The University of Central Asia (UCA) marked a major milestone on June 21 with the graduation of its fifth cohort of undergraduate students. Ceremonies were held simultaneously at UCA’s residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and Khorog, Tajikistan. The joyous occasion also marked the official launch of the University’s Silver Jubilee Year.
Press release issued by UCA says this year-long celebration commemorates 25 years since the signing of the International Treaty that established UCA as a unique regional institution, founded through a partnership between Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and the Ismaili Imamat. The Jubilee launch featured a commemorative film, a specially designed visual identity, and the unveiling of a Signature Photo Exhibition, a powerful reflection of UCA’s journey over the past quarter century.
Sixty-five graduates from the three Founding States, as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Russia, received degrees in Computer Science, Communications and Media, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Global Economics. They were joined by more than 550 guests across both campuses, including family members, faculty, government officials, community leaders, AKDN representatives, senior management, and members of UCA’s Board of Trustees.
A message from UCA’s Chancellor, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, was delivered by Dir. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chair of the Board of Trustees. In his remarks, the Chancellor reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life across Central Asia and reflected on the 25th anniversary as a time to honor the extraordinary partnership that led to the University’s founding. “Access to high-quality education is a fundamental pillar of our approach to development and has the potential to bring about transformational and lasting impact,” he stated. Paying tribute to the vision of his late father, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, UCA’s Founding Chancellor, he also expressed confidence in the University’s future: “While much has been achieved, even more lies ahead.”
In Khorog, Mr. Masrur Zokirzoda, Deputy Head of the Department of International Relations at the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan, served as Chief Guest. He reaffirmed UCA’s significant contribution to expanding access to quality education and highlighted the University’s active support for the Government’s initiative to designate 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, particularly through UCA’s research and development activities on this pressing global issue.
Mr. Aminjon Mirzoqandov, Head of the Education Department of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), was also in attendance and delivered remarks on behalf of the Governor of GBAO, acknowledging UCA’s meaningful role in regional development.
He, in particular, noted that President of Tajikistan pays special attention to development of education and science.
“One of the ways to achieve such goals was the establishment of an international university of Central Asia in 2000 in the mountainous regions. It is worth noting that since its establishment, the School of Arts and Sciences at the UCA has prepared specialists in two majors, the global economy and earth and environmental sciences, which are important for the mountainous regions. The graduates of this university are currently working within the country,” said Mirzoqandov. “It can be noted with confidence and hope that the graduates of the class of 2025 will also make a significant contribution to the further development of their nation and state with a high sense of dedication and patriotism by using the acquired modern knowledge.”
“Today we do not only celebrate the graduation ceremony of the students and citizens of Tajikistan but also students from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Russian Federation. The graduation of such a diverse class is a good sign and evidence of stability, unity, fraternity, and peace throughout our beloved Tajikistan,” he added.
UCA’s website notes that the ceremonies powerfully underscored UCA’s mission to prepare ethical, forward-thinking leaders capable of advancing sustainable development across Central Asia and beyond. Remarkably, a quarter of this year’s graduates have already secured admission to prestigious postgraduate programs in Europe, North America, and East Asia — in fields ranging from economic governance and public policy to environmental science, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. Institutions they will attend include the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, the University of Alberta, Heidelberg University, and Paris-Lodron University Salzburg. A similarly sized group has already secured employment. Despite the pressures of completing their degrees and planning their next steps, the graduating class from both campuses also raised several thousand dollars to support scholarships for future UCA students — a powerful and selfless gesture of solidarity and commitment to UCA’s future.
