming years.