Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic are entering a new phase in their relationship, building on the strong foundation laid over more than three decades. During this period, Uzbek-Czech ties have evolved from largely ceremonial contacts into a system of substantive engagement spanning political dialogue, trade, investment, and cultural and humanitarian exchange. Today, as Uzbekistan deepens its connections across Europe, the Czech Republic stands out as one of its most prominent partners in Central Europe.

The framework of the current relationship took shape from the first years of independence. The two countries established diplomatic relations on January 1, 1993, and the Czech Republic moved quickly to open a trade mission in Tashkent – one of the first to do so – which it converted into a full embassy in November 1994. Over the following decades, both sides steadily built out the treaty and legal framework, developed inter-parliamentary ties, and established intergovernmental communication channels, creating the infrastructure for genuine cooperation.

The year 2023 marked a qualitative turning point. Reciprocal visits at the prime ministerial level – Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s visit to Tashkent in April and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov’s visit to Prague in October – infused the relationship with new content and momentum. The talks produced the Interstate Joint Declaration “On Enhanced Cooperation”, which set the direction for the partnership in the years ahead.

The pace of engagement has not slowed since. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský visited Tashkent in October 2024, and in September 2025 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Petr Pavel met on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Both sides have concentrated on expanding ties in investment, transport, innovation, and agriculture – a focus that reflects the practical, results-oriented character of the bilateral dialogue.

An important institutional development came in February 2025, when both chambers of the Oliy Majlis established Uzbek-Czech inter-parliamentary groups. These structures sustain continuous dialogue at the parliamentary level and create conditions for strengthening the legislative relationship and broadening the treaty and legal framework.

This political activity has created fertile ground for trade and economic engagement, which is showing positive momentum. Bilateral trade reached $189.7million in 2025. Although this represents a slight decline from 2024, the figure is three times higher than the 2018 level, reflecting the broader long-term upward trend. The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Industrial and Scientific-Technical Cooperation serves as the structural instrument for sustaining this trajectory; its tenth session took place in Prague in March 2025. Through this mechanism, both sides are steadily expanding their business presence.

More than 40 companies with Czech capital now operate in Uzbekistan, and that number continues to grow. A vivid example of Czech business interest is Škoda Group’s intention to launch a joint venture in Uzbekistan for the local assembly and maintenance of railway rolling stock, as well as to establish a Škoda Academy for the training of industry specialists.

Beyond manufacturing and trade, Czech business is also making inroads in healthcare. Contacts with Czech pharmaceutical companies are becoming more regular, and Czech medicines and modern medical equipment have gained a solid presence on the Uzbek market.

Czech business interest is underpinned by active government support: the Czech Republic is actively backing Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO, which is expected this year. Membership in the organization will open new opportunities for foreign investors and create additional conditions for expanding trade.

The humanitarian dimension of the partnership has taken the longest to develop and is, for that reason, the most durable. As far back as 2003, Termez State University and Charles University launched a joint archaeological expedition in the Surkhandarya region. Over twenty years of fieldwork, the project has uncovered previously unknown monuments from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The exceptional finds gathered over the years of research formed the basis of the exhibition “From Zarathustra to Genghis Khan”, which opened in Tashkent in April 2023 on the occasion of Prime Minister Fiala's visit.

The cultural agenda continues to grow. Czech musical ensembles regularly participate in the Sharq Taronalari festival in Samarkand, while the Czech-Uzbek Friendship Society in Prague has for many years served as a living platform for people-to-people diplomacy.

Academic and scientific cooperation is also advancing. The National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Tashkent Medical Academy, and a number of other universities are running joint programmes with Charles University, Comenius University, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, and Mendel University.

Student interest in Czech education continues to grow steadily: over the past five years, the number of students from Uzbekistan studying in the Czech Republic has doubled, approaching 700. The annual Czech government scholarship programme, which gives Uzbek citizens access to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral study, has contributed significantly to this growth.

Labour mobility between the two countries is also developing. Around 3,000 Uzbek citizens currently work in the Czech Republic in industry, construction, trade, and services, and an annual quota of 150 labour visas reflects both sides’ structured approach to organising labour mobility.

All of this sustains a steady flow of mutual travel, supported by a direct weekly air service between Tashkent and Karlovy Vary that makes the Czech Republic a readily accessible destination.

The breadth and depth of this engagement naturally raises the question of priorities for the bilateral dialogue going forward.

First, opening an Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Prague would improve the speed of contacts, expand Uzbekistan’s diplomatic presence, and allow more effective support for joint projects.

Second, despite the temporary decline in trade volumes in 2025, the potential for recovery is considerable. The Czech Republic’s high standing in the Prosperity Index, 8th in the EU in 2026, confirms its status as a key technology and investment partner for Uzbekistan.

Third, particular promise lies in mechanical engineering, machine-tool manufacturing, and industrial automation. According to Harvard University’s Economic Complexity Index, the Czech Republic has held 7th place globally for a decade in its capacity to produce and export technologically sophisticated goods – precisely the kind of partnership Uzbekistan needs for its industrial modernisation agenda.

Overall, the Czech Republic is consolidating its role as one of the strategic anchors in Uzbekistan’s European partnership network. The convergence of Czech industrial capacity and Uzbekistan’s dynamic, fast-growing economy lays the foundation not merely for an exchange of goods, but for deep technological integration and large-scale industrial projects designed to last for decades.

Kayumova Madinabonu,

Leading Researcher of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In an era characterized by growing disunity among global powers, the strategies employed by so-called “middle” states in forging stable regional relations present promising solutions for achieving international peace and cooperation. Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation situated at the heart of the historic Silk Road, and Finland, a Nordic state with a unique experience as a neutral border state during the Cold War, exemplify how a consistent commitment to dialogue can contribute to regional stability amidst the complexities of global relations.

Geographically separated, these countries have developed strikingly similar approaches to ensuring sustainable development, peace, and stability in their regions. They address key regional security challenges by strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial good-neighborly relations with their neighbors. Additionally, they engage in multilateral, long-term partnerships with interested countries and organizations.

While Uzbekistan and Finland have been shaped by different historical contexts, these experiences have contributed to the development of a shared diplomatic philosophy centered around stability, cooperation, sovereign equality, mutual respect, and multilateral interaction.

Central Asia, a region steeped in ancient history, has long been a cultural and historical hub. Centuries ago, it was a unified space where politics, economics, and culture intertwined seamlessly. As one of the cradles of human civilization, Central Asia boasts a rich tapestry of history and a vibrant cultural heritage that has shaped universal values. These values emphasize cooperation over confrontation, tolerance over imposition, and the belief that the well-being of neighbors is intrinsically linked to one’s own.

Since gaining independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has consistently championed a policy of regional interaction. This policy, which gained prominence under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2016, became a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. Tashkent’s “diplomatic offensive” to enhance intra-regional cooperation became one of the most significant policy changes that transformed relations in modern Central Asia.

Tashkent’s unprecedented focus on dialogue and building trust with neighboring states has transformed Uzbekistan into the primary organizer of cooperation in the region. It has advocated for the development of multilateral interaction mechanisms, spanning various domains such as water resource management, transport corridor expansion, industrial cooperation, border demarcation, and regional security.

The positive impact of these policy changes has reverberated throughout the entire region. After 2016, economic cooperation witnessed a remarkable surge, leading to a nearly doubling of the total GDP of Central Asian states from $273 billion to $520 billion. Trust and strengthened ties between countries have facilitated a 4.5-fold increase in intra-regional trade, soaring from $2.4 billion to $11 billion. Moreover, the number of tourists visiting the region has doubled, further boosting its appeal.

The collective openness and enhanced stability have become attractive factors for third countries, resulting in a significant increase in the region’s foreign trade. This growth has seen a remarkable rise of over 200 percent, from $112 billion to $253 billion.

Finland’s diplomatic traditions were shaped by its unique position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western “spheres of influence.” Its vulnerable geographical location drove its pursuit of interaction and stability.

Finland consistently advocates for strengthening friendly relations with all countries, particularly its neighbors, and fostering ties within Nordic cooperation structures like the Nordic Council, the Council of Ministers of the Nordic Countries, and the Nordic Investment Bank.

This approach is reflected in Finland’s active involvement in the OSCE with aims to enhance dialogue and trust.

Finland’s 2025 OSCE chairmanship, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, holds symbolic significance. It exemplifies Finland’s commitment to building bridges, fostering dialogue, and cultivating trust, aligning with its dialogue-based foreign policy. Finnish diplomacy consistently emphasizes the importance of strengthening common positions and approaches among states, reflecting Finland’s consensus-oriented diplomatic style, which Uzbekistan shares as well.

It’s worth noting that both countries adhere to the same fundamental principles of international law. Respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the inviolability of borders serve as practical guidelines shaping Uzbekistan and Finland’s foreign policy, regional behavior, and international positioning.

Tashkent’s approaches to regional interaction resonate with Helsinki’s priorities for cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries. Uzbekistan’s efforts in resolving border disputes and collaborating on water resources in the region mirror Finland’s approach to peacebuilding and fostering cooperation.

Furthermore, both countries have established themselves as advocates of results-oriented cooperation. They are pragmatic architects of projects that create mutual benefits and strengthen regional stability and interregional connectivity.

Under the leadership of President Sh. Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is actively promoting the development of transport infrastructure within Central Asia and with neighboring regions, including the West, East, and South. For instance, the development of the “Middle Corridor” (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) has led to a remarkable six-fold increase in cargo shipments along it over four years, from 2020 to 2024, reaching a substantial volume of 4.5 million tons. Tashkent is also actively involved in the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and is promoting connectivity between Central and South Asia.

Economic cooperation and environmental protection are additional pillars of Uzbekistan’s regional strategy. These aspects play a crucial role in Uzbekistan’s environmental programs, particularly in mitigating the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster.

Finland, following a similar pattern of project-oriented cooperation, has been an active participant in initiatives of the Nordic Council and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. These initiatives encompass cross-border cooperation in environmental protection, innovation, and people-to-people contacts. Finland also promotes initiatives of the Trans-European Transport Network and Arctic connectivity.

Known for its leadership in environmental protection, Finland actively participates in cross-border economic projects with partners from the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Alongside their close cooperation with countries in their respective regions, Uzbekistan and Finland pursue a policy of strategic multilateralism. Both countries actively participate in various regional and global institutions, reflecting their shared views that modern challenges require collective responses. They believe that “middle powers” can exert effective influence through institutional engagement.

Since 2016, Uzbekistan has significantly increased its involvement in regional organizations, primarily the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), and various United Nations bodies.

Additionally, the “Central Asia +” (C5+1) platform, now comprising over 10 partner countries and organizations, actively promotes interregional cooperation. Notably, the inaugural “Central Asia – European Union” summit held in April 2025 resulted in an agreement on “deep and comprehensive cooperation” between the two regions.

Finland’s international engagement, while having a longer history, also follows a similar pattern of active institutional participation. As a member of the European Union since 1995 and multiple international organizations, Finland maintains its traditional interactions with regional structures in Northern and Baltic Europe.

As the international landscape becomes increasingly intricate, Uzbekistan and Finland encounter similar challenges that test their historically established unique diplomatic approaches.

Uzbekistan faces the primary challenge of sustaining the momentum for deepening regional partnership and intensifying cooperation with external actors amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, environmental threats, and economic shocks.

From Uzbekistan’s perspective, responding to the changing geopolitical landscape and the economic transformation needs of Central Asia requires strengthened cooperation, both among Central Asian countries and between regions.

Finland’s challenge lies in finding a balance between its commitments within the EU and NATO and its traditional role as a mediator in building consensus and dialogue, particularly in organizations like the OSCE, where it continues to promote “strengthening dialogue and trust.”

Overall, Uzbekistan and Finland exemplify successful regional cooperation based on a consistent commitment to dialogue and interaction. Despite their distinct geographical and historical contexts, both countries have adopted similar foreign policy approaches focused on conflict prevention, institutional engagement, and pragmatic regionalism.

In an interconnected world characterized by great power rivalry, the diplomatic approaches of Uzbekistan and Finland serve as a reminder that sustainable security and prosperity are achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and practical collaboration, rather than diktat, isolation, or empty rhetoric.

And unsurprisingly, these foreign policy approaches positively impact the lives of their citizens. It’s not a coincidence that Finland consistently ranks as the “happiest country in the world” for the eighth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report. Similarly, Uzbekistan leads in the level of happiness among Central Asian countries in the same ranking.

Sharif Akhmedov,

Chief Researcher at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The 26th International Textile and Garment Industry Exhibition TextileExpo Uzbekistan 2026 will be held from May 13 to 15, 2026 at the Uzexpocentre National Exhibition Complex in Tashkent

TextileExpo Uzbekistan is the largest B2B platform for the textile and garment industry in Central Asia, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and professional buyers. Here, the buyers find reliable partners, current trends, and favourable terms of cooperation, while industry representatives find comprehensive solutions for production development and optimization. Visitors can compare offers, evaluate product quality, and negotiate directly with manufacturers.

Over 150 verified suppliers from 7 countries will participate, with strong representation from companies from China.

The exhibition will traditionally cover all production cycle phases from raw materials to finished products and accessories. Visitors will find yarn, fabrics, knitwear, fittings and accessories, finished garments, technical and home textiles, hosiery, as well as chemicals and dyes for the textile industry.

According to the organizers, the traditional Buyers’ Program is planned as a unique component of the TextileExpo Uzbekistan. It is a platform focused on achieving concrete business outcomes, including targeted B2B meetings, the establishment of long-term partnerships, and the conclusion of commercial contracts. For domestic companies, the program serves as an effective channel for entering international markets and scaling export deliveries. For buyers, exclusive participation conditions are provided, allowing them to make the most efficient use of their time at the exhibition and gain priority access to key suppliers.

Dunyo IA

Historically, Central and South Asia constituted a macro-region of intensive cross-cultural and civilisational exchange.

The peoples of the two regions were repeatedly incorporated into common state formations and shared political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spaces. It was through these territories that major routes passed, connecting the Middle East, Europe, India and China. Close contacts facilitated the dissemination of scientific knowledge and philosophical ideas, as well as achievements in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, architecture, diplomacy and systems of public administration.

In contemporary conditions of global turbulence and a deficit of mutual trust, understanding the deep historical and civilisational commonality of Central and South Asia is of particular importance. This is not only a matter of retrospectively analysing trade ties or political contacts of the past. Data from modern population genetics confirm the existence of stable, centuries-long anthropological interconnections among the population of the macro-region.

The results of large-scale palaeogenetic studies, including the sequencing of ancient DNA (aDNA) from representatives of the Indus civilisation, together with archaeological and linguistic evidence, make it possible to reconstruct the directions of migration flows and the transformation of the gene pool over millennia.

Studies of the ancient population of southern Uzbekistan and of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) demonstrate the genetic continuity of local populations and their close contacts with ancient communities of the Iranian Plateau, north-western India and the Indus basin.

The specific nature of these processes in the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age indicates that the territories of present-day southern Uzbekistan functioned as a space of permanent demographic and cultural exchange. They formed part of a single area of intensive circulation of people, technologies and cultural practices. This factor shaped the closeness of anthropological, linguistic and religious processes in Central and South Asia without erasing their autochthonous identities.

This is not a question of genetic homogeneity, but of a centuries-old system of demographic interactions that shaped the closeness of anthropological, linguistic, cultural and religious processes in Central and South Asia.

In this context, Uzbekistan attaches special importance to the restoration of deep historical and cultural relations in order to create a solid foundation for enhancing connectivity. After 2016, the country’s modern foreign policy is based on the synergy of pragmatic economic and transport partnership and the recognition of the common historical destiny of the macroregion.

At the same time, within the framework of the “Termez Dialogue”, projects are being formed for the joint study of Buddhist and Islamic heritage. The exceptional syncretism of the monuments of southern Uzbekistan (Kara-Tepe, Fayaz-Tepe and Kampyrtepa) reflects the historical synthesis of Indian, Hellenistic, Iranian and Central Asian traditions, marking the routes of the transfer of Buddhism from India to East Asia.

A new stage of civilisational synthesis is associated with the integration of the region into the Islamic space from the eighth century onward. Termez became one of the key intellectual centres of the Muslim world, as evidenced by the influence of Sufi networks and the legacy of the outstanding thinker al-Hakim at-Termizi, whose works retain authority in both Central and South Asia. In the Timurid era, these ties served as a basis for the formation of the unique Indo-Muslim civilisation of the Great Mughals, whose origins directly go back to the cultural matrix of Mawarannahr.

Relying on this historical and civilisational foundation, Tashkent today advocates the creation of a common cultural and humanitarian platform for Central and South Asia, one that demonstrates a high degree of complementarity with the foreign policy strategies of key South Asian states.

India: New Delhi views Uzbekistan’s initiatives through the prism of its own Connect Central Asia concept. Cultural and historical parallels (the Baburid era, Sufism and Buddhist heritage) enable India to expand its humanitarian presence in the region, as reflected, in particular, in the opening of branches of leading Indian universities (Amity and Sharda) in Uzbekistan.

Pakistan: For Islamabad, deep spiritual ties with Samarkand and Bukhara are critically important. The development of programmes of “ziyarat tourism” (pilgrimage tourism) acts as a catalyst for humanitarian contacts and contributes to the growth of mutual trust necessary for implementing large-scale trans-regional transport projects.

Afghanistan: For Kabul, Uzbekistan’s depoliticised initiatives open a legitimate channel of interaction with the outside world, allowing the country to integrate into regional economic processes without being drawn into political confrontation.

The strategic potential of the macro-region is closely linked to its demographic characteristics. Central and South Asia are among the youngest regions in the world: the share of the population under 30 exceeds 60 per cent, while the median age is about 28. This demographic resource serves as a key driver of sustainable growth and the activation of intersocietal ties, which makes the development of human capital particularly urgent.

In these conditions, joint work in the field of human capital development becomes increasingly important. This includes the training of qualified personnel, the expansion of scientific and academic cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and technologies, and the intensification of youth and public contacts.

Uzbekistan is consistently scaling up inter-university and scientific and academic cooperation in the macro-region. A practical example of this activity is Termez, where programmes of vocational and language training for Afghan students have been launched with the support of international organisations. As a result, the city is being transformed into a major educational and humanitarian hub at the junction of the two regions.

In this context, Tashkent’s modern initiatives aimed at restoring trans-regional connectivity appear as a natural continuation of a historical model of development determined by the deep interdependence of states.

The contemporary foreign policy course of Uzbekistan is based on the synergy of pragmatic economic and transport partnership and the recognition of the macro-region’s shared historical destiny. In implementing this strategy, Termez, an ancient intellectual and logistical hub linking Mawarannahr, Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent, acquires special significance.

Its historical role was shaped by a unique geostrategic position. Already in antiquity, Termez was an important centre of the Greco-Bactrian and Kushan worlds. It was the Kushan Empire that created one of the first stable political and economic spaces uniting the territories of present-day Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.

Today, Uzbekistan is institutionalising this heritage by creating new multilateral dialogue platforms. The key element of this architecture is the international platform “Termez Dialogue”, which is focused on developing transport and logistical connectivity, humanitarian diplomacy and academic interaction.

The expert community notes the qualitative evolution of this platform. The second session of the “Termez Dialogue”, scheduled for 4–6 June 2026 in Tashkent, Termez and Samarkand, marks a transition from conceptual discussions to the formation of applied mechanisms of cooperation in politics, logistics, climate adaptation and cultural exchange. The forum is acquiring the status of a specialised international platform for developing multilateral approaches to regional security and the Afghan settlement process.

The fundamental distinction of Uzbekistan’s approach lies in its reliance on the concept of “inclusive regionality”, which presupposes the obligatory inclusion of Afghanistan in the system of trans-regional ties. Tashkent proposes an alternative model of diplomacy, viewing humanitarian cooperation as an instrument for reducing interstate contradictions and overcoming regional fragmentation.

Thus, contemporary Uzbekistan is carrying out a conceptual rethinking of the historical experience of interaction between Central and South Asia in relation to the realities of the twenty-first century. By developing the “Termez Dialogue” platform and stimulating trans-regional connectivity, Tashkent is transforming historical memory of a single civilisational space into a viable mechanism of multilateral integration, humanitarian partnership and indivisible regional security.

Alisher Sabirov

Doctor of Historical Sciences

Nizami National Pedagogical University

of Uzbekistan

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has been recognized as the “Best Museum of the Turkic World” by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the organization, announced this during an international scientific conference dedicated to the 690th anniversary of Amir Temur's birth.

Constructed in a short period at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Center is highly regarded today not only as a unique architectural masterpiece but also as a symbolic bridge connecting Eastern and Western civilizations. Through its concept, content, and scientific-educational focus, it vividly demonstrates the creative and enlightening potential of Islamic civilization.

While ceremoniously presenting the “Best Museum” certificate to the leadership of the Center, Secretary General Sultan Raev specifically highlighted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's policy aimed at the profound study and global promotion of the Islamic civilization's heritage:

-  Thanks to the special attention of Honorable President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the legacy of Amir Temur and Islamic culture are being deeply explored today. New scientific and artistic works are being created and modern scientific-educational centers are being established. I can say with confidence that there is no comparable center in the world. This is, undoubtedly, a vivid manifestation of the ideas of the Third Renaissance. At times, the world limits itself to mere statements. However, Uzbekistan is setting an example through its practical actions and tangible results.

In turn, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, shared his insights regarding this prestigious recognition:

-  Established under the direct initiative and visionary authorship of our Honorable President, the Center has emerged as one of the most significant mega-projects in the Turkic world. The Head of State personally participated in and oversaw every stage of its creation. Today, every visitor leaves the Center with a world of impressions. As is well known, TURKSOY is a prestigious international organization uniting states such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye and is often referred to as the “UNESCO of the Turkic World”. Currently, the museum heritage of these nations encompasses nearly 1,300 museums. The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, with its creative vision, profound conceptual depth and innovative solutions, holds a special place among these institutions, manifesting itself as a unique cultural and scientific phenomenon.

Furthermore, F. Abdukhalikov specifically highlighted the growing international interest in the Center's activities. In particular, the Hungarian government has expressed interest in studying the Center's experience and collaborating on the implementation of a similar project. Additionally, the leadership of the German state of Bavaria has stated its readiness to support initiatives aimed at promoting Islam through enlightenment.

At the conclusion of the event, it was emphasized that this award serves as a vivid testament to the Center's high international prestige, its scientific and cultural significance, and its profound recognition across the Turkic world.

The main feature of a democratic society is the protection of human rights and the provision of equal opportunities for all in public life and administration. Gender equality is an essential component of this, as it ensures equal protection of rights and freedoms for individuals.

The Constitution of Uzbekistan states that all citizens enjoy equal rights and freedoms, regardless of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, beliefs, social origin or social status. Article 58 states that men and women have equal rights, and the state provides equal opportunities for both genders in managing society and state affairs.

These principles of equality and social justice are reflected in all laws and regulations, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and rights. This includes gender equality, which is essential for a fair and just society.

It should be noted that, in recent years, more than 40 legislative documents and important conceptual programs have been adopted within the framework of which efforts have been made to create equal rights and opportunities for women and men, strengthen the role of women in government and community leadership, provide necessary conditions for education, vocational training, employment, and create decent working conditions. These efforts also aim to increase women's participation in economic life and protect them against various forms of harassment and violence.

In particular, the law “On guarantees of equal rights and opportunities for women and men” provides for the prevention of gender discrimination and the provision of equal participation for all in public administration. The Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence establishes mechanisms to end various forms of violence against women and to provide protection and assistance to victims.

The “Strategy for achieving gender equality in Uzbekistan until 2030” approved by the decision of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on May 28, 2021, envisages a comprehensive approach to the implementation of the principle of equality between women and men in all spheres and levels of decision-making and implementation. Also, the strategy serves to ensure the promotion of gender equality in economic, political, and social life in order to create conditions for the realization of equal rights and opportunities for men and women and to observe fundamental human rights.

Due to this, gender policy in our country has become an important factor in society and state development. Concepts such as “gender equality”, “gender and development”, “gender balance”, and “the role of women in social and political life” are expressed in the development of program documents and all normative legal documents in our country.

In practice, the results are even more significant. In particular, the reason for the gender policy is that in the last seven years, the share of women in public administration in Uzbekistan has increased from 27% to 35%. In his speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, summarized the systematic efforts to achieve gender equality in our country and noted that the share of women in public administration reached 35% for the first time.

Moreover, in our country, 32% of the deputies in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and 25% of the members of the Senate are women. The number of women entrepreneurs has doubled, and the number of women who have started their own business has exceeded 205 thousand. Hundreds of thousands of women were trained in trades and entrepreneurship. Among the population employed in health care and education, the share of women is 77 percent, in the economy and industry, it is 46 percent. The number of girls studying in higher education institutions has increased by six times; more than half of the students are women.

Uzbekistan has ratified the main international human rights treaties and conventions related to gender equality. Our country joined the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1995 and undertook to eliminate discrimination and ensure the full development and well-being of women. Uzbekistan has also ratified the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, which set strategic goals for achieving gender equality, and has been effectively fulfilling the relevant obligations.

Therefore, the systematic measures taken in this regard are duly recognized by the international community. In particular, in the World Bank index, Uzbekistan was listed among the 5 fastest developing countries in the world in the field of gender equality.

In addition, Uzbekistan ranked 18th out of 195 countries with a score of
69.7 in the “Open Data Watch” organization's Open Gender Data Index, and was ranked among the “Top-20”.

In the policy of ensuring gender equality in the public service, increasing the weight of women in public administration, in particular, issues of forming a team of potential female leaders are of priority.

It should be noted that after the introduction of open competitions by the Public Service Development Agency, practically the same requirements were set for everyone. The human factor between the employer, personnel department representatives, and candidates was limited. Equal opportunities are guaranteed for all.

This, of course, further expanded the opportunities for women to enter the civil service. If we base our opinion on the numbers, earlier women made up
5-8 percent of those who entered the civil service, now women make up about
34 percent of the winners of the competition.

To be more specific, 2.1 million applications have been received in open competitions to date, of which 20% are women. 56,500 of our citizens won these contests, and 19,670 of them (35 percent) were women.

The first direction of ensuring gender equality in the personnel policy is to attract the most potential women to the civil service, to increase the attractiveness of the civil service for them, and the second major direction is to hire highly skilled people in the management of the civil service – “HiPo” (High potential) is to systematically prepare female personnel for leadership positions and to form a corps of “Women leaders”.

According to many sociologists, a professional leader is a person who has certain characteristics for successful management, regardless of gender. For effective management, it is not the role of the leader in gender relations, but the presence of professional competences such as the ability to correctly set priorities in solving the problem, to direct the team, and to fully achieve the goals based on the rational distribution of resources, is considered important.

However, due to the problem of vertical segregation, the low proportion of women in high-ranking positions, and the problem of the “glass ceiling”—invisible barriers to advancement our women have to work in more middle and senior management positions. As a reason for such a situation, we can point out the high responsibility of leadership, and for this reason, the professional qualifications, knowledge, and potential of women are not in accordance with the relevant leadership position.

In order to form specialists into good leaders, it is necessary to develop the necessary soft skills in effective work with personnel and making optimal decisions in management, development of human resources, innovation, critical and systematic thinking, and leadership competencies.

Therefore, our agency, in cooperation with the Family and Women's Committee and the Academy of Public Administration, launched the “Women's School of Leaders” educational program aimed at preparing the most potential women working in state bodies for leadership.

Until now, on the basis of this program, he has a high professional potential, is active in the implementation of reforms, and is active in various fields of public administration. The qualification of 145 women was improved.

At this point, it should be noted that by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-81 dated March 1, 2022, the position of women activists was introduced in every neighborhood in all cities, towns, villages, and towns. In turn, through this, the President created a practical school for the formation of women leaders. Currently, there are about 9,400 women activists at the lower level, and 207 women are working as deputy governors, heads of family, and women's departments at the middle level.

Those who have achieved the highest results according to the KPI system by the State Service Development Agency are included in the National Personnel Reserve and are purposefully prepared for senior leadership positions.

As a result of the above-summarized measures implemented on the basis of today's gender equality policy, a unique national model of preparing women for leadership is being formed in our country.

In conclusion, a strong legal basis for gender equality policy has been formed in our country, and as a result of the full and correct implementation of these norms in life, we are making progress recognized by the international community. On this basis, it can be noted that gender policy in Uzbekistan serves as an important criterion for ensuring human rights.

Dilfuza Makhkamova,

Head of the Department of the Agency for the Development of Public Service under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Farangiz Avazbekova,

Chief Inspector of the Agency for the Development of Public Service

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan;

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law

OPEN CALL

The Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan invites you to participate

at the X Tashkent International Biennale

of Contemporary Art,

which will be held from 14 to 18 October 2024 in the city of Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Can take part in the Biennale artists of various areas of contemporary art and present your work on the topic

“Art and World”.

In addition to the main exhibition, the biennale will host a number of artistic and cultural events, such as exhibitions, lectures and master classes, an international conference, and a tour of the cities of Uzbekistan.

All expenses of foreign participants for their stay (meals, internal transportation, accommodation) in Tashkent, except for flights,

will be covered by the Organizing Committee.

Applications for participation in the Biennale are accepted until August 15, 2024 via Google form:

https://forms.gle/aUEMyfrsyQUsrp7b7

(detailed information is given in the attachment to this letter)

*Organizers have the right to make changes to the event program

*Application requirements

X International Biennale of Contemporary Art
(Tashkent, Uzbekistan, October 14-18, 2024)

Requirements for Art Works

*The organizers have the right to make amendments

The global economy has entered a stage in which sustainable development is no longer merely a declarative agenda but has become one of the key criteria for assessing trust in governments, companies, and financial institutions. As a result, ESG standards are now viewed not as an image-building tool, but as a means of evaluating reliability, governance quality, technological maturity, and long-term competitiveness.

For reference: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) refers to business principles under which a company considers its impact on the environment, society, and the quality of governance while seeking to achieve sustainable development and minimize risks.

Today, this trend is naturally shifting from voluntary commitments toward stricter requirements, including non-financial disclosure, climate reporting, independent verification, carbon regulation, supply-chain oversight, and measures to combat greenwashing—that is, the unjustified presentation of activities as environmentally sustainable.

Notably, according to available estimates, global ESG assets exceeded USD 30 trillion in 2022 and may reach USD 40 trillion by 2030. At the same time, sustainable bond issuance amounted to approximately USD 1.1 trillion in 2025. This demonstrates that sustainable development has become part of the global financial infrastructure rather than a narrow area of corporate policy.

Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan is shaping its own model of sustainable development based on national priorities. Water and energy security, employment, social stability, improved performance of state-owned enterprises, greater transparency in governance, and stronger investment appeal are of particular importance to the country.

A key feature of Uzbekistan’s approach is that the ESG agenda is not being developed in a fragmented manner, but as part of broad reforms implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, the transition toward a green economy, national sustainable development goals, the green taxonomy, the MRV system, ESG reporting by state-owned enterprises, social protection, the development of mahallas, and anti-corruption measures together form a unified framework for public policy.

A new stage in the institutional development of ESG was formalized by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 221 dated May 4, 2026. The document approved rules for introducing environmental, social, and corporate governance principles, preparing ESG reports, and disclosing information on sustainable development. As a result, ESG in Uzbekistan is moving from a broad strategic framework toward a specific system of implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

This is therefore not a collection of isolated initiatives, but a new logic of governance. The economy must not only grow, but also remain sustainable; state-owned enterprises must not only be large, but also transparent; social policy must not only compensate for hardship, but also support development; and the environmental agenda must not only protect nature, but also carry economic significance.

The environmental pillar remains the most developed area. Given Uzbekistan’s water scarcity, high climate vulnerability, the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, and the need to modernize the energy sector, the green economy is an objective necessity.

Key documents signed by the Head of State define the main areas of environmental transformation: the development of renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, the introduction of water-saving technologies, emissions reduction, waste recycling, the expansion of green spaces, the restoration of natural ecosystems, and the creation of an emissions-monitoring system.

As a result, environmental policy is gradually moving beyond traditional nature conservation and becoming part of the country’s economic strategy. At a time when the carbon footprint is becoming a factor in export competitiveness, energy modernization, reduced water losses, and improved industrial efficiency are gaining not only environmental but also macroeconomic importance.

Alongside the environmental agenda, Uzbekistan’s sustainable development model includes a strong social dimension. This includes reducing poverty, expanding employment, supporting women, protecting vulnerable groups, developing mahallas, improving infrastructure, and raising living standards.

It is the social pillar that gives the reforms a human dimension. The green transition must not be limited to reporting and technical indicators. It must remain people-centered, since changes in energy, water management, and industry may affect employment, tariffs, access to resources, and household income structures.

At the same time, the aforementioned government resolution establishes ESG as an integrated system in which environmental indicators are not considered separately from social and governance factors. The focus extends beyond emissions, energy, and water to include governance quality, labor practices, risks affecting stakeholders, data transparency, and management accountability.

The quality of governance is becoming a key condition for the effectiveness of the ESG agenda. In today’s environment, investor confidence depends not only on macroeconomic indicators, but also on institutional transparency, corporate governance, information disclosure, and the predictability of public policy.

Uzbekistan has made notable progress in this area. Digital monitoring, the KPI system for government bodies, anti-corruption policy, ESG reporting by state-owned enterprises, and a national system for measuring, reporting, and verifying climate and ESG indicators for emissions accounting are all being developed.

Changes in the public sector are particularly significant. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in improving the investment appeal of state-owned enterprises. By the end of 2025, 17 state-owned enterprises had received international credit ratings, while seven had obtained publicly available ESG ratings. This indicates a transition from a closed administrative model toward the standards of international financial discipline.

In practice, the public sector is becoming subject to external assessment, public reporting, and corporate accountability. Ratings require the disclosure of risks, financial discipline, a clear strategy, and stronger governance. Through this mechanism, ESG is moving from the conceptual level into the practical sphere of corporate management.

Within this framework, the government resolution is of fundamental importance. It stipulates that state-owned enterprises undergoing transformation must introduce ESG reporting rules from July 1, 2026, and prepare ESG reports in accordance with disclosure standards by November 1, 2026.

Based on the above, the following conclusions may be drawn:

First, ESG is becoming a strategic instrument for modernizing Uzbekistan’s public sector and economy. Its significance extends beyond environmental policy and encompasses investment, social sustainability, and competitiveness.

Second, reforms implemented under the leadership of the Head of State are transforming sustainable development from a set of declarations into a system of practical governance. Reporting, the green economy, social policy, transparency, and ESG standards are becoming elements of a unified reform architecture.

Third, in the new global economy, the advantage belongs to countries that grow sustainably, transparently, and predictably from an investor’s perspective. This is precisely where Uzbekistan’s competitive opportunity lies: in turning sustainability into a source of trust, capital, and long-term development.

Thus, ESG is not an external slogan for Uzbekistan, but an internal logic of development. It is a mechanism for connecting economic growth with responsibility, investment with trust, reforms with quality of life, and national interests with the requirements of the new global economy.

1. Nizamov

Head of Department

Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

1. Sattorov

Leading Research Fellow

Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is undergoing a large-scale transformation of its social protection system, aimed at improving the well-being of its citizens and enhancing the effectiveness of social services. A key driver of this process is the national development strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030”, which focuses on the comprehensive and high-quality modernization of the country’s social policy.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has introduced innovative approaches to supporting vulnerable groups, including low-income families, the elderly, persons with disabilities, victims of violence, women in difficult situations, and children deprived of parental care.

Reforms are being implemented both at the legislative level and through specific programs and projects. A significant milestone was the establishment in 2023 of the National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) under the President of Uzbekistan – the only consolidated, ministerial-level body of its kind in the region, responsible for coordinating the implementation of a new generation of social policy.

Unlike neighboring countries, where social functions are divided among several institutions, Uzbekistan has integrated all components of social protection into a single digital system managed by NASP. This has improved coordination, efficiency, accountability, and has led to real improvements in the lives of vulnerable population groups.

In 2021, Uzbekistan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The country offers a range of benefits to companies and organizations that employ individuals with disabilities. Many institutions, streets, and bus stops across the country are gradually being adapted to accommodate people with disabilities.

A key focus of the reforms is the development of “Inson” Social Services Centers, established in 208 districts and cities across the country. These centers operate on a one-stop-shop model and provide over 100 types of social assistance, including psychological and legal counseling, food assistance, and targeted aid for 12 categories of citizens, such as persons with disabilities, low-income families, and the elderly.

All centers are fully digitized, integrated with state systems, and operate on an individualized support model. Each citizen undergoes a needs assessment and receives a personalized support plan with ongoing guidance through the recovery or reintegration process.

In every makhalla (community unit), social workers are assigned based on a tiered “region–district–makhalla” structure, according to the number of families and individuals in need.

In the second quarter of the year 2025, 1.787 million applications were submitted to “Inson” Centers. Of these, 1.204 million were processed, while 496,200 are under review. The most in-demand services include compensation for gas and electricity costs, child benefits, support for low-income families, and access to health resorts for seniors and persons with disabilities.

The “From Poverty to Prosperity” program, enacted by Presidential Decree on September 23, 2024, addresses issues of social orphanhood and care for children deprived of parental care. It focuses on the creation of conditions as close as possible to a family environment and on an individual approach to each child. Accordingly, measures have been developed to place such children in foster care and provide them with social services. In particular, priority is given to preserving the family setting when placing a child in foster care. The main forms of placement are guardianship, custody, or adoption. Placement in a specialized institution is considered only as a measure of last resort.

Children with difficult life situations are temporarily placed in family orphanages within “Inson” Centers before being placed in foster care. Each child is assigned an individualized development plan, with records managed through the “Social Protection” system, which tracks both identified orphans and families willing to foster.

In this way, “Inson” Centers serve as legal representatives for such children, safeguarding their interests, monitoring living conditions, the use of support provided, and ensuring caretakers fulfill their obligations.

During his visit to the “Inson” Social Services Center in Tashkent’s Shaykhantahur district, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized: “This is a place where every persons concerns are taken care of and where they strive to make people happy. Through such a system, social justice and human dignity are established in our society”.

Special attention in Uzbekistan is given to families raising children with disabilities. As part of a public-private partnership, a specialized center “Imkoniyatlar Olami” (“World of Opportunities”) was created to provide services to children from birth to three years of age. Previously, such infants were exclusively under the care of their parents, and were admitted to specialized institutions only from the age of three. Now, if a risk of disability is identified during pregnancy, expectant mothers can receive help and counseling here, which will strengthen the care of the child. Psychological support is also provided.

Starting March 1, 2025, a day care services for children with disabilities aged 3 to 18 began operating under a public-private partnership model. It offers a wide range of services – social, rehabilitative, educational, and more. The initiative by NASP aims to support children’s social adaptation and enables parents, previously unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities, to return to employment.

A pilot project in Tashkent – the private kindergarten “Wunderkind” in the Yashnabad district successfully operates such a day care service, offering pedagogical, social, and rehabilitative care for children with special needs.

Another example is Family-type home No. 1 in the Mirzo-Ulugbek district. It currently houses nine children – seven with various medical conditions (Down syndrome, dysplasia, anemia, heart defects), and two without. Education and care are customized: three attend specialized kindergartens, three go to general kindergartens, and three are home-schooled.

The home emphasizes individualized care, love, and a nurturing environment that replicates family life. Caregivers follow development plans and integration programs tailored to each child’s needs and capabilities.

“Children choose their meals and even help prepare them, fostering responsibility and independence”, one caregiver noted.

Currently, nine such homes operate across Uzbekistan – five in Tashkent, two in Kashkadarya, and two in Samarkand.

In accordance with the Presidential Decree “On measures to expand the scope of social services provided to individuals in need of care”, the “Step Towards an Active Life” program is being implemented. Under this initiative, adults with disabilities or those requiring constant care receive free social services through vouchers. These include home-based care, supervision, assistance with hygiene, meals, and psychological support.

An example of the program’s implementation is a center located in the Nodirabegim makhalla of Mirzo-Ulugbek district. It has capacity for nine people and currently serves seven. The center is staffed by five experienced professionals.

Iroda Khamidova, a primary school teacher at Wunderkind:

“Our special day care center for children with disabilities, designed for nine children, currently serves seven. Two caregivers and an assistant are assigned to them. The center operates five days a week for nine hours a day and includes a psychological service.

Educators focus on building essential skills such as holding a spoon or expressing creativity with a pencil. The center was established under a Presidential initiative to support children with special needs.

Here, we’ve created all necessary conditions, including a psychologist’s office where not only children but also parents receive consultations and moral support. Seeing their child in a safe and attentive environment reassures them”.

Farhod Kamilov, Chief Specialist of NASP’s Department for the Development of Medical and Social Services for Persons with Disabilities:

“From March 1, 2025, we launched a pilot day care service in seven regions of Uzbekistan, including Tashkent.

By October 1, we plan to expand the service nationwide. Agreements with entrepreneurs in all districts have already been signed as part of public-private partnerships.

Currently, the day care program covers 1,200 children. We believe it is essential to raise public awareness about their specific needs.

Territorial NASP offices operate psychological, medical, and pedagogical commissions. They conduct comprehensive assessments of children with special educational needs and recommend the most suitable path – inclusive, special, or day care service.

It is important to understand that day care is not an educational institution; it focuses solely on caregiving and development. The entrepreneur provides 9-hour daily care, allowing parents to work or do other things.

With mutual agreement, it may be extended up to 12 hours, but the child must always return home to their family.

Our main goal is to reduce, or ideally eliminate, the need for residential care institutions. That is why these day care services were created. Our main goal is to reduce or ideally prevent the placement of children in long-term institutional care. It is with this purpose that such day care services have been established”.

 Dunyo IA

The issues of further expansion of practical interaction and promotion of investment cooperation projects were discussed at the meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the delegation of the United Arab Emirates comprising Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohammed Al Mazroui.

At the beginning of the conversation, Sultan Al Jaber conveyed to the Head of our State sincere greetings and best wishes from the President of the Emirates Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister of the country, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum and Vice President Sheikh Mansour Al Nahyan.

In the course of the meeting, the current highest level of Uzbek-Emirati multifaceted relations was noted with special satisfaction. The volumes of mutual trade turnover, the number of joint ventures and the frequency of flights are growing. The portfolio of ongoing and promising projects with the participation of leading Emirati companies in Uzbekistan reaches $20 billion.

Green energy is the driving force behind bilateral cooperation. Today, a 500 megawatt wind farm was commissioned in Navoi region, a project implemented by Masdar.

In general, in recent years with the participation of this company power generation facilities with total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts have been commissioned in our country.

Particular attention was paid to the early preparation and implementation of major investment projects in the energy, oil and gas and chemical industries, mining, water supply, household waste processing and other fields.

The importance of continuing productive contacts at all levels and careful preparation for the upcoming high-level events was noted.

Historical Background

The history of Uzbek - Finnish relations dates back to the early 1990s, when Finland became one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan - on 30 December 1991. Just two months later, on 26 February 1992, diplomatic relations were officially established, marking the beginning of a new chapter based on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to technological progress.

The first high-level visits in 1992 laid the foundation for political dialogue. During that year, Uzbekistan took part in the signing ceremonies of the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter. In October of the same year, Finnish President Mauno Koivisto paid an official visit to Tashkent, further consolidating the partnership. Since then, cooperation between the two countries has developed steadily across political and economic spheres.

Legal and Institutional Framework

Today, the legal framework governing Uzbek-Finnish relations comprises eight active documents, including two interstate and six intergovernmental agreements. These include the 1992 Agreements on Mutual Protection of Investments and on Trade, Economic, and Technological Cooperation, as well as treaties on air and road transport (1996 and 1997) and agreements on avoiding double taxation and on customs cooperation.

New initiatives reflecting the modern stage of partnership are under consideration - such as a draft agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports, a memorandum on cooperation in environmental protection, and a protocol on consultations between the foreign ministries.

Cooperation Priorities: Technology, Ecology, and Innovation

Finland, recognized globally as a leader in innovation, sustainable development, and green technologies, serves as a valuable model for Uzbekistan in its transition toward a digital and energy-efficient economy.

In 2017, a business delegation of nine Finnish companies specializing in engineering, agribusiness, telecommunications, and logistics visited Uzbekistan to participate in the AgroWorld Uzbekistan international exhibition. This visit gave new impetus to direct business-to-business engagement.

In April 2019, Tashkent hosted a delegation led by Mikko Koiranen, Deputy State Secretary of Finland for Foreign Economic Relations. The delegation included 29 representatives from leading companies and organizations - such as Nokia Siemens Networks, ABB, Wärtsilä, Uponor Infra, Tikkurila, ISKU, and Airbus Defense and Space. Discussions focused on implementing Finnish technologies in Uzbekistan, joint energy and raw material processing projects, and opportunities in smart cities and water management.

Later, in November 2019, Antti Koskelainen from the Finnish export credit agency Finnvera visited Tashkent, marking an important step toward deeper financial and investment cooperation. Meetings with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, and the Agency for State Asset Management addressed mechanisms for crediting and insuring Finnish export operations in Uzbekistan.

Trade: A Threefold Growth in One Year

Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Finland continues to expand. The two countries enjoy Most-Favored-Nation trade status, and regular meetings of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation (five sessions to date, the latest held in Tashkent in February 2023) ensure a dynamic dialogue.

Trade turnover has shown remarkable growth in recent years: from USD 48.45 million in 2020 to USD 151.7 million in 2024 - an increase of over threefold. This upward trend reflects intensified business ties and growing interest among Finnish companies in the Uzbek market.

Investment and Business Cooperation

Finland is viewed in Uzbekistan not only as a trading partner but also as a source of innovation and investment. Currently, 14 enterprises with Finnish capital operate in Uzbekistan - four joint ventures and ten with 100% foreign ownership - active in sectors such as electronics, software, energy, agriculture, food processing, chemicals, and telecommunications equipment.

Finnish businesses are showing strong interest in renewable energy, waste recycling, eco-construction, water management, and sustainable agriculture. Uzbekistan, in turn, offers attractive conditions for investors - tax incentives, developed industrial infrastructure, and access to a 75-million-strong Central Asian market.

Finland’s Economic Potential: Opportunities for Partnership

Finland is one of Europe’s most advanced and innovative economies, known for its high living standards, sound macroeconomics, and strong industrial base. In 2024, its GDP exceeded USD 320 billion, with GDP per capita around USD 58,000. The economy is well-balanced, with services accounting for over 70%, industry 27%, and agriculture 2.5%. Inflation remains one of the lowest in Europe - around 3% - ensuring a stable and predictable business environment.

For Uzbekistan, cooperation with Finland opens wide-ranging opportunities for industrial, investment, and technological partnership, including:

• Energy: joint projects in renewable energy, smart grids, and energy storage; development of solar panel and wind equipment manufacturing.
• Water and Environment: Finnish expertise in water purification, waste processing, and efficient water management, particularly relevant for agriculture and urban infrastructure.
• Engineering and Electronics: creation of joint ventures in industrial equipment, automation systems, and telecommunications.
• Construction and Green Materials: Finnish participation in energy-efficient building projects, production of eco-friendly insulation and finishing materials, and smart home systems.
• Education and Science: joint engineering and IT education programs, establishment of research laboratories, and introduction of dual education models based on Finnish experience.
• Agro-Industry: cooperation in precision farming, agricultural digitalization, and production of eco-friendly export-oriented goods.

Finland’s experience in sustainable development and digital transformation makes it a strategic partner for Uzbekistan’s “green economy” agenda and industrial modernization. At the same time, Uzbekistan - with its abundant natural resources, young workforce, and expanding domestic market - offers Finnish companies favorable conditions for localization and regional expansion.

A Look Ahead

The partnership between Uzbekistan and Finland goes beyond traditional economic cooperation. It stands as an example of how innovation and sustainability can form the foundation of long-term, mutually beneficial relations. Joint projects in digitalization, green energy, and education are paving new avenues for the exchange of expertise, technologies, and investments.

Finland regards Uzbekistan as a reliable partner in Central Asia, while Uzbekistan views Finland as a strategic ally in advancing its “smart growth” model and building a knowledge-based economy.

The synergy between Finland’s pragmatic northern experience and Uzbekistan’s dynamic eastern development creates a powerful foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations - grounded in trust, innovation, and mutual respect.

We, the participants of the First International Islamic Civilization Forum, held on July 7–8, 2026, in Tashkent, express our profound gratitude to His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and acknowledge the exceptional significance for contemporary society of the historic initiative he presented in September 2017 at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. This initiative seeks the revival, scientific study, and broad dissemination of the rich humanistic heritage of Islamic civilization.

We unanimously recognize that the establishment of the Islamic Civilization Center in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the effective organization of its activities, and the convening of the First International Islamic Civilization Forum represent the practical realization of this initiative. These efforts have undoubtedly marked the beginning of a new era of international cooperation in the study, preservation, and promotion of the invaluable heritage of the Muslim Ummah.

Based on the principles of peace, tolerance, education, and intercultural and interreligious dialogue;

noting the enormous contribution of Islamic civilization to the development of global science, education, art, architecture, and spiritual and intellectual thought;

recognizing the need to counter ignorance, extremism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and distorted perceptions of Islamic heritage;

emphasizing that the scientific study of religious and cultural heritage is becoming increasingly important for strengthening international trust and ensuring sustainable development;

recognizing the historical contributions of both ancient and modern Uzbekistan, as well as the broader region, to the formation and advancement of Islamic and global civilization, we hereby adopt this Declaration.

1. To establish a new framework for international cooperation in the study, preservation, and dissemination of the heritage of Islamic civilization, the participants of the First International Islamic Civilization Forum propose the following global initiatives:

1. World Alliance for Islamic Civilization
   
   

The establishment of a World Alliance for Islamic Civilization, anchored by the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, is proposed to unite international organizations, scientific and educational institutions, academies of sciences, museums, libraries, foundations, archives, centers of Islamic manuscripts, research institutes, and other relevant entities.

The primary objective of the Alliance is to foster sustained international cooperation, implement collaborative scientific, educational, cultural, museum, and digital initiatives, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and coordinate efforts to preserve, study, and promote the creative achievements of Islamic civilization as an essential component of global cultural and intellectual heritage.

2. World Digital Registry of the Islamic Civilization Heritage

The development and maintenance of a unified international digital platform is proposed to aggregate manuscripts, archival materials, museum collections, architectural monuments, intangible cultural heritage, and scientific research related to the heritage of Islamic civilization.

3. International Program "Islamic Civilization: Heritage of All Humanity"
   
   

The implementation of a comprehensive international program is proposed to highlight Islamic civilization's contributions to global science, culture, and education. This initiative would encompass international exhibitions, educational projects, scientific conferences, publishing activities, and cultural events.

4. International Islamic Civilization Prize
   
   

The establishment of an international prize is proposed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the study, preservation, and dissemination of Islamic civilization's heritage, as well as to the advancement of science, education, intercultural dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation.

5. International Foundation for the Study of Islamic Civilization
   
   

The creation of an international foundation is proposed to support fundamental scientific research, the restoration of historical monuments, the training of emerging scholars, the implementation of publishing projects, and the advancement of international academic collaboration.

6. Global Digital Library of Islamic Civilization
   
   

Establish a multilingual digital library that integrates manuscripts, scholarly works, archival documents, museum collections, educational resources, and digital exhibitions dedicated to the heritage of Islamic civilization.

7. International Encyclopedia of Islamic Civilization
   
   

Develop and publish a comprehensive, multi-volume scholarly encyclopedia focused on the history of Islamic civilization, prominent scholars, schools of thought, cultural monuments, and major achievements of the Islamic world.

8. Annual International Report on the State of the Islamic Civilization Heritage
   
   

Establish a framework for the annual production of an analytical report that addresses the condition of cultural and educational heritage sites, the outcomes of scientific research, current challenges, and opportunities for international cooperation in preserving and studying the heritage of Islamic civilization.

9. International Youth Islamic Civilization Forum
   
   

Establish a permanent international platform for dialogue among young scholars, researchers, students, and specialists in cultural heritage, with the objective of cultivating a new generation of scholars in Islamic civilization.

10. International Union of Museums of Islamic Culture, Art, and Civilization
    
    

Establish an International Union of Museums of Islamic Culture, Art, and Civilization to unite leading museums, museum complexes, galleries, and specialized institutions from multiple countries.

The Union aims to advance international museum cooperation, organize joint exhibitions, conduct research and implement restoration, educational, and digital initiatives, facilitate the exchange of collections, best practices, and specialists, and preserve, study, and promote the heritage of Islamic culture, art, and civilization.

Maintain the Forum's International Council, elected at the First International Islamic Civilization Forum, as a permanent coordinating body. Assign it the responsibility of consolidating all initiatives and proposals from Forum participants, developing and approving an international roadmap for joint actions through 2030, and presenting this roadmap to Forum participants, international organizations, and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan as a practical mechanism for implementing this Declaration.

We, the Forum participants, urge states, international organizations, scientific institutions, universities, museums, libraries, and public organizations to collaborate in implementing these initiatives for the sake of peace, mutual respect, education, and the preservation of the rich heritage of Islamic civilization as an essential component of the world's cultural treasury.