- ADB approves a $100 million concessional loan to strengthen STEM education in Uzbekistan’s secondary schools.
- The project will upgrade 200 schools into STEM resource centers with modern labs, ICT tools, and solar-powered, inclusive facilities.
- It aims to empower youth and promote gender inclusion, aligning with Uzbekistan’s 2030 vision and ADB’s Strategy 2030 priorities.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million concessional loan to help improve the quality of Uzbekistan's secondary school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, the Bank's press service reported.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Secondary Education Project will equip Uzbekistan's youth with contemporary, innovation-driven skills essential to sustainable and inclusive development enabling the country to achieve its vision to become an upper middle-income country by 2030.
This project shows Uzbekistan's commitment to human capital development and youth empowerment, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya noted, "Enhancing STEM education puts Uzbekistan on a pathway for a more resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive future".
The project will upgrade classrooms in 200 secondary schools in Uzbekistan into resource centers for nearby schools. These renovations include new labs, information and communication technology (ICT) facilities, solar energy systems, and barrier-free buildings for the students with disabilities.
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The project will also deliver nationwide teacher training in six STEM fields and facilitate interdisciplinary STEM learning via education technology. To encourage girls to specialize in STEM careers, the project has specific advocacy campaigns and career guidance programs tailored to individual needs.
The project aligns with the Development Strategy of Uzbekistan for 2022–2026 and ADB's Strategy 2030 priorities, including digital transformation, gender empowerment, and climate resilience. It also aligns with ADB's countrywide efforts in education and human capital development, as well as future investment in the vocational education of the green economy.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of cooperation between ADB and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Since the Republic of Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995, the bank has provided commitment of public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance to the country worth $14.6 billion.
