From June 23-25, the US Embassy in partnership with American Councils for International Education hosted 50 young people from various regions of Uzbekistan at the 2nd annual Uzbekistan Youth Leadership Conference.

ℹ️ Originally held in 2021, the Uzbekistan Youth Leadership Conference (UzYLC) was organized to bring young leaders together to collaborate on social projects designed to improve their communities. During the three-day conference, participants learned about project management, design and implementation from American trainers, alumni of U.S. government programs, and Fulbright English Teaching Assistants. The participants also had the chance to hone their leadership skills through experiential teambuilding activities.

🎉Congratulations to all of the UzYLC 2023 participants! We look forward to see what exciting projects you undertake in your communities!

🇺🇸 Uzbekistan Youth Leadership Conference is funded by the US Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

Rhonda Shrader, the Executive Director of the University of California Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Program and the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program for the Bay Area Node, visited Tashkent on July 7th.  Dr. Shrader conducted  a professional development session for the Young Professional Internship (YPIP) participants and presented at the American Center Tashkent

✅ Drawing from her extensive experience as an entrepreneur and early-stage business founder in various fields such as biotech, behavioral health, retail, the non-profit sector, and AI; Rhonda emphasized the potential of lean canvas startup principles as potential drivers for YPIP participants’ future careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

⚡️ Rhonda discussed how the lean canvas model can bring about positive changes in participants' careers and with their own potential startup projects. She explained that by using lean canvas methods, entrepreneurs can more efficiently develop and launch their ideas, products, or services  in smaller succinct steps. Rhonda emphasized the importance of trying out new things, collecting customers research, and making changes quickly to improve business strategies. By doing so, she said, participants can increase their chances of long-term success and steady growth.

Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) is funded by the US Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

YPIP Participants Learn About Corporate Social Responsibility with Malika Sharipova

🎤 On July 14th, YPIP participants attended a professional development session with Malika Sharipova, a Director and Founder of CARE CSR.

⚡️During the session, Malika provided valuable insights and expertise. She emphasized the importance of responsible practices, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of business operations. The session provided YPIP participants with a deeper understanding of CSR and its role in creating a positive impact on society and the environment. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, Ms. Sharipova inspired the participants to consider the broader implications of their professional endeavors and encouraged them to incorporate responsible practices into their own work.

Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) is funded by the US Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

American Councils and the Open World Program Continue to Build Mutual Partnership through Exchange in Uzbekistan 🇺🇸🇺🇿

On July 10, 2023, Tim and Elizabeth Thorson of Cheyenne, Wyoming visited Uzbekistan as reciprocal guests of a recent parliamentary delegation that they had hosted. Traveling to Central Asia for the first time, Tim and Elizabeth were warmly welcomed in Tashkent and had the opportunity to explore the history and culture of Uzbekistan by visiting the ancient Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Samarkand.

Earlier in February 2023, a delegation from the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis traveled to Cheyenne, Wyoming via the Open World Program, which is funded by the US Congress and operated by the Congressional Office for International Leadership. During that visit, the Thorsons hosted several of the delegates in their home and introduced them to the history and culture of the American West as well as facilitated several local government to government exchanges at the Wyoming statehouse.

📸 On July 27, 2023, American Councils organized an insightful and enriching field trip to Safia Cafe and Bakery Factory for the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) participants. The goal of the visit was to foster professional development and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the internal processes of a successful business.

ℹ️The visit introduced participants to Safia's history, values, the founder's vision, and how the business became cherished by the community driven by a strong sense of purpose and commitment to quality.

🍰 The most exciting aspect of the field trip was the factory's internal processes. The dedication and skill of each employee amazed everyone. From the precise work of the bakers measuring ingredients to the creative touch of the decorators, every team member played a vital role in making delicious treats.

🧑‍🍳 YPIP participants left with newfound inspiration and motivation. The visit provided them with a unique understanding of how a successful business runs and a deep appreciation for the passion required in the culinary industry.

American Councils for International Education is extremely grateful to Safia Cafe and Bakery for their warm hospitality and for sharing their expertise with the YPIP participants. This was an unforgettable experience that undoubtedly contributed to the professional growth of the young participants, giving them valuable insights for their careers. Stay tuned for more exciting YPIP adventures!

Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) is funded by the US Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.