Final Conference of the Erasmus+ LESLIE Project Held at Bukhara State University

On 19–20 October 2026, Bukhara State University hosted the final conference of the Erasmus+ LESLIE project, implemented within the framework of the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme. The international scientific and practical conference, entitled “Land Management, Environment and Waste: Integration of Education and Business in Central Asia,” focused on reviewing the achievements of the three-year project and discussing future opportunities for international cooperation in environmental sustainability and education.

The conference brought together representatives of higher education institutions, researchers, international experts, and professionals from Uzbekistan, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, and other countries.

The plenary session featured speeches by Jasurbek Abdullayev, Head of the Bukhara Regional Department of Ecology and Climate Change; Prof. Javier Rodrigo Ilarri from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Coordinator of the LESLIE Project.

The conference also featured presentations by Prof. Alessandro Figus from the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio; Sherzod Rakhmonov, Head of the International Cooperation Department at the TIIAME National Research University; Prof. Zhanar Shortanbayeva from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Prof. Eleni Christodoulou Toxqui from the University of Cyprus; Prof. Raushan Nurdillayeva from Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University; and Prof. Khava Yevloyeva from Ualikhanov University.

During the conference, participants discussed key topics related to sustainable land management and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), environmental protection, climate change, waste management, and the circular economy. Particular attention was also given to integrating environmental approaches into education, applying scientific research findings in practice, and strengthening cooperation between education, research, and business.

One of the significant outcomes of the LESLIE project was the development of a new academic programme entitled “Land Management in Central Asia” by TIIAME National Research University. Prof. Javier Rodrigo Ilarri, the project coordinator, particularly acknowledged the university’s contributions and achievements throughout the three-year project implementation period.

During his presentation, Sherzod Rakhmonov, the university’s project coordinator, emphasised that the LESLIE project had provided valuable opportunities not only to strengthen educational and research capacities but also to expand cooperation with international universities and establish new academic partnerships. I. Bozarov, the university’s project manager, also actively participated in the conference.

The final conference of the Erasmus+ LESLIE project served as an important platform for presenting project achievements, exchanging international experience, exploring innovative solutions to environmental challenges in Central Asia, and strengthening cooperation among higher education institutions.