“Some 12 centuries ago, Al-Kindi, the great philosopher said, ‘We respect education because it teaches us values,’ said Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  “It is our earnest hope that as you progress through personal and professional lives, you will be guided by the values imparted by this University:  the values of honesty, integrity, respect for diversity and the practice of sound ethics in whatever you do.”

“Twenty-one years ago, I joined the Presidents of the Founding States in signing an extraordinary International Treaty that brought three countries together to establish the University of Central Asia as a single, multi-campus, regional institution of higher learning,” said His Highness the Aga Khan.  “Today's graduation event, held simultaneously in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is an example of the power of education and international cooperation.  It is a power that can change people’s lives.”