UCA and Badakhshan Craftsmen Association Forge Strategic Partnership to Champion Culture and Community Development

The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Badakhshan Craftsmen Association have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to preserve cultural heritage and drive inclusive economic growth across the region. This forward-looking partnership aims to safeguard traditional crafts, empower artisans, and strengthen cultural and creative industries as engines of community development. By linking heritage with entrepreneurship and education, the collaboration reflects UCA’s commitment to the sustainable advancement of mountain societies.

Ahead of the signing ceremony that took place at UCA’s Khorog Campus, a vibrant exhibition spotlighted the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans, with handmade textiles, ceramics, woodwork, and jewellery on display—each piece a living expression of Badakhshan’s rich cultural tapestry. The showcase not only celebrated artistic excellence but also affirmed the value of cultural continuity in a rapidly changing world. The signing was formalised by Mr. Yorali Berdov, Chairman of the Badakhshan Craftsmen Association and Professor Christopher Gerry, Rector of UCA.

Through this partnership, UCA and the Association will jointly:

• Support artisan-led business development and wider market access
• Integrate traditional skills into UCA’s vocational education programmes via the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE)
• Facilitate student internships, applied research, and community-based projects
• Co-publish cultural works and collaborate with museums and archives
• Promote digital storytelling and preserve oral histories

The Badakhshan Craftsmen Association, originally established as “De Pamiri” by the Aga Khan Foundation in 2004, now works with more than 130 artisans and youth across the region. Its efforts to promote creativity and cultural identity have garnered regional and international recognition, including a cultural showcase supported by UCA in December 2023.

This MoU reflects UCA’s broader mission to serve as a regional hub for cultural preservation, education, and innovation. By fostering meaningful partnerships, UCA continues to translate its academic expertise into tangible impact across Central Asia’s mountain communities.