Tajikistan Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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“Updates and Reforms”: Communications Service Expands Cooperation with Russian Federation

The establishment of cooperation with Russian companies gives a new impetus to the process of reforming and updating mobile communication networks in Tajikistan, the Communications Service of Tajikistan has stated, adding that a memorandum of cooperation has been signed with the Russian company, PITER IX in Dushanbe. The main purpose of the memorandum is to facilitate the process of modernization and reform in the telecommunications sector in the country. The Communications Service stated that the agreement provides for the introduction of information and communication technologies, the development of an electronic business system, access to broadband internet, and the distribution of 4G LTE and 5G-ce throughout the republic Earlier, the Communications Service signed a memorandum of understanding with the Moscow company, Digit, in the field of network security, which provides for the holding of joint seminars and events to strengthen cooperation in the information sphere, as well as communication technologies.

U.S. and Central Asian Countries Focus on Protecting Rights of People with Disabilities

On December 11th, the U.S. Department of State hosted a meeting of representatives of C5+1 countries dedicated to protecting the rights of people with disabilities and finding practical solutions to their problems. The C5+1 diplomatic platform represents the U.S. Government’s holisitc approach to Central Asia, jointly engaging all five Central Asian nations. The meeting was attended by Sara Minkara, Special Adviser to the President of the United States on the International Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark Pommersheim, and representatives of government agencies of the USA. The Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to the United States also spoke during the meeting, which was moderated by Minkara, who shared her experience and recommendations on ensuring protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Donald Lu stressed the importance of increasing cooperation within the C5+1 format on the rights of persons with disabilities in a multilateral format. Following the meeting, the participants agreed on joint actions in this direction.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Demarcate More Than 90% of Border

Following a meeting between government delegations, Chairmen of the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Tashiyev, and Tajikistan, Saimumin Yatimov, released a statement announcing that over 90% of the border between the two countries has now been agreed upon. “As a result of the work of the intergovernmental commission, agreements were reached on the harmonization of most of the state border - more than 90%,” Tashiyev said. “Work on the remaining sections will be completed soon, starting with Kayragach, Kulundu, Maksat, Arka, Arka-1, Arka-2, Zhany-Zher and up to Zhiydelik. The Working Group has fully completed the coordination. At the moment, we have almost completed work on the disputed areas about which there were questions." According to Tashiyev, several more meetings will be necessary to complete the demarcation and delimitation of the state border. In turn, Yatimov noted that vital issues were discussed at the meeting of the delegations. “There is a common interest, common goals, and common causes between the two states,” he said. “This is the security and socio-economic development of our states. A lot of work has been done today - we have advanced more than 120 kilometers, and have agreed on these issues in principle. If we take the total length of the state border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Kydyrshayevich and I can confirm that over 90% of the state border has been agreed. We are really close to solving these issues.”

Tajikistan to Connect to Chinese Internet

A new agreement has been reached between Tajikistan and China, which will bring the republic closer to having high-speed internet throughout the country after Tajikistan's Communications Service and a subsidiary of HUAWEI signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of digital technologies. This will lead to the supply and installation of 7,600 base stations with GSM/UMS/LTD/5G as standard, it was reported. “This will contribute to the development of mobile communications and fixed broadband networks in Tajikistan,” the regulator said in a statement. “At the same time, given the rapid development of information technology, this will allow operators to have instant access to the latest equipment.” The agreement also provides for cooperation and the involvement of personnel in the field of communications, mobile operators and Huawei Technology Tajikistan specialists in the development of a single modernization project. The agreement was signed by the Head of the Communications Service, Bek Saburov, and the CEO of Huawei's subsidiary, Ma Chan, as part of the State Program for the Improvement and Development of Mobile Communications in 2024-2028. Earlier, the Communications Service made the unexpected decision to allow two private companies to supply internet to the country through international channels. According to a Sputnik Tajikistan source, the companies are TT Mobile (MegaFon), and Indigo Tajikistan (Tcell).

ADB $40 Million Grant to Strengthen STEM Secondary Education in Tajikistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on December 8th approved a $40 million grant to help the Government of Tajikistan strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects in secondary education, including developing climate change awareness and promoting girls’ participation in STEM studies, the ABD announced in a news release on its website. “Enhancing STEM education is vital for preparing students for sectors such as transport, manufacturing, construction, and information and communication technology, which will contribute significantly to poverty reduction and sustainable development in Tajikistan,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. “As Tajikistan is highly vulnerable to climate impacts, it is also essential to integrate climate change knowledge and best practices into general education to strengthen the country’s resilience against climate-induced hazards.” The project will improve STEM teaching and learning methods in Grades 5–11 by adopting a skills-based approach that will help students develop abilities such as critical analysis and collaboration to enable them to solve real-world problems. It will train STEM teachers and modernize learning materials. The project will upgrade the facilities of 20 selected schools in four regions and improve school management. It will also support the inclusion of climate change-related topics into the STEM curricula and learning materials. The project will directly benefit 11,500 students—including 5,600 girls—in targeted schools, as well as about 4,000 STEM teachers and college students training to become STEM teachers, education officials, school management staff, and communities in project areas. “We are the first development partner to help Tajikistan tackle its STEM teachers’ shortage, integrate climate change into secondary education, and shape an enabling environment for girls and women to pursue STEM fields,” said ADB Principal Social Sector Specialist Xin Long. “To expand girls’ participation in STEM studies and help steer more women’s careers towards high-productivity sectors, the project will offer stipends and scholarships to girls studying at the schools and higher education institutions targeted by the project. It will also prioritize women STEM teachers and teacher candidates for information and communication technology courses.”

Tajikistan: Atlas and Adras Weaving Included in UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

A nomination from Tajikistan for the art of atlas and adras weaving was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan reported. This decision was made within the framework of the 18th session of the Interstate Committee on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, which began on December 4th in the city of Kasane (Botswana), where representatives of the countries for the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage are taking part. Meetings will continue until December 9th. Tajikistan has a particularly proud history of national clothing culture, and the secrets of weavers are passed down from generation to generation. In the Sughd region, the Atlas Khujand enterprise operates and enjoys benefits and constant support from President Emomali Rahmon. The company's silks, satin and adras - which combines both silk and cotton - are in great demand globally. Their production, which comprises many stages, requires special skills and training. Traditionally, national costumes for performances and wedding dresses are made of satin. The republic annually celebrates the holiday, “Tajik Atlas and Adras."