Chongqing - On January 3, the China-Uzbekistan "Urban Resilience" science-technology cooperation and training project concluded at Chongqing University.

Over one month, 35 young scientists from Uzbekistan participated in various learning activities, including policy briefings, technical exchanges, and expert lectures, to gain insights into China's latest research and practical experience in the field of urban resilience.

On January 3, the China-Uzbekistan "Urban Resilience" science and technology cooperation and training project concluded at Chongqing University.  (Photo/Liu Chuan)

Urban resilience is a concept frequently used in disaster risk reduction and management in the international community. It primarily refers to a city's ability to withstand disasters using its resources, reduce the impact of disasters, and efficiently allocate resources to recover quickly from such events.

Chongqing University organized a high-quality teaching team of 15 experts to deliver the training services. These experts, drawn from diverse disciplines, including architecture, urban and rural planning, civil engineering, construction management, building materials, and seismology, provided training in multiple fields, such as urban construction, emergency management, and technological innovation. The training included expert lectures, site visits, and group discussions.

Throughout the project, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions and practical work on scientific research cooperation, focusing on standardization in the housing and urban development sectors and the planning and design of super-high-rise buildings. These discussions led to significant progress, and on the morning of January 3, the trainees presented their final reports. Representatives from Uzbekistan expressed their appreciation for the practical knowledge gained in areas such as housing sector standard setting, disaster response technologies, and urban planning design, which will enhance Uzbekistan's policies and technical capabilities.

Wang Shuxin, President of Chongqing University, presented the graduation certificates to the trainees. (Photo/Liu Chuan)

In parallel with the closing ceremony, a cooperation forum was held, where five experts from both China and Uzbekistan delivered keynote speeches, sharing their insights and perspectives on research in urban resilience.

Xie Hui, the project leader and Vice Dean of the Institute for Science and Technology Development at Chongqing University, said, "Sixteen institutions from China and Uzbekistan have submitted applications to join the 'China-Uzbekistan Urban Science Joint Laboratory. ' This has expanded our network and reflects the strong enthusiasm for China-Uzbek cooperation and urban scientific research. This further advances long-term cooperation and development between both countries in this field and increases the laboratory's international influence."

The "China-Uzbekistan Urban Science Joint Laboratory" was established in August 2024 through collaboration between Chongqing University, the Uzbek Ministry of Construction, and Tashkent Architecture and Civil Engineering University. It aims to promote high-quality urban development in Belt and Road countries.

"Through the 'China-Uzbekistan Urban Science Joint Laboratory,' we will jointly promote urban construction technologies and experiences suitable for Belt and Road countries, particularly in areas such as earthquake safety, green buildings, and smart city technologies, accelerating the application and innovation of these technologies through collaborative projects," added Xie Hui. 

He emphasized that both sides would continue to deepen research in cutting-edge fields such as resilient and healthy cities, jointly apply for international research funding, and promote the transformation of scientific research achievements.