Interview with Anti-Corruption Expert and Visiting Professor Kodir Kuliev
In 2023, Kodir R. Kuliev, adjunct professor of International Studies and Ethics at Webster University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, arrived to teach at Leiden for a semester. At Webster Leiden, Kuliev taught courses as an anti-corruption and governance expert through the Leif J. Sverdrup Global Teaching Fellowship. In addition to teaching, Kuliev also volunteers and leads in different organisations, such as the Council of Europe, and in his free-time is a black belt in combat sambo.
Q: Hi Kodir! Can you please tell us about yourself?
A: Hello, I am Kodir (Qodir), an anti-corruption and governance expert with over a decade of work experience in the private sector and various international organizations, including EU-funded projects, UNESCO, DAI, IACA, OSCE, and the embassies of the UK and US in Uzbekistan, and a diverse academic background, including Anti-Corruption, Human Rights Law, Management, Economics, and Politics. Although I conduct research and deliver lectures in academia, my calling is more to being a leader. I lecture at Webster University in Tashkent mainly on Global Studies and Ethics courses.
Q: What do you like about the Webster Leiden Campus?
A: It is a university with a truly global footprint. When you access the institution, you will hear different languages and personally experience various cultures. In fact, I am privileged to teach students from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. With a rich tapestry of cultures, the students benefit from a dynamic and diverse learning environment that prepares them for success in a globalized world.
With dozens of campuses in diverse locations of our planet, including Austria, China, Ghana, Greece, Switzerland, the Netherlands (host campus), Thailand, and Uzbekistan (home campus), Webster University is committed to breaking down barriers and making quality education accessible to all. And Webster Leiden Campus is one of the well-known hubs to welcome elite ranks of professors from other campuses.
Q: What is special about the new course you taught?
A: The Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Anti-Corruption course was the first and the only interdisciplinary course of its kind introduced in the Webster community dedicated to equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, preparing them to succeed professionally. In the current offering at the Webster Leiden campus, students examined corruption and compliance issues from various perspectives, particularly Politics, Business, Psychology, and Morality. The curriculum prioritizes practicality, emphasizing the application of knowledge to real-life scenarios. Also, it is helpful for students in any major because corruption is a pervasive problem that affects all sectors and industries. So, whether they apply to work in politics, finance, healthcare, or government, learning how to prevent, detect and control corruption, understanding the nature and workings of (anti-) corruption and compliance, and grasping an in-depth perspective on its impact on humanity, students will increase their chances of being hired. But studying anti-corruption is not just about career progress; it's about positively impacting society. By taking this course, students [..] contributed to building a more just and accountable world and assuring basic human rights.
Q: How was it living in The Netherlands, and what was your favorite part?
A: I like the society here. It is tolerant and inclusive, where people of different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles coexist peacefully. As far as I witnessed and learned, even the Dutch government has implemented policies to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, education system, and public institutions. Also, the Dutch have a strong tradition of openness and transparency in government and business, with a culture of accountability and responsibility. This could serve as an example for other nations seeking to improve their governance and promote trust in public institutions.
‘‘Discover and utilise opportunities’’
Q: Any advice for students?
A: My advice is, "Discover and Utilize Opportunities." Opportunities are flying around. The problem is not the lack of opportunities but failing to perceive them. You never know; maybe the guest speaker invited by your professor to speak for 20 minutes might give invaluable advice that might change your life, or perhaps the instructor you might not like may provide a strong letter of recommendation due to your commitment and persistence, which can secure you the internship that could be hardly possible without it. Relevant and rewarding opportunities are - most of the time - hidden. It, of course, requires open-mindedness, pro-activeness and wisdom.
Q: What do you miss about Webster Leiden?
A:The students with whom I shared a lot, the supportive staff, and, of course, the vibrant, fairy-tale-like atmosphere of Leiden City.
Thank you Kodir Kuliev, for having taught at Webster Leiden Campus, and for your insights!
The best way for students to contact Kodir Kuliev is through LinkedIn.
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kodir-kuliev-93349a27/