The Green Deal of the European Union stems from the realization that climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Climate change hits the water sector of Central Asia particularly hard: per capita water availability may reach water scarcity levels of less than 1,000 m³ per person by 2040. A better managed water sector could play a crucial role in the sustainable and green recovery of the region. It could provide a solid basis for economic growth, prosperity and the reduction of social, economic and environmental inequalities. Building human capacity is the first, indispensable step towards achieving economic and environmental sustainability of the water sector. A comprehensive review of water-related academic and research capacity in Central Asia, prepared in 2019 by the World Bank with support by the European Union underlined the need for increasing the quality of curricula content, faculty members, research, innovation and international cooperation. In the framework of the project 5 HEIs from the EU and 11 from Central Asia will cooperate to increase the relevance, quality and responsiveness of MA/MSc curricula on water governance and water diplomacy offered by the latter. Teaching staff of Central Asian universities will receive training in the new curricula. The new programmes, inspired by European best practices and adapted to regional conditions and requirements will help train a new generation of experts, prepared to tackle the challenges faced by the water sector. Increased mobility and the development of a regional programme for continuous training and research support will guarantee sustainability of results. The new, modernized courses would increase the employability of and open up attractive career opportunities for graduates.

DECIDE will foster the right of individuals with special needs in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan to access education, enjoy the right of participation in everyday society and to combat discrimination by instilling awareness and acceptance in society as in line with the Bologna Process and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This in turn facilitates the creation of the Access Liaison Officer role at each institution, to promote disability access, and the National Special Needs Awareness Day focus via the nationally strategic Action Groups comprised of Universities, Public Administration institutes, Ministries and NGO's. The project will promote and develop access to inclusive education, social integration and non-discrimination treatment of those with special needs in education in accordance with Bologna Process and UN criteria. Through implementation of the 8 DECIDE Introductory and Advanced Curriculum modules, the project will foster regional integration and cooperation across different regions of the Central Asian countries through joint initiatives, sharing of good practices and cooperation to improve the level of competencies and skills in HEIs and Society by developing these new and innovative education programmes.