During the meeting, the sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in academic exchanges, as well as opportunities to organize educational programs and research internships for young scholars from Central Asia and Japan.

Sono Fumoto, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Tsukuba, presented the main areas of the NipCA project, which is aimed at developing human capital, academic exchanges, and people-to-people ties between Central Asia and Japan.

Particular attention was given to programs for young professionals, including scholarships, research exchanges, internships, public lectures, and regional forums. It was noted that more than 300 representatives of Central Asian countries have received training through the project, while its alumni network now includes 323 specialists.

Javlon Vakhabov praised the results of the project, noting that it is a successful example of long-term cooperation in education and human capital development. According to him, training young professionals remains one of the key areas of engagement between Central Asia and Japan.

Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their interest in further developing cooperation and highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between academic and research institutions on both sides.

The University of Tsukuba is one of Japan’s leading research universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked 350th globally.

The Nippon Foundation is one of Japan’s largest philanthropic organizations, established in 1962. The Foundation implements projects in education, science, healthcare, international cooperation, and professional training, with a strong focus on supporting academic exchanges, developing youth leadership, and strengthening international understanding.

The Central Asia–Japan Network (JACAFA), established in January 2017 with the support of The Nippon Foundation, brings together alumni of educational programs from Central Asian countries. The network supports human capital development and the implementation of joint projects in cooperation with universities, think tanks, government agencies, and private companies in the region and Japan.

The NipCA project is implemented at the University of Tsukuba with the support of The Nippon Foundation and in cooperation with JACAFA. The project is aimed at training young specialists from Central Asian countries who can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing key challenges facing the region.