AI+Cross-Border E-Commerce Pilot Project Launched in Uzbekistan
On 13 August 2026, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation, led by Mr. XU Mingshun, Chief of the Administrative Affairs Office, and Ms. YANG Ling, Consultant of the Global Partnership and Programme Office, visited Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) in Uzbekistan to attend the launch ceremony of the IIOE "AI + Cross-Border E-Commerce" Micro-Certification Pilot Project, jointly initiated by UNESCO-ICHEI and the IIOE Uzbekistan National Center. The pilot project aims to cultivate a new generation of digital talent in Uzbekistan equipped with artificial intelligence(AI) and cross-border trade competencies through international curriculum resources, localized course development, and industry collaboration.
Group photo of ceremony attendees
TUIT Officially Joins the Pilot Project
Mr. Yaxshibayev Doyior, First Vice Rector of TUIT, attended the ceremony and signed the pilot project agreement on behalf of the university. He noted that, as a leading institution in Uzbekistan's digital economy and information technology sector, TUIT has a solid foundation in e-commerce education. He expressed his expectation that, with the support of IIOE's international curriculum and expert resources, the university will develop localized "AI + Cross-Border E-Commerce" courses and strengthen faculty training to cultivate professionals with new digital skills, thereby contributing to the country’s digital economic growth.
During the launch ceremony, the TUIT pilot project team presented the overall implementation plan. Leveraging the IIOE Uzbekistan National Center, the pilot will be carried out in phases for TUIT and other participating universities, covering four major components: faculty training, localized course development, student curriculum & capstone project, and certification & internship. The team also introduced the plan to begin developing eight localized course modules in September, focusing on AI-enabled e-commerce operations, data compliance, payment and logistics systems, and social and live commerce. These modules will form a clear pedagogical framework and localized foundation for subsequent curriculum development.
At the ceremony, Ms. YANG Ling, Consultant of UNESCO-ICHEI, delivered a thematic presentation, offering an international and industry-oriented perspective on AI-driven cross-border e-commerce trends, global market demand, and how universities can enhance students' employability through curriculum innovation. The presentation received positive feedback from participants.
During the event, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation presented certificates to the first cohort of TUIT faculty members from the School of Economics and Management who completed the IIOE "AI + Cross-Border E-Commerce" Micro-certification course, marking an important milestone in faculty capacity building.
Strengthening Academia–Industry Integration: Visits to Local Logistics Enterprise and Alibaba International Station (Uzbekistan)
Following the launch ceremony, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation, accompanied by Mr. Normatov Sherbek, Coordinator of the IIOE Uzbekistan National Center, visited EMU, a local logistics enterprise, and the Alibaba International Station (Uzbekistan) hosted at the University of Exact and Social Sciences (AIFU). During the visits, the delegation held in-depth discussions with Mr. Jumayev Murod, Founder and Director of EMU, on logistics scenario-based teaching, cross-border delivery process training, and internship opportunities for students. The delegation also met with Mr. Batirov Golibjon, Rector of AIFU, reaching preliminary cooperation intentions on industry mentors' participation in teaching, practical training in cross-border e-commerce operations, and student employment pathways.
These visits further strengthened the industry foundation of the pilot project and laid the groundwork for building a more integrated mechanism connecting curriculum practice, enterprise internships, and employment opportunities.
