University of Central Asia Launches Silver Jubilee Celebrations with Graduation Ceremonies in Naryn and Khorog
The University of Central Asia (UCA) marked a major milestone on 21 June with the graduation of its fifth cohort of undergraduate students. Ceremonies were held simultaneously at UCA’s residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and Khorog, Tajikistan. The joyous occasion also marked the official launch of the University’s Silver Jubilee Year.
This year-long celebration commemorates 25 years since the signing of the International Treaty that established UCA as a unique regional institution, founded through a partnership between the Republics of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Ismaili Imamat. The Jubilee launch featured a commemorative film, a specially designed visual identity, and the unveiling of a Signature Photo Exhibition, a powerful reflection of UCA’s journey over the past quarter century.
Sixty-five graduates from the three Founding States, as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Russia, received degrees in Computer Science, Communications and Media, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Global Economics. They were joined by more than 550 guests across both campuses, including family members, faculty, government officials, community leaders, AKDN representatives, senior management, and members of UCA’s Board of Trustees.
A message from UCA’s Chancellor, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, was delivered by Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chair of the Board of Trustees. In his remarks, the Chancellor reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life across Central Asia and reflected on the 25th anniversary as a time to honour the extraordinary partnership that led to the University’s founding. “Access to high-quality education is a fundamental pillar of our approach to development and has the potential to bring about transformational and lasting impact,” he stated. Paying tribute to the vision of his late father, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, UCA’s Founding Chancellor, he also expressed confidence in the University’s future: “While much has been achieved, even more lies ahead.”
In Naryn, the Chief Guest was Mr Shabdan Abdyrayim uulu, Deputy Governor of Naryn Oblast. He commended UCA’s pivotal role in advancing innovation, research, and education, and encouraged graduates to remain rooted in their cultural heritage while engaging with global challenges.
In Khorog, Mr Masrur Zokirzoda, Deputy Head of the Department of International Relations at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, served as Chief Guest. He reaffirmed UCA’s significant contribution to expanding access to quality education and highlighted the University’s active support for the Government’s initiative to designate 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, particularly through UCA’s research and development activities on this pressing global issue.
Mr Aminjon Mirzoqandov, Head of the Education Department of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), was also in attendance and delivered remarks on behalf of the Governor of GBAO, acknowledging UCA’s meaningful role in regional development.
In his address, Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha reflected on the formidable challenge of building world-class campuses in remote mountain regions — a bold vision realised through cross-border collaboration and years of sustained effort. He recognised the contributions of local craftsmen, faculty, staff, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees in bringing UCA’s mission to life under the guidance of the Chancellor, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and with the support of the Founding States. Addressing the graduates, he emphasized that education is not just a path to employment, but to a life of purpose: “Success will not be measured by personal gain, but by the positive change you bring through service to others.”
Professor Christopher Gerry, Rector of UCA, congratulated the Class of 2025 and reflected on the profound personal growth students undergo during their years at the University. Highlighting the inspiring journey of alumnus Nurlan Nogoibaev — from a pre-admission summer school at UCA’s campus in Naryn to a career in aerospace data science in Paris — he remarked, “This is UCA at its very best: excellence without arrogance, and ambition grounded in community.” Professor Gerry reiterated that UCA’s mission extends far beyond academic achievement. It is about shaping futures defined by character, connection, and contribution.
Valedictorian Faryal Nayab, from the remote Chitral region in northern Pakistan, delivered a heartfelt address celebrating the resilience and solidarity of her graduating class. Reflecting on their shared experience of entering university during the COVID-19 pandemic, she recalled: “We struggled with deadlines and doubts, but we also celebrated together, debated ideas, hiked mountains, studied hard, stood by each other, and cried together. We became a family — each other’s biggest supporters, closest friends, and home away from home.” She expressed deep gratitude to the faculty and supporters who nurtured their aspirations to lead and serve.
The ceremonies powerfully underscored UCA’s mission to prepare ethical, forward-thinking leaders capable of advancing sustainable development across Central Asia and beyond. Remarkably, a quarter of this year’s graduates have already secured admission to prestigious postgraduate programmes in Europe, North America, and East Asia — in fields ranging from economic governance and public policy to environmental science, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. Institutions they will attend include the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, the University of Alberta, Heidelberg University, and Paris-Lodron University Salzburg. A similarly sized group has already secured employment. Despite the pressures of completing their degrees and planning their next steps, the graduating class from both campuses also raised several thousand dollars to support scholarships for future UCA students — a powerful and selfless gesture of solidarity and commitment to UCA’s future.
