On 14–15 July 2026, a delegation from the Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Systems of the National University of Uzbekistan paid an official visit to Henan University, one of the leading higher education institutions in the People’s Republic of China.

The delegation included Professor Shavkat Sharipov, Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Systems, Associate Professor Obidjon Arabov of the Department of Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, and Associate Professor Matluba Egamberdiyeva of the Department of Economic and Social Geography.

During the visit, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in geography, geoinformation systems, cartography, remote sensing, landscape planning, urban and regional planning.

Following the negotiations, a Memorandum of Cooperation in education and scientific research was signed between the Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Systems of the National University of Uzbekistan and the Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Engineering of Henan University.

The Memorandum provides for academic exchange programmes for faculty members and students, joint research initiatives, the organization of international seminars and summer schools, as well as the practical application of research outcomes.

The two institutions also reached an agreement to jointly develop the Central Asia Geographical Research Center and the Institute of Human-Earth System Science and Geoengineering.

As part of the visit, the Geo-STEP (Geography-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Practice) model, developed by Professor Liu Yansui, a member of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), was presented. Participants discussed the model’s role in integrating geography with science, technology, engineering and practical applications, as well as its contribution to addressing complex geo-environmental challenges.

The parties also agreed to promote the Geo-STEP model internationally, cooperate in training specialists in geographical engineering, and implement joint scientific research projects.

The delegation visited Henan University’s state-of-the-art research laboratories and geospatial technology centers, where discussions focused on introducing advanced scientific practices into the educational and research activities of the National University of Uzbekistan.

The official visit marked an important step toward strengthening cooperation between the National University of Uzbekistan and Henan University and expanding long-term joint educational and research initiatives in the fields of geography and regional development.