Class of 2026: Shahnoza Fazlonshoeva — Giving a Voice to Mountain Communities
Growing up in a hazard-prone area of Tajikistan, Shahnoza Fazlonshoeva witnessed firsthand how closely people's lives are connected to the environment around them. This experience inspired her to pursue a degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Central Asia.
"I wanted to understand the science behind natural hazards, climate, landscapes, and environmental change—not only from a theoretical perspective, but also through research and fieldwork."
Drawn to UCA's mission of supporting mountain communities through education, research, and development, Shahnoza saw the University as the ideal place to explore questions that mattered deeply to her.
"For me, studying this programme was not just about gaining knowledge. It was also about learning how this knowledge can be used to make sense of the environment around us and, even in a small way, contribute to improving people's livelihoods."
Throughout her time at UCA, Shahnoza combined academic learning with opportunities to engage in meaningful initiatives beyond the classroom. One of the most remarkable moments of her university journey came in 2023 when she represented the youth of Tajikistan at the United Nations Water Conference in New York.
Selected through UNICEF Tajikistan's Young People Advisory Group, she joined global discussions on water resources, climate change, and sustainable development at the United Nations Headquarters.
"One of the most memorable parts of this experience was participating in a panel discussion and being able to share the perspectives of young people from Tajikistan on a global platform."
Coming from a mountain country where glaciers, rivers, and water resources are central to everyday life, the opportunity carried special significance. Shahnoza credits UCA with helping prepare her for such opportunities by strengthening her communication, research, and critical thinking skills and giving her the confidence to represent her country on an international stage.
Alongside her academic interests, she also played an important role in TEDxUCA Khorog as Curation Team Lead. Responsible for working closely with speakers, she helped shape the ideas and stories that would eventually reach the TEDx stage.
Over a period of nearly two months, she supported speakers through every stage of preparation—from refining ideas and rehearsing talks to building confidence before stepping in front of an audience:
"It showed me that behind every inspiring speech, there is a long process of preparation, trust, and support."
Among the initiatives she is most proud of is the Senior Gift Initiative, a project led by graduating students to give back to the university community that has supported them throughout their studies. For Shahnoza, the initiative represents something larger than fundraising. It reflects a culture of generosity, gratitude, and lifelong connection to UCA.
"It creates a culture of giving back and reminds us that our relationship with UCA does not end after graduation."
As she prepares to join the Class of 2026, Shahnoza is already looking ahead. Following graduation, she plans to continue working with UCA's Institute of Public Policy and Administration, where she hopes to further develop her research, project coordination, and communication skills.
