Dear professors and teachers of our university, I sincerely congratulate you on 1 October Teacher and Mentor Day celebrated today.

Today, a number of practical activities are being carried out to care and pay attention to the teacher and mentor in New Uzbekistan, in particular, in our country.

Today, the role of professors and teachers in training qualified professionals in the field of tourism and cultural heritage in New Uzbekistan is more important than ever. Our professors and teachers, who give all their knowledge and enthusiasm to students who work hard on their own, are honourably encouraged by our state.

Today, about 3,000,000 students of our university are studying under the guidance of 117 local professors and about 10 foreign professors. Of these, there are 6 professors, 25 associate professors, 15 senior lecturers, 35 assistant lecturers and 32 trainee lecturers. Certainly, the prestige of each educational institution is determined by its scientific potential. Our achievements in this direction have been appreciated, and only this academic year teachers of our university Aziz Tukhtamishov, Siroj Samiev, Iroda Ablakulova, Nargiza Turdiyeva, Nilufar Rakhimova, Gavkhar Juraeva and Dilfuza Marupova were able to receive doctoral degrees for their PhD theses in the field of tourism, pedagogy and philology. We congratulate them on this high success.

In addition, 7 professors of the university publish their scientific achievements in journals with high impact factor in international scientific and technical databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Elsevier) in the form of articles in international highly rated journals such as Journal of Tourism Management Research, International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration.

Today our university trains specialists in 16 bachelor’s and 7 master’s degree programs. Another pleasant news is that from this academic year our university has admitted students in 5 new specialities.  Besides, this academic year the department of “Translation and Interpreting Studies” started the activity. There are 6 professors and lecturers with high scientific potential and knowledge working in this department. At this moment, I would like to express my gratitude to the professors and lecturers who provide close assistance with all their knowledge and experience, as well as to our university Vice-rector Professor Joseph Hoffman and Professor Tony Zou.

Our university, which is rising day by day in all directions, since this academic year has been involved in 2 major projects in cooperation with China and the European Union.  These are projects “Halal tourism” and ERASMUS+ program in cooperation with China and European Union on reforming and transformation of higher education institutions of Uzbekistan, quality assurance.

Certain work has also been done to develop international relations at our university. Our young university, which trains qualified specialists in the field of tourism and cultural heritage, has established international co-operation with 97 prestigious universities around the world by this year. This leads to academic exchanges between professors and students with these universities.

It is worth noting that this academic year a total of 60 teachers of our university took an active part in various conferences, symposia, as well as major international qualifications held in 19 countries around the world, including the USA, China, England, Russia, India, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Belarus, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Romania, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. 

Last academic year, in order to provide comprehensive support, the trade union committee of the university organised a trip for 17 teachers and 15 staff members to the cities of Bukhara, Tashkent and Khiva, as well as to the recreation zone “Zomin”. 12 teachers received vouchers for recreation in sanatoriums of our country. In addition, various sports competitions were organised among the teaching staff during the academic year, the winners of which were awarded.

There is probably no more honourable and difficult profession in the world than educating the younger generation. The realisation of existence relies on the support of the same teachers and mentors in comprehending the secrets of science. Therefore, the issue of respect, comprehensive support and encouragement of their labour in our country has risen to the level of state policy, and this process continues.

An important task for professors and teachers of our university is to pass international accreditation in the near future. I believe that on this path you will put all your strength, knowledge and skills, and on this path I wish you good luck.

 I once again congratulate you on today’s Teacher and Mentor Day, which is celebrated on 1 October. I wish blessings to your family, good health and high success in scientific activity. Happy holiday!

Sincerely,

Rector of “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage A. Abdukhakimov.