Human history demonstrates that every great advancement is built upon intellectual and spiritual foundations. Today, a project emerging from the heart of Central Asia is drawing global attention for its scale and significance - Center of Islamic Civilization is not merely an architectural landmark, but an intellectual bridge connecting the past, present and future of the region.

The anticipated opening of the complex in March 2026 has already attracted the attention of leading international publications and organizations, recognizing it as one of the most significant cultural projects of the New Uzbekistan.

The foundation for the project was laid in 2017, when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev introduced the initiative at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. At that time, Leader of Uzbekistan emphasized the need to show the international community the true humanistic essence of Islam - enlightenment, peace and creation. This was not only a political statement but also a program for returning to the roots of a land that for centuries served as a cradle of science and culture.

The emergence of this monumental project coincides with a global need for spiritual transformation. In an era where Islamophobia and radicalism are spreading across different parts of the world, Uzbekistan has proposed a model to confront these challenges through science and education.

Today, this vision has materialized in a majestic complex covering ten hectares in the historic center of Tashkent. Its 65-meter azure dome and four golden gates symbolically represent the unity of all regions of Uzbekistan. Across every line of the building, architectural traditions of the Timurid era are harmoniously integrated with modern technological solutions.

Center embodies a balance of religion and science. Its main pillar, reflecting the rich architectural traditions of Ulugh Beg Madrasah, is adorned with a calligraphic inscription of the first revealed verse of the Qur’an, “Iqra” (“Read in the name of your Lord”), symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge as the highest spiritual duty of every individual.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the 7th-century Uthman Qur’an, a unique sacred relic inscribed by UNESCO in the “Memory of the World” Register.

The architectural concept of the complex impresses not only with its grandeur but also with its full compliance with contemporary urban planning and environmental sustainability standards. Every element of the project - from the foundation to the dome - has been constructed with respect for historical heritage and designed for longevity. The landscaped grounds surrounding the complex transform it into more than a scientific center, creating a spacious cultural and educational zone accessible to both city residents and international visitors.

The exhibition concept of the Center fundamentally departs from that of traditional museums. Built upon the principle endorsed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “Civilization – Personalities – Discoveries”, it does more than present historical facts; it immerses visitors in a living intellectual innovation. The exhibition is organized chronologically: the pre-Islamic period, the First and Second Renaissance and New Uzbekistan - forming the foundation of the Third Renaissance.

A special feature is the “Wall of Civilizations”, which showcases humanity’s intellectual progress as a continuous process. It illustrates how the discoveries of great figures from each era - including Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farghani, Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni, and Mirzo Ulughbek - are directly linked to modern high technologies.

The extensive use of VR and AR technologies, holograms, and artificial intelligence enables the Center to “bring to life” unique 9th-century manuscripts, digitally reconstruct the original appearance of ancient observatories and transport past discoveries into the digital realm.

This large-scale integration of digital technologies positions the Center as a museum of the future. Through smart systems, visitors not only receive visual information but can virtually interact with great scientists and participate in their laboratory experiments. The “1001 Inventions” Laboratory, designed for children, sparks early interest in engineering and natural sciences. Center thus evolves beyond a repository of knowledge, becoming an interactive educational platform that nurtures the nation’s intellectual potential.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, has repeatedly emphasized that the true strength of a nation lies in its memory and cultural roots. He instructed that museum exhibitions be enriched with authentic examples of national heritage and that the rarest artifacts preserving the spirit and history of the Uzbek people be returned to the homeland.

In fulfillment of this noble vision, a delegation led by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization and a special commission of scholars, Orientalists and art historians, conducted large-scale research. One of the Center’s most important tasks is the repatriation of national cultural heritage scattered abroad; in recent years, systematic cooperation has been established with prestigious auction houses and private collectors for this purpose.

Thanks to these efforts, more than a thousand unique manuscripts and artifacts have been returned to Uzbekistan. The World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) has also transferred numerous unique artworks from Transoxiana and Khorasan to the Center's collection.

Scientific expeditions and diplomatic missions organized by the Government of Uzbekistan have facilitated the creation of facsimile copies of manuscripts preserved in major museums and libraries worldwide. This process underscores that the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people is not only the legacy of Central Asia but also an integral part of the Islamic world and human civilization. Each repatriated treasure symbolizes the determination of the New Uzbekistan to restore its cultural identity.

The Center of Islamic Civilization is conceived not merely as a museum, but as an active scientific and educational platform. It provides comprehensive facilities for researchers, including a library housing over 200,000 volumes, restoration laboratories, a calligraphy school, and digital archives. Center also hosts offices of prestigious international organizations - including ICESCO, IRCICA and OCIS (Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies) - highlighting its role as a major hub for scientific and educational engagement.

More than 1,500 specialists from over 40 countries contributed to the project. International experts, including Khaled El-Enany, have described the Center as a “unique civilizational complex, integrating a next-generation museum, advanced research infrastructure, a modern library, national and international archives on the history of Central Asian civilizations, digital humanities technologies and an extensive network for global scientific and cultural collaboration”.

President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, referred to the Center as an intellectual hub of the modern world, likening it to historical institutions such as the Bayt al-Hikma, Academy of Ma’mun and Ulugh Beg Madrasah, which once shaped the development of science.

At the Congress “Central Asia: Shared Spiritual and Educational Heritage – Shared Future”, Center was visited by five presidents, becoming a symbol of collective regional pride. The event also brought together more than 300 scholars and cultural figures from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

In February 2026, new reports from Paris further bolstered the project’s global prestige. The International Committee of the “Prix Versailles” included Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent in the list of the “World's most beautiful museums of 2026”.

This recognition is further reinforced by the inclusion of the Center of Islamic Civilization in authoritative international publications and rankings, such as “Smithsonian Magazine”, “BBC Travel”, “BBC History” and “National Geographic”. This places it alongside the world’s major museum initiatives, including the “Lucas Museum of Narrative Art” (Los Angeles), “National Geographic Museum of Exploration” (Washington, D.C.) and “London Museum” (London).

Such acclaim significantly enhances the Center’s scientific and tourism potential, transforming it into a must-visit global landmark. These achievements vividly demonstrate the creative potential of New Uzbekistan and its innovative approach that meets international standards.

It is no coincidence that the Center’s opening coincides with the Holy month of Ramadan. It was in 2018, during this blessed month, that the first stone of this grand project was laid. Now, eight years later, Center of Islamic Civilization will open its doors, becoming a vital symbol of the revival and preservation of Islamic cultural heritage for future generations.

Just a few years ago, Central Asia and the Caucasus were rarely considered major players in the global technology landscape. Today, that perception is rapidly changing. The region is steadily strengthening its position on the global innovation map, attracting international investors, technology companies, entrepreneurs, and venture capital.

What makes this transformation particularly remarkable is that the countries of the region are not developing as competitors, but as complementary innovation ecosystems. Each country is building on its own competitive strengths while contributing to a shared environment for innovation, knowledge exchange, investment, and cross-border collaboration.

A Region Evolving into a Unified Innovation Ecosystem

The progress made by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan over the past few years illustrates this transformation particularly well. In 2026, Uzbekistan was named Country of the Year by StartupBlink, recognizing the country's remarkable startup ecosystem growth. Venture investments increased more than fivefold, the number of startups surpassed 1,200, and the country is now home to 22 venture capital funds managing over $200 million in combined assets.

Both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have prioritized building long-term innovation infrastructure. Each country has established its own Fund of Funds to accelerate venture investment and help startups scale internationally, while Kazakhstan's fund has reached a total capitalization of $1 billion.

Today, both countries have produced unicorn companies, developed globally recognized innovation institutions—including IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub—and continue to earn the confidence of international investors.

From Bilateral Cooperation to a Regional Alliance

A major milestone in regional integration came with the launch of the Central Asian Innovation Hubs (CAIH) initiative in 2024 by IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub. In 2025, IT Park Tajikistan joined the alliance, further expanding regional collaboration.

Since its establishment, dozens of startups from across the region have gained access to international markets in Europe and Asia through participation in major global events such as London Tech Week, GITEX Kazakhstan, and Digital Kazakhstan.

The alliance also established two international innovation hubs in 2025: Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai and Tumar Innovation Hub in Dubai. Today, these hubs actively support startups in entering the U.S., European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern markets, facilitating investment opportunities while strengthening research and development capabilities.

Another important initiative has been the launch of joint Market Entry Programs. In 2025 alone, more than 50 startups expanded into international markets, including the United States, the UAE, China, and others. More than 20 startups also joined leading global acceleration programs, including Draper University Hero Training Program (6 startups), AlchemistX (10 startups), and the Silicon Valley Residency Program (6 startups).

Expanding Toward the Caucasus

Discussions are currently underway to bring Azerbaijan into this growing regional partnership, creating an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects Central Asia with the Caucasus.

One of the platforms where this collaboration is already taking shape is the international innovation summit INMerge. Over the past five years, the forum has evolved from a relatively small corporate gathering into one of the largest technology events in Central Eurasia. Today, INMerge brings together participants from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Türkiye, and many other countries to discuss artificial intelligence, venture capital, digital infrastructure, startup development, and international cooperation.

In 2026, INMerge expanded beyond Baku for the first time by launching its regional Roadshow format across major innovation hubs. One of its flagship destinations was Tashkent, underscoring Uzbekistan's growing role as a leading innovation hub in Central Eurasia.

For startups, events like INMerge represent far more than networking opportunities—they provide direct access to international investors, strategic partners, and new global markets.

Digital Startup Awards: A Gateway to the Global Stage

Another example of the region's growing integration is the Digital Startup Awards, an initiative launched by Uzbekistan to foster a more interconnected innovation ecosystem. The program brings together startup founders from eight countries across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia, and has become one of the region's leading platforms for identifying high-potential technology ventures.

More than a competition, the Digital Startup Awards offers a comprehensive growth platform for founders looking to scale their businesses, strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, expand internationally, and secure investment.

Interest in the program continues to grow. In 2025, the Digital Startup Awards reached a new milestone by receiving a record 1,025 applications from startups across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia.

The initiative aims to identify promising technology companies, connect them with investors and strategic partners, support their international expansion, and deepen collaboration among regional innovation ecosystems. Through programs like these, talented founders gain opportunities to compete on the global stage, while Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia continue to strengthen their position as one of the world's most dynamic emerging innovation regions.

IT Park Uzbekistan

The current transformation of global supply chains and the search for sustainable alternative routes between Asia and Europe are bringing issues of transport connectivity to the forefront. In this context, the development of reliable corridors running through Central Asia and the South Caucasus takes on strategic importance, becoming a key factor in ensuring the sustainability of regional trade, diversifying transport routes, and strengthening economic integration across Eurasia.

Uzbekistan and Georgia occupy complementary geographical positions at the crossroads of key Eurasian routes. For Uzbekistan, a landlocked country, Georgia serves as a vital maritime gateway to Europe via its Black Sea ports. In turn, for Georgia, the partnership with Uzbekistan opens up access to the rapidly growing markets of China and South Asia. This complementarity forms a solid foundation for long-term transportation and logistics cooperation.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) plays a central role in this cooperation, with Uzbekistan and Georgia playing a particularly important role. By the end of 2025, steady growth was recorded: the volume of Uzbek cargo transported along this route doubled, reaching 1.2 million metric tons. These results confirm the corridor’s growing popularity and its emergence as a viable alternative to traditional transport routes between the East and the West.

A positive trend is also evident in bilateral freight traffic. By the end of 2025, the total volume of freight traffic between Uzbekistan and Georgia stood at 146.8 thousand metric tons, an increase of 5 percent. Exports grew by 27 percent to 53,400 metric tons, while imports rose by 26 percent to 71,500 metric tons.

Rail transport showed the highest growth rates. In 2025, the volume of rail freight traffic between the two countries reached 53,1 thousand metric tons, an increase of 56 percent. Exports grew by 71 percent, imports by 65 percent, and transit shipments by 49 percent, indicating significant untapped potential in this sector.

The key instrument for increasing rail freight traffic between the two countries and transit through them is the CASCA+ international route, which connects countries in the Asia-Pacific region—China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Europe. To develop this route, Uzbekistan has established a Coordination Committee, and the parties have designated logistics companies responsible for organizing transit container trains.

As part of this route, the railway administrations of the participating countries are granted annual tariff preferences of up to 70%, which leads to an increase in mutually beneficial freight volumes. In addition, on June 8–9 of this year, another six-party meeting was held among the participating countries, resulting in the signing of a protocol to increase freight volumes along the CASCA+ corridor.

Air service is also developing rapidly. Regular flights operate on the Tashkent–Tbilisi and Tashkent–Batumi routes. In 2025, Uzbek airlines operated 608 scheduled and charter flights to and from Georgia, a 12 percent increase over the previous year. In the first five months of 2026, the number of flights doubled compared to the same period last year, reflecting growing mutual interest and the strengthening of humanitarian ties between the peoples of the two countries.

The strategic outlook for cooperation is shaped by major railway projects being implemented with Uzbekistan playing a leading role. The construction of the “China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan” railway creates the shortest overland route from China to Central Asia and, via the Caspian Sea, to the South Caucasus. In turn, the Trans-Afghan Railway project (“Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan”) opens a direct route to the markets of South Asia.

Integrating these projects with existing transport corridors through the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia will strengthen their interconnectivity and efficiency. Thus, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Georgia is taking on the character of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the interconnectedness of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Sh. Akhmedov, Leading Specialist at the Center for the Study of Transportation and Logistics Development Issues under the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The UN General Assembly adopted by consensus, without a vote, the resolution Peaceful Settlement of Border Disputes, introduced by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and co-sponsored by 40 states. Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, commented to IA Dunyo on the significance of the adopted document in the context of changing perceptions of our region on the international stage.

- This is truly a historic event of fundamental importance both for Central Asia and for the entire contemporary international practice. The fact that the resolution was adopted unanimously, without a formal vote, testifies to the unconditional support for and high level of trust in our region on the part of the international community. I would especially emphasize that dozens of countries acted as co-authors of the document, but the key initiators, acting in solidarity and on equal terms, were Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The document is devoted to a topic that today remains one of the most difficult and painful on the global agenda – the peaceful delimitation and formalization of state borders. At a time when geopolitical fractures are deepening across the planet, trust is declining, and there is a dangerous rollback toward forceful methods of resolving disputes, the states of Central Asia have demonstrated high political maturity and responsibility.

In practice, we have proved to the entire world that direct, honest, and respectful dialogue is the only effective way to untangle the most complex knots of contradictions that remained unresolved since the collapse of the USSR. Central Asia is finally moving away from its former stereotypical image as a “zone of latent risks and border conflicts.” Today, our region is acting as a mature and independent subject of international politics, capable of ensuring stability in our common home through its own efforts and of shaping exemplary peaceful practices that are in demand on a global scale.

— Bringing this initiative to the UN level is a serious step. What strategic and legal consequences does it entail for the initiating states?

— Bringing the Central Asian case to the universal UN platform is important because it consolidates the results we have achieved and gives the processes of regional rapprochement a stable and irreversible character.

By registering these steps within the international legal framework, the states of the region publicly confirm their mutual commitments to follow the course of good-neighborliness. This places a high level of responsibility on all parties before the international community. Thus, strong political and legal guarantees of stability are being created, and the risks of any future revision of the agreements are being radically reduced.

This breakthrough became possible thanks to the firm political will and foresight of the leaders of all Central Asian states, who were able to place the long-term interests of stability and prosperity of our peoples above current disagreements. If we analyze the origins of this process, the most important role here was played by the open and pragmatic foreign policy course of Uzbekistan proclaimed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017. This strategy was initially aimed at turning Central Asia into a space of trust.

What is fundamental is that this approach was not imposed from above as someone’s doctrine, but found a sincere and active response among our neighbors. The current success is precisely the result of joint work and inclusive regional synergy. The initiatives of Tashkent were supported, substantively supplemented, and jointly implemented together with Bishkek and Dushanbe. The signing by the leaders of the three countries of the agreement on the junction point of state borders and the opening of the “Stele of Friendship” became a logical outcome of this large-scale joint work, where the contribution of each side is equally valuable

- Akramjon Ilkhamovich, the political will of the leaders has given a powerful impulse, but peace must also be durable in practice. What economic prospects are opening up for the region, and how is the very model of ensuring security at the borders changing?

- Today we are witnessing a conceptual shift in approaches to regional security: the previous paradigm of rigid restrictions, fences, and barriers in border areas is being replaced by a modern security model based on joint economic development and the formation of deep interdependence. Security in the region is now measured not by the height of dividing barriers, but by the depth and scale of joint projects.

New round-the-clock border checkpoints are opening one after another, which has greatly simplified the movement of people and caused a colossal tourism boom. An illustrative fact: neighboring states now account for more than 60% of all tourists visiting Uzbekistan, which amounts to about 7 million people annually.

The economic framework of stability lies in the fact that we are moving toward major joint infrastructure projects. Trade and industrial zones and logistics centers are being built in border areas, a vivid example of which is the International Trade and Economic Park “Dostuk”. Moreover, we are jointly building the strategic railway China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan and launching projects for the construction of major hydroelectric power plants such as Kambarata HPP-1 and Yavan HPP. What until recently seemed like a distant, almost unattainable dream is today being realized through our common efforts.

All this opens colossal prospects. Central Asia is turning into a single, integral, and stable macro-region. Today our population amounts to about 85 million people. Such a demographic scale has never existed in our history before. But the most important thing is the absolute, practically one hundred percent literacy of this population. The presence of such an impressive body of educated, qualified intellectual capital makes the region a powerful asset for attracting high technologies, major investments, and transforming Central Asia into a key transit and industrial hub for the whole of Eurasia.

- For this complex process to develop progressively, agreements at the highest level must be supported by society. What role do institutions of people’s diplomacy and dialogue platforms on the ground play here?

- You are absolutely right: interstate agreements will be viable only when they possess a developed social base and take root at the level of civil society. Look at how actively dialogue through people’s diplomacy is developing today: regular forums of civil society and women leaders of our countries are being held, large-scale meetings of the creative and scientific intelligentsia are taking place, and living human ties are being restored.

The expert community plays an enormous role in this architecture. It is precisely for this purpose that new inclusive dialogue platforms are being created, and one of the key among them is the Fergana Peace Forum, which we are actively developing in close partnership with our neighbors. We are convinced that the Fergana Forum should become a permanent platform for cooperation in the Fergana Valley. This is a space where analysts, representatives of government bodies, entrepreneurs, and local communities of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan conduct direct and transparent dialogue. Coordinated approaches to complex cross-border challenges are developed here — issues of joint water use, ecology, climate change, and the development of border territories. This makes it possible to transfer potential points of friction into the sphere of practical interaction.

And, of course, systematic work with youth occupies a special, strategic place, because it is the new generation that will have to preserve and develop the conflict-free space that is being laid today. Continuing the logic of the Fergana Peace Forum, already in June, within the framework of the “Youth Month,” we plan to hold a large-scale International Youth Seminar on Peacebuilding in Fergana under the auspices of the UN and the OSCE.

Active youth from all over Central Asia will take part in this three-day event, but the main emphasis is on young people from the border regions of our three countries. Our task is to strengthen youth ties on the ground, teach them to find a common language, jointly implement projects, and deeply support the continuity of the culture of peaceful dialogue.

In conclusion, it can be said that by adopting this resolution, the world recognized that the joint experience of compromises in Central Asia is highly in demand at the global level as a viable matrix of preventive diplomacy that can and should be studied and scaled up. Through concrete action, our region has proved its ability to independently generate stability and bear joint responsibility for a common prosperous future.

IA Dunyo

Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, faces unique environmental challenges that require an integrated approach and strategic planning. In recent years, the country has been taking active steps to protect the environment by integrating sustainable development into national programs and projects. These efforts are not only aimed at improving the environmental situation in the country, but also make a significant contribution to solving global problems. Uzbekistan actively participates in global initiatives to combat climate change. The country ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

Environmental policy issues play a key role on the agenda of the New Uzbekistan. Measures to transform the sphere of ecology and environmental protection to improve the activities of our ministry, actions to combat climate change and its consequences, a moratorium on tree cutting, the introduction of clean “green” energy, solid waste management, the development of “green” transport infrastructure, expansion networks of protected natural areas, measures to restore ecosystems and preserve biodiversity, combat desertification and drought, unify environmental legislation in accordance with international standards, supporting the introduction of modern information technologies, show positive trends.

One of the key aspects of Uzbekistan’s environmental strategy is the development of a “green economy”. The state program “Green Economy” for 2019-2030 is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint, increasing energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources (RES).

Moreover, the government of Uzbekistan has set ambitious goals to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the country’s overall energy balance. As part of the Development Strategy “Uzbekistan - 2030” and subsequent plans. As President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated at the third Tashkent International Investment Forum held in early may this year, our country strives to create more than 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and increase its share in the energy sector. balance up to 40 percent. These goals include the construction of new solar and wind power plants, as well as the modernization of existing energy infrastructure.

In 2019, the law “On Renewable Energy Sources” was adopted, which creates a legal basis for the development of the green energy sector. The law provides benefits and preferences for investors, which stimulates the attraction of both domestic and foreign investment.

The development of “green energy” in Uzbekistan is actively supported by international organizations and financial institutions. Cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other structures plays an important role. Investments and technical support from these organizations contribute to the rapid implementation of innovative technologies and best practices in the field of renewable energy sources.

Just last year, together with the strategic partners of Uzbekistan - the companies Masdar, Gezhouba, China Energy”, large wind and solar power plants with a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts were launched. Also, together with ACWA Power, we began implementing a project for the production of “green” hydrogen.

Currently, work is underway on the implementation of 28 eight projects in this direction. It is noteworthy that these important projects are carried out exclusively through foreign direct investment on the basis of public-private partnerships.

Achieving global sustainable development goals is no less important for the country.

In Uzbekistan, in 2022, an updated Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers “On additional measures to accelerate the implementation of National Goals and Objectives in the field of sustainable development for the period up to 2030” was adopted, which confirms Uzbekistan’s strong determination in achieving the global Agenda for the period up to 2030 year in a comprehensive partnership with all UN member countries to achieve sixteen national sustainable development goals.

The National Goals and Objectives in the field of sustainable development for the period until 2030, the Plan of Measures for the effective implementation of the National Goals and Objectives in the field of sustainable development for the period 2022–2026, as well as the National Development Strategies of Uzbekistan, approved by the Government of our country, serve the implementation of the Goals of Sustainable Development development.

The achieved results in implementing the national goals and objectives of Uzbekistan are generally approved and recognized by the international community.

The basic principle of the new Uzbekistan “In the name of the honor and dignity of man” is consonant with the UN principle on sustainable development “Leave no one behind”.

In the Interagency Ranking of Sustainable Development Goals published by the UN (SDR) in 2023, Uzbekistan took 69th place among 166 countries, increasing its ranking by 8 points.

The Voluntary National Reviews prepared in 2020 and 2023 on the implementation of the national Goals and objectives of sustainable development of Uzbekistan until 2023 were positively assessed by the UN.

Uzbekistan has achieved significant results on all Sustainable Development Goals, which were balanced and interconnected with the implementation of the “Strategy of Action for Five Priority Areas of Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017 - 2021”

An analysis of the current state of protected natural areas in Uzbekistan and current trends in this area shows that in recent years the number and area of protected natural areas in the country have been increasing. Reforms are being carried out in the forestry sector, as a result of which the amount of forest land in the country has noticeably increased.

In this context, the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev “Yashil makon” (“Green space”) has become a truly national project. The forest area in relation to the total land area of Uzbekistan has increased over 7 years from 8.3% to 8.7%. The share of protected areas increased 2.0 times.

Uzbekistan actively participates in international mechanisms for environmental protection and human development. Various initiatives are being implemented to preserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems in the Aral Sea region, protect the ozone layer and mitigate the effects of climate change, and waste management. There are also policies and programs aimed at ensuring people's access to healthy food and clean water. Uzbekistan cooperates with the European Union, its institutional bodies for environmental protection and sustainable development, as well as with individual states such as Germany, Finland, Turkey, and South Korea.

The country is a party to 14 international conventions, as well as more than 20 protocols, agreements and memoranda of understanding in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Uzbekistan regularly takes an active part in the annual meetings of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. During the 27th meeting, held in 2022, the Uzbek delegation advocated consolidating efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, promoting renewable energy sources, climate change adaptation projects, combating desertification and land degradation, introducing water-saving technologies and other climate actions in Central Asia.

Another significant aspect was that the UN supported the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to hold the first International Climate Forum in Samarkand in 2024, dedicated to climate change issues, which provides for a discussion of opportunities for international cooperation to reduce risks and threats in the Central Asian region and issues of attracting climate finance . During the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September of this year. In New York, the President of Uzbekistan took the initiative to adopt the UN General Assembly resolution «Central Asia in the face of global climate threats: solidarity for common prosperity» and proposed discussing its main provisions at the Samarkand Forum.

Cooperation with the countries of Central Asia is critically important to address the many environmental challenges facing the region. Cooperation in this area contributes not only to improving the environmental situation, but also to strengthening regional stability and sustainable development.

Another significant aspect was that the UN supported the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to hold the first International Climate Forum in Samarkand in 2024, dedicated to climate change issues, which provides for a discussion of opportunities for international cooperation to reduce risks and threats in the Central Asian region and issues of attracting climate finance . During the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September of this year. In New York, the President of Uzbekistan took the initiative to adopt the UN General Assembly resolution “Central Asia in the face of global climate threats: solidarity for common prosperity” and proposed discussing its main provisions at the Samarkand Forum.

One of the most significant areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and neighboring countries is water resources management. The transboundary rivers Amudarya and Syrdarya are vital for all countries in the region. Uzbekistan actively participates in international forums and initiatives aimed at the rational use of water resources and conflict prevention. Joint projects with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan include modernizing irrigation systems, introducing water-saving technologies and improving water basin management.

The problem of the drying up of the Aral Sea is one of the most acute environmental disasters in the region. The Aral Sea region is of international importance. In the second half of the 20th century, the state of the Aral Sea entered a phase of instability. This period, caused by anthropogenic impact, is characterized by a decrease in the volume and flow of water, an increase in salinity, a decrease in fish biodiversity and other negative processes. The shrinking Aral Sea has a significant impact on the ecosystems of all neighboring countries, its critical situation extends directly to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, in particular to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara and Navoi regions, and indirectly to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Restoring the Aral Sea requires joint efforts of all coastal states. Uzbekistan actively cooperates with Kazakhstan within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), implementing projects on reforestation, improving water supply and combating dust storms. These measures not only help improve the environmental situation, but also help mitigate the socio-economic consequences of an environmental disaster.

Desertification and land degradation are a serious problem for the countries of Central Asia. Uzbekistan is actively participating in regional projects aimed at combating these phenomena. Collaborative efforts include planting shelterbelts, restoring pastures, improving land management and introducing sustainable agricultural practices. Cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan allows for the exchange of best practices and technologies, which contributes to the effective fight against desertification.

Positive trends include the adoption of measures to increase the area of green space, a reduction in areas allocated for cotton and an increase in areas for growing vegetables, grains, fruits and fodder crops, as well as an increase in government support for the introduction of water-saving irrigation technologies.

Cooperation in the field of environmental education and knowledge exchange plays an important role in solving environmental problems in the region. Uzbekistan, together with neighboring countries, is implementing programs to increase environmental awareness of the population, train specialists and conduct joint research. This includes organizing conferences, seminars, training programs and exchanges of students and scientists. Such interaction contributes to the formation of a sustainable environmental culture and the training of qualified personnel to solve environmental problems.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia in the field of environmental protection is a key element of the regional sustainable development policy. Joint efforts to manage water resources, restore the Aral Sea, develop renewable energy sources, combat desertification and environmental education contribute not only to improving the environmental situation, but also to strengthening regional stability and prosperity. Uzbekistan continues to actively participate in international and regional initiatives aimed at solving common environmental problems, demonstrating its commitment to the principles of sustainable development and international cooperation.

In general, environmental protection in Uzbekistan is an integral part of the country’s sustainable development strategy. The measures taken to develop a green economy, combat climate change, protect water resources and promote sustainable agriculture not only improve the environmental situation in the country, but also make a significant contribution to solving global environmental problems. Uzbekistan demonstrates that an integrated and strategic approach to environmental protection can lead to a sustainable future, both nationally and globally.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani on September 30.

The sides discussed topical issues of further expansion of strategic cooperation with the World Bank Group and support of this leading international financial institution to the ongoing reform program in New Uzbekistan.

At the beginning of the meeting, Vice President Antonella Bassani conveyed to the head of our state sincere greetings and best wishes of World Bank President Ajay Bangui.

During the conversation, the current high level and fruitful nature of bilateral cooperation were noted with deep satisfaction.

In recent years, our country has become one of the largest partners of the Bank - the portfolio of projects has increased several times and now exceeds 12 billion dollars.

The World Bank is supporting the implementation of important reforms aimed at ensuring the sustainability of economic and social sectors. The Bank's regional office in Tashkent has been operating since July this year.

Such areas as poverty reduction, transformation of state-owned enterprises and banks, decarbonization, support for WTO accession and others have been identified as priorities for further expansion of the partnership.

Special attention was paid to the programs of urbanization and integrated development of regions, modernization of energy and irrigation infrastructure, support to the private sector.

There was also an exchange of views on the promotion of regional projects.

Stolen cultural property dating back to the 2nd and 3^rd centuries AD has been returned to Uzbekistan following a large-scale investigation involving law enforcement agencies and scholars from across Europe.

A number of artefacts, illegally smuggled from the Central Asian republic that was once the heart of the Bactrian and Kushan empires, were presented by the Metropolitan Police's Art and Antiquities Unit at the Embassy of Uzbekistan. They will subsequently be transported back to their homeland, where they will take a prominent place in the exhibition of the recently opened Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent.

The event serves as vivid evidence of Uzbekistan's consistent policy regarding the repatriation of national cultural heritage and highlights the growing global trend toward the protection of cultural values.

“This event is a compelling confirmation of the broad international support for the consistent course of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at returning cultural treasures to their homeland, - noted Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and Chairman of the Board of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU). - We are deeply grateful to our partners and law enforcement representatives from European countries for their support and look forward to further cooperation in preserving and restoring our cultural heritage”.

Detective Sophie Hayes of the Metropolitan Police, addressing a gathering of prominent scholars and officials, emphasized that the recovered artefacts are the heritage not only of Uzbekistan but of all humanity. According to her, the investigation was conducted with the assistance of both national and international specialists, as well as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), with the support of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU).

The items presented at the exhibition are among the findings discovered in November 2025 during an investigation codenamed Operation Inherent Vice by the police.

A total of nine artefacts were on display, including statue heads and fragments of gypsum frescoes. These monuments date from the 2nd-3rd to the 7th century AD and hold exceptional historical significance for both Uzbekistan and the broader Islamic world.

“The return of these priceless artefacts is not only a victory for New Uzbekistan but also a compelling testament to the power of international cooperation in preserving the country's historical heritage, - added Mr. Abdukhalikov, noting that cultural organizations, legal institutions and diplomatic missions have confirmed their readiness to assist Uzbekistan in recovering its lost treasures”.

The ceremony reflected a broader trend toward strengthening global interaction in the field of cultural heritage protection, with a particular focus on increasing transparency and adhering to ethical standards in the art and antiquities market.

The Center of Islamic Civilization also announced its intention to participate in the upcoming Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions and to visit art galleries in London. These initiatives are aimed at acquiring new items of Uzbek cultural heritage for the purpose of their preservation and return to the homeland.

“Uzbekistan's efforts to return and protect its cultural heritage continue to attract the attention and support of the international community. We are setting a powerful example of coordinated action in the field of restitution of cultural property”, - emphasized Mr. Abdukhalikov.

“The returned items possess exceptional historical and scientific value, as they belong to various eras of the ancient history of the territory of modern Uzbekistan and reflect the diversity of civilizational processes that have occurred in Central Asia over the centuries”, - noted Dr. Farhod Maksudov, Director of the National Center of Archaeology (Institute of Archaeology) of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

IA “Dunyo”

New trends in Central Asian politics of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's policy in Central Asia has reached a qualitatively higher level. The trend of developing mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of the region is intensifying with its own characteristics. According to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has given priority to strengthening relations of close friendship and cooperation with neighboring countries, and over the past historically short period - the political position and influence of our country in the Central Asian region and the Middle East. The world has grown dramatically. The spirit of trust in New Uzbekistan and the principles of striving for cooperation with our country have increased in the world.

Central Asia is a region with important and unique resources, economic and communication potential. In the 90s of the 20th century, the countries of the region embarked on their own independent path of development and joined the ranks of developing countries, promoting humanism, social justice, and security. in the region there is international harmony, peace and well-established foreign policy activities and international cooperation, based on the principles of international law, such as the creation of an atmosphere of peace, and consistently developing them.

In the direction of the foreign policy of New Uzbekistan, in establishing practical cooperation in the countries of Central Asia, the fifth priority direction of the “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy has been identified - the consistent continuation of a policy based on the principle of “A Safe and Peaceful State”. the region to a new level of quality, good neighborliness and strategic partnership with all neighboring countries, pays special attention to the rapid development of relations, regular and effective conduct of bilateral and multilateral negotiations in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian areas.

The measures taken by the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan to expand mutual cooperation between the countries of the region also play an important role. It should be noted that as a result of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reforms in the field of foreign policy, diplomatic relations of Uzbekistan with the countries of the Central region literally rose to a new level.

The fact that Shavkat Mirziyoyev began his first visit to foreign countries as President of Uzbekistan with a visit to the countries of Central Asia, literally indicating that he has raised the development of regional cooperation to a new level.

On March 6-7, 2017, Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a state visit to Turkmenistan. It should be noted that this was Sh. Mirziyoyev’s first visit to a foreign country as the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This state visit of the President clearly confirmed that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to good neighborly relations in foreign policy, and was supported by the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

The visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kazakhstan on March 23, 2017 and the signing of a Joint declaration on deepening the strategic partnership and strengthening the friendly neighborhood between the two countries opened a new era in interstate cooperation. Thanks to the joint efforts of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, in 2017 the volume of bilateral trade reached 2 billion US dollars, and such direct contacts serve as the basis for the effective implementation of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Following the state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Kyrgyz Republic, a declaration was signed on strengthening strategic partnership, friendship, good neighborliness and trust.

In 2018, the implementation of the new policy of the President of Uzbekistan to strengthen political trust and mutual solidarity in Central Asia continued consistently. In particular, President Sh. Mirziyoyev visited this country on March 9-10, 2018 at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan E. Rahmon. During the visit, the leaders of the two countries signed a Joint Statement on Strengthening Friendship and Good Neighborhood and an Agreement on Certain Sections of the Uzbek-Tajik State Border.

In addition, as a result of the continuation of negotiations of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the delimitation and demarcation of the state border with neighboring countries, the delimitation of the state border lines with Kazakhstan has been completed, 85 percent of the border with Kyrgyzstan has been passed. agreed upon, and 99.9 percent of the border with Tajikistan has been agreed upon.

At the end of 2021, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan amounted to almost 600 million US dollars. The number of joint ventures has increased 10 times. If in 2017 there were 24 enterprises operating in Uzbekistan, then by the end of 2021 240 enterprises with the participation of Tajik capital began operating. There are 61 enterprises operating in Tajikistan based on investments from Uzbekistan.

On June 2-3, 2022, the presidents of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the presidents of Tajikistan signed a historic declaration “On strengthening eternal friendship and alliance.” In addition, documents signed at the level of government, ministries and departments are designed to raise multifaceted Uzbek-Tajikistan cooperation to a new level.

Analyzing the platforms and formats of interstate dialogue organized on the initiative of Uzbekistan on regional cooperation, it should be noted that, on the initiative of the head of Uzbekistan, consultative meetings of the leaders of Central Asian countries are regularly held.

Consultative meetings are systematically organized as part of this initiative (March 2018, Kazakhstan; November 2019, Uzbekistan; August 2021, Turkmenistan; July 2022, Kyrgyzstan; 2023, Tajikistan). As positive trends in Uzbekistan’s policy in Central Asia, practical proposals made at these meetings can be noted. In particular, at the fourth consultation meeting held in Kyrgyzstan, he put forward a number of proposals that meet the interests of the region. In particular, the interests of the region today are served by such proposals as the creation of a system of border trade zones with unified and simplified procedures for the delivery of goods to Central Asia and the holding of a Central Asian festival of culture, art and cinema in each country.

Indeed, here it is permissible to note the high assessments expressed by many foreign experts to the initiatives of Uzbekistan. For example, Li Yunxuan, director of the Institute of European and Asian Social Development under the State Council of China, says: “Uzbekistan is an active participant in the processes of strengthening regional and interregional cooperation, in the mechanism of consultative meetings of leaders of Central Asian countries, in ensuring the effectiveness of cooperation on topical issues of ensuring regional stability and development plays an important role.

Indeed, as a result of the growing role of Central Asia in modern international relations, “the spirit of trust in New Uzbekistan and the principles of cooperation with our country have increased in the world.” ... Our countries, which have been common brothers and sisters from time immemorial, began to act in close cooperation on many regional and global issues and socio-economic development.

The phrase “spirit of Central Asia” has appeared in world political science.

On September 14, 2023, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke at the fourth consultative meeting of leaders of Central Asian countries held in Tajikistan and put forward a number of proposals to strengthen new trends in the Central Asian region. politics of Uzbekistan. Including the development of trade and economic cooperation in the region; development of industrial cooperation; increasing interdependence in transport; ensuring security in the energy sector; ensuring food safety; Combating the threats posed by climate change.

The issue of creating an interstate economic council to expand practical cooperation on the entire range of trade and economic issues in the region also deserves attention. Another platform implemented at the initiative of Uzbekistan is the Central Asian Economic Forum. On March 15, 2019, the first Central Asian Economic Forum was held in Tashkent with the participation of deputy prime ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Positive results were achieved through discussion at the forum of issues of further development of regional cooperation, studying the possibilities of the transport and communications complex, increasing the volume of mutual trade and the attractiveness of tourism.

At the initiative of Uzbekistan, in order to ensure good neighborliness and interethnic harmony between the peoples of the countries of Central Asia, on November 15, 2019, an international conference was held in Tashkent with the participation of experts and scientists from foreign countries on the topic “Central Asia is our common home,” which serves to bring the countries of the region closer together in cultural and humanitarian sphere.

Uzbekistan's policy in Central Asia is consistent in identifying new trends, ensuring stability and security.

On March 9-10, 2018, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a state visit to the Republic of Tajikistan. At the high-level meeting, special attention was paid to strengthening interstate cooperation in the areas of ensuring regional security and stability, promoting the solution of international problems, combating terrorism and extremism and other types of organized transnational crime, which is an important achievement of Uzbekistan. diplomacy in ensuring regional security and stability. According to Tajik expert Kasimsho Iskandarov, relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan depend on the political will of state leaders. After Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power, relations between the two countries changed dramatically. The rapid development of Tajik-Uzbek relations has solved many problems not only between the two countries, but also between all countries in the region. The political environment for developing regional cooperation has improved. 

Also, on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on June 22, 2018, the UN General Assembly for the first time adopted a resolution “Strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and consistent development in the Central Asian region”.  Our opinion is confirmed by the fact that Uzbekistan has put forward proposals for the formation of a regional system for forecasting emergency situations in the region, their prevention, early warning and joint counteraction.

It is worth noting that there are several factors that contribute to the development of good neighborly relations, such as mutual trade, investments and joint projects.

If we look at the numbers, we can witness that Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with the countries of Central Asia has grown to an unprecedented level. Trade turnover in 2017 amounted to $2.4 billion, and by the end of 2019 it reached $5.2 billion. In two short years the growth was 150 percent. Despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic, the growth in freight volumes observed in Central Asia in 2020 demonstrates the enormous potential for further expansion of international roads and railways and strengthening of transport and logistics infrastructure. In this regard, on August 6, 2021, within the framework of the third consultative meeting of leaders of Central Asian countries, at the Economic Forum of Central Asian Countries, held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone (Turkmenistan), the Uzbek side discussed the development of transport corridors connecting the countries of Central Asia, increasing efficiency use of the transit potential of the countries of the region, and also, it is worth noting that he made a proposal to strengthen cooperation on the harmonization and digitalization of customs clearance procedures. It is worth noting that “in recent years, radical reforms in our country, a consistent and active foreign policy, especially strengthening the environment of close neighbors in the Central Asian region, have increased the international prestige of our country”.

If we evaluate the new trends in the Central Asian policy of Uzbekistan, we can see that their impact on regional interaction and international relations is acquiring positive significance.

It should be noted that on December 19, 2019, at the plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly, a special resolution “Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central Asia” was adopted, proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In short, the special significance of the approaches in the regional policy of Uzbekistan lies in the fact that they serve to strengthen the belt of security, stability and cooperation throughout the region. In the context of increasing threats to regional and global security, the socio-economic well-being of countries, Uzbekistan is of great importance in determining new trends in the politics of Central Asia and the prospects for jointly combating modern dangers and threats.

Mirzayev Gulom,

Doctor of philosophy in historical sciences (PhD), associate professor at the University of Public Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS), in an analysis for Dunyo IA on the results of the April 24 meeting chaired by the Head of State, emphasized that the country's socio-economic development results for the first quarter of 2026 confirm: the nation has not only adapted to global turbulence but has also developed a reliable internal immunity to external shocks.

According to him, the achieved figures indicate that the national economy has reached a qualitatively new level of dynamic development. Despite unprecedented global market volatility, the disruption of global supply chains, and mounting inflationary pressures, Uzbekistan recorded an impressive GDP growth of 8.7%, significantly exceeding the 6.8% result from the same period last year.

Such a significant breakthrough, the expert is convinced, has been a direct result of the well-considered and consistent strategy of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at the fundamental transformation of all spheres of public life. During this challenging period, the state assumed not merely the role of a regulator but that of an active catalyst for modernization: the industrial sector grew by 8%, compared with 4.1% in 2025, while the services sector, which has become the engine of renewal, surged by 16.1%. Against the backdrop of global instability, Uzbekistan, for the first time on an annual basis, managed to curb inflation, reducing it from 10.6% in March 2025 to 7.1% in the current period, thereby opening new horizons for long-term investment planning.

The country’s leadership has made a significant contribution, reflected in unprecedented financial support for entrepreneurship. In 2026, 140 trillion UZS are being allocated for these purposes through the banking system, 30% more than last year. Targeted assistance to mahallas in the first quarter alone amounted to 3.6 trillion UZS, a 25% increase, enabling local budgets to generate an additional 2.2 trillion UZS in revenue.

As the expert noted, during the critical analysis, the Head of State emphasized that the quantitative records achieved must serve as a foundation for significant structural improvements in the economy, necessitating a transition to an advanced, innovative development model. One of the central tasks identified is a sharp increase in labour productivity, which should rise by at least 10-15% through the integration of modern technologies and management standards. The state aims to fully move away from the raw-materials-exporter model toward the creation of high-tech regional value chains, engaging more than 40 global brands as strategic partners.

Particular attention is being paid to the efficiency of project management. With a record volume of foreign investment in the quarter totalling USD 13.7 billion, 1.6 times higher than last year, the focus is shifting toward precise monitoring of returns. The President has decided to elevate the economy to a new international level: as early as next month, 30% of state assets worth USD 2.4 billion will be listed on international stock markets. This has become possible due to the transfer of management of 13 strategic enterprises of the National Investment Fund to the reputable company Franklin Templeton. At the same time, the state is accelerating reform of the energy framework, allocating USD 50 million for concessional lending to support businesses in transitioning to renewable energy sources, and creating a digital logistics infrastructure capable of increasing exports through electronic platforms, raising the target to USD 700 million.

At the same time, expert analysis shows that external challenges are not only persisting but also intensifying significantly: the continued rise in global energy prices and the increasing complexity of global logistics are creating tangible pressure on domestic production costs and competitiveness.

Under current conditions, activities in the external sphere must be maximally synchronized with domestic reforms. This implies a focus on facilitating technology transfer, attracting smart capital into artificial intelligence, and diversifying transport corridors to strengthen Uzbekistan’s status as a central link in regional connectivity. The steady acceleration of exports and the systematic removal of barriers for high-value-added products today require deep coordination between the state and the private sector, as well as the mobilization of all available resources to achieve qualitative results, the expert believes.

To maintain current high growth rates and reach new milestones, it is necessary, as the President emphasized, to radically increase the flexibility of managerial decision-making and execution discipline at the local level. It is important to transform quantitative growth into the structural quality of the economy, to ensure development through a multiple increase in productivity and the creation of high added value in key sectors.

The balanced and proactive foreign policy of the country’s leader creates the necessary zone of stability at the regional level. However, it is precisely the internal mobilization of the public administration, an uncompromising focus on innovation, and the efficiency of management that are today the decisive conditions for enabling Uzbekistan to successfully transform global pressure into new “windows of opportunity” for long-term national prosperity.

Dunyo IA

According to estimates by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), there is potential to increase mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan by 30–40%. Additional opportunities for expanding economic cooperation are primarily linked to the development of industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan has demonstrated steady positive dynamics; however, the potential of bilateral relations remains only partially realized. This was stated today by Khurshed Asadov, Deputy Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), during the international scientific and practical conference “Uzbekistan – Tajikistan: New Prospects for Alliance and Regional Cooperation”, held in Tashkent.

According to the expert, relations between the two countries have reached a qualitatively new level in recent years. Cooperation, reinforced by agreements on strategic partnership and allied relations, has created an institutional foundation for the active development of economic ties.

According to CERR estimates, mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan increased 3.8 times during 2017–2025, rising from $238 mln to $912 mln. During the same period, Uzbekistan’s exports grew 3.7 times, while imports from Tajikistan increased more than fourfold.

Today, Tajikistan ranks among Uzbekistan’s key regional partners, occupying ninth place among the countries importing Uzbek products.

At the same time, current indicators reflect only part of the possible potential of economic interaction. According to CERR estimates, mutual trade could increase by an additional 30–40% solely through the substitution of Tajikistan’s imports from third countries with products manufactured by Uzbek producers.

The expert emphasized that geographical proximity, a shared border, and well-developed transport connections create favorable conditions for deepening trade relations. In particular, significant prospects remain for expanding Uzbekistan’s industrial exports, including automobiles, household appliances, textile products, and chemical goods.

At the same time, considerable potential also exists in the sphere of industrial cooperation. According to the expert, one of the most promising cooperation models could involve the establishment of joint processing facilities in border regions, particularly focused on the processing of agricultural raw materials and the development of agrologistics centers.

Asadov also noted that further development of transport infrastructure and the expansion of transit opportunities in Central Asia could serve as an additional driver of economic integration.

As emphasized by the Deputy Director of CERR, the current level of allied relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan creates the foundation for transitioning to a deeper model of economic cooperation, focused on joint investments, industrial cooperation, and the development of regional infrastructure, which could become an important factor in strengthening economic connectivity and promoting the development of Central Asia.

For reference: The international scientific and practical conference “Uzbekistan – Tajikistan: New Prospects for Alliance and Regional Cooperation” was organized by the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA). The event brought together representatives of government institutions, the diplomatic corps, and expert and academic communities from both countries. Participants discussed the current state and prospects for developing trade-economic, investment, and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

CERR Public Relations Sector

Issues of further development of multifaceted partnership, promotion of economic and investment cooperation projects, establishment of practical interaction in the defense sector were discussed at the meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and a delegation from the United Arab Emirates headed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Muhammad Al Maktoum.

The Emirati delegation included the Ministers of Government Affairs Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Muhammad Al Mazroui, Economy Abdullah bin Tuq Al Marri, and Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Omar bin Sultan Al Olama.

At the beginning of the conversation, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum expressed his sincere gratitude to our Head of State for the warm welcome and conveyed warm greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Al Nahyan and Prime Minister of the UAE, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Al Maktoum.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to the issues of forming a new long-term agenda of mutually beneficial cooperation in such key areas as investment, innovative development, green energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, ecology, digital transformation, tourism and others.

The sides highly appreciated the fruitful results of the joint forum on unlocking the potential of mutually beneficial cooperation, bilateral intergovernmental and interdepartmental talks held this morning.

An agreement was reached to adopt a road map for the development of full-scale cooperation in strategic sectors.

It should be noted that the UAE is one of Uzbekistan's key partners in the Asian region.

The latest high-level contacts took place within the framework of the Global Climate Summit in Dubai last December.

The trade turnover in 2023 grew by 21 percent and amounted to 626 million dollars. More than 320 enterprises with the participation of Emirati capital operate in our country. The portfolio of ongoing and prospective investment projects amounts to about 20 billion dollars.

Recently, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a special letter from President of the United States Donald Trump. In this message, which is of great significance in political and diplomatic circles, the U.S. President highly commended our Head of State’s active and constructive participation in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council in Washington. The letter specifically acknowledged the innovative reforms being implemented by our esteemed President in New Uzbekistan and the results achieved, and invited him to the next meeting of the Peace Council as well as to the prestigious G20 Summit to be held in Miami.

It concluded with the words, “May the Creator bless you and the great people of Uzbekistan,” expressing the highest respect.

Do you know the geopolitical significance of this development?

It is an open acknowledgment that the leader of the world’s most powerful country regards New Uzbekistan not as a small Central Asian state, but as a strategic partner helping to shape global peace, security, and a new world order. The attention and invitation extended by the head of the White House represent the international community’s true assessment of the balanced, enlightened, and pragmatic foreign policy pursued by our President.

What force lies behind this diplomatic success? Why is Washington listening so closely to Tashkent’s views and position today, at a time of intensifying rivalry among global powers?

The answer is clear and well founded: humanity stands on the threshold of a profound paradigm shift. Indeed, the world’s geopolitical architecture is currently undergoing a stage of fundamental renewal, transformation, and restructuring.

Traditional methods in international relations—the use of force, financial pressure, and artificially constructed political alliances—are losing their value. At a time when humanity is caught in a vortex of unexpected global crises and conflicts, a new form of peace diplomacy—grounded in reason, science, rational analysis, enlightenment, and logic—is emerging on the geopolitical stage.

Therefore, President Donald Trump’s letter is far more than a matter of ordinary diplomatic courtesy or symbolic protocol. It demonstrates that New Uzbekistan is becoming a firm pillar of the global political architecture.

Those of us in the academic and scientific community must examine this process at a deep, fundamental level: Why is the leader of the world’s most powerful country paying such close attention to Uzbekistan’s voice and to its balanced, enlightened position?

It should be noted that the international community has recently come to recognize Tashkent’s foreign policy as a “phenomenon of pragmatism grounded in humanism and enlightenment.” Uzbekistan is therefore no longer a mere observer at global flashpoints. Tashkent proposes addressing problems through clear, systematic solutions based on reason and knowledge. This is precisely why Donald Trump attaches fundamental importance to Tashkent’s role in the Peace Council established in Davos and at the Washington summit. His views indicate that Uzbekistan has already moved beyond the status of a “geopolitical player in the shadows” or a “small state.” Our country is emerging as a pillar of stability in Central Asia and a strong bridge for peace in global diplomacy.

In his historic address at the Peace Council’s first summit in February of this year, our Head of State stated clearly and firmly: “We must seize this historic opportunity to build a New Gaza—a prosperous region with decent living conditions for its people.”

The Uzbek leader’s initiative to build homes, kindergartens, schools, and hospitals in crisis-stricken areas is a fundamental concept conveying to the world that war and destruction can be overcome only through enlightenment, education, socioeconomic recovery, and science diplomacy.

Clear evidence of this can be seen in the period from 2022 to 2026, which has been marked by entirely new initiatives, major investments, and the rapid expansion of academic exchanges in education and science. Data from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, and international organizations such as American Councils clearly demonstrate the scale of this growth.

In recent years, thousands of local English-language teachers have been retrained in accordance with international standards through the English Speaking Nation (ESN) program, implemented with the support of the U.S. Department of State. American specialists—English Teaching Assistants (ETAs)—have been directly involved in teaching at schools and universities across various regions of Uzbekistan.

With U.S. support, modern teaching and learning packages for English and computer science (IT), meeting international standards, were also developed and introduced for grades 1–11 in general education schools.

Cooperation in higher education has advanced beyond student exchanges to the level of institutional development:

• The expansion of the Fulbright and FLEX programs significantly increased the quotas for academic exchanges intended for researchers, graduate students, and schoolchildren. Young Uzbek scholars and teachers gained opportunities to conduct research at leading U.S. universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Texas.

• Franchising and partnerships with American universities have developed, while the network of joint educational programs—including double-degree programs—and academic cooperation with U.S. higher education institutions has expanded. The Tashkent branch of Webster University has further broadened its activities and continues to train highly qualified professionals through its undergraduate and graduate programs.

The number of joint research projects between the Ministry and U.S. higher education institutions in IT, alternative energy, agricultural technologies, and sociolinguistics has increased. Educational resources open to the wider public have also been developed beyond formal educational institutions. A network of modern libraries, STEM laboratories, and free language-learning centers has been established in Tashkent, Karshi, Namangan, Termez, and other cities. These centers have become free platforms for young people to acquire knowledge and exchange information. Special grants and training programs have also been introduced to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In addition, from July 13 to 18, a delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation was sent on an official visit as part of the international Future 100 internship program.

The program arranged internships at the world’s leading universities, technology companies, accelerators, and other organizations. In particular:

• Visits were organized to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (TOP 1), Stanford University (TOP 3), Harvard University (TOP 5), the University of California, Berkeley (TOP 17), and San Francisco State University.

• The delegation learned about the work of Coursera, Google, OpenAI, the StartX Accelerator, the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, and the United Nations, and took part in seminars.

Recent years have marked a fundamental shift, both quantitative and qualitative, in Uzbek-American educational relations. This cooperation serves as an important driver for developing human capital in Uzbekistan, training professionals who can compete in the global labor market, and modernizing the education system.

Today, we can say with confidence that a strong foreign policy rests upon strong enlightenment and a powerful economic foundation. In this regard, the scale of past and present economic and social cooperation between Washington and Tashkent deserves particular recognition. The agreements reached within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum and business dialogues in Washington—with the leadership of the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), as well as with such global corporate giants as BlackRock, John Deere, Traxys, and Valmont Industries—are no coincidence.

Major projects in healthcare, critical-mineral processing, green energy, artificial intelligence, digitalization, data centers, and the construction of a new airport hub in Tashkent are the practical fruits of intellectual power grounded in science and technology.

The United States’ view of Uzbekistan as a strategic partner is also closely linked to the reforms underway in our country’s higher education and research sectors. In modern competition, it is not raw materials but intellectual capital and advanced technologies that are becoming decisive. Science is the only universal human phenomenon that knows no borders and can show the way toward rational compromise in any situation. The global peace initiatives advanced by Uzbekistan embody the following three principal enlightened solutions:

• Resolving conflicts not through political or military pressure, but by rebuilding society’s social and cultural fabric and establishing educational infrastructure.

• Ensuring that every peace mechanism—including efforts such as the reconstruction of Gaza—is supported by the local population and founded on sustainable economic models.

• Demonstrating New Uzbekistan’s readiness to assume geopolitical responsibility and offer solutions at the world’s most painful flashpoints.

This is precisely why the United States and the international community see Shavkat Mirziyoyev as a new, reliable, and balanced guarantor of global stability.

It is evident that, in the twenty-first century—when global competition is becoming increasingly fierce—our country has its own voice, its own conceptual model, and a firmly established place on the world stage. We believe that the G20 Summit in Miami and the upcoming meetings of the Peace Council will elevate Uzbekistan’s active participation in shaping the global political agenda to an even higher level.

For our part, we must support this honorable and prudent diplomatic course led by our esteemed President through science, innovation, and a highly skilled workforce, while demonstrating to the world the strength of the Uzbek tradition of enlightenment.

Thus, New Uzbekistan is a new global center of peace, enlightenment, academic intellect, and international cooperation. This message will continue to resound from international platforms and unite the entire world around the cause of goodness.

Fazliddin MUMINOV
Head of Department, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation