A conference was held in Florence, organized by the International University of Humanities and Development (IUHD) and the Florence branch of Kent State University (USA), to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The event provided a significant platform for academic exchange and discussion of the role of neutrality in contemporary international politics.
Following the conference, a working meeting was held between the IUHD delegation and representatives of the Florence branch of Kent State University. The visit of the Turkmen side was organized on the invitation of their American partner and was part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the universities in October 2024 in Ohio. The talks marked an important step in the consistent strengthening of international educational ties and underscored the universities' mutual commitment to expanding academic cooperation based on the principles of respect, equality, and constructive dialogue.
During the visit, the Turkmen delegation was introduced to the campus infrastructure, educational system, and practices for implementing international educational initiatives. The American delegation presented current academic mobility programs, research projects, and the branch's collaboration with international universities.
"We view the current Memorandum as a sustainable platform for strengthening cooperation. We are confident that regular contacts will enable us to expand the exchange of experience and jointly implement new academic projects," branch director Fabrizio Ricciardelli noted during talks with Nurmuhammet Shikhliev, Vice-Rector of the International University for Humanities and Development. The Turkmen delegation expressed gratitude to the host country for the substantive discussions and openness to further cooperation.
The working talks were held in a constructive, diplomatic atmosphere, covering issues of long-term academic development, personnel training, and improving the quality of education.
The parties paid special attention to the prospects of the dual degree program, research initiatives, and the development of sustainable mechanisms for inter-university cooperation.
Following the meeting, key areas for further cooperation were agreed upon:
• Expanding academic mobility, including student and faculty exchange programs, short-term internships, and participation in thematic educational modules.
• Developing joint educational initiatives, including the creation of integrated courses and modules in the humanities and social sciences.
• A draft agreement has been prepared to launch a dual degree program in Business Administration (MBA), which provides for the joint participation of both universities in curriculum implementation, internships, and academic assessment.
• Implementing joint research projects in international relations, digital education, humanities, and sustainable development.
• Organization of summer schools, seminars, and other educational events aimed at expanding the academic experience of students and faculty at the University of Kent.
• Exchange of professional practices in educational management, including curriculum modernization and the introduction of modern teaching methods.
The parties expressed satisfaction with the results of the talks and confirmed their interest in the practical implementation of the agreements reached.
The American side also emphasized the strategic nature of the agreements reached.
"We intend to continue working to strengthen our partnership and hope that the planned initiatives, including the dual-degree program project, will contribute to improving the quality of training and expanding the international opportunities of our students," representatives of the Florence branch noted.
The working visit of the Turkmen delegation to Florence marked an important milestone in strengthening bilateral academic ties. The drafting of an agreement to launch a dual-degree MBA program opens a qualitatively new level of cooperation, and the agreements reached provide a sustainable perspective for the further development of the partnership between the universities.