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Uzbekistan's Groundbreaking Initiative at UNESCO

On October 7, 2026, Uzbekistan proposed an ambitious international initiative at the UNESCO headquarters, focused on preserving and promoting Central Asia's rich scientific and spiritual heritage. This noteworthy event, titled "Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual and Scientific Heritage of Transoxiana and the Horizons of Enlightenment," attracted over 300 dignitaries, including representatives from international organizations, the diplomatic corps, and cultural institutions. The initiative underscores the region's significant contributions to global civilization and aims to foster international collaboration in academia and cultural dialogue.

This initiative aligns with the global agenda articulated by Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. It calls for a comprehensive recognition of Central Asia's intellectual legacy, emphasizing the need for expanded scientific cooperation and robust cultural exchanges.

During the proceedings, participants explored the critical role of UNESCO and other UN agencies in supporting collaborative projects centered on preserving historical texts, leveraging digital technologies, and enhancing access to scientific knowledge. The overarching goal is to interlink this historical richness with contemporary educational demands and higher research standards.

Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, who leads the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, highlighted key focus areas. He remarked on the critical necessity for concerted efforts among libraries, museums, educational institutions, and international organizations to advance the accessibility of Central Asian scholarship for both present and future generations.

The gathering included influential figures from notable international organizations, such as Dr. Farhan Nizami from the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, and Dr. Salim M. AlMalik from ICESCO, enriching the discussions on Central Asia's legacy and its global relevance.

As a part of the initiative, plans were unveiled for an international digital platform dedicated to historical sources, employing artificial intelligence in manuscript research, and establishing a scientific consortium that supports emerging researchers. Cultural diplomacy will be leveraged to propel global educational and scientific projects forward.

Moreover, the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, inaugurated in March 2026, serves as a crucial resource for this initiative. Spanning approximately 15,000 square meters, the Center showcases materials that document the region's long-standing history of scientific and educational development. Its collection features the Uthman Quran, an iconic artifact recognized by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme.

Designed as an international hub for education and scientific inquiry, the Center aims to harmonize historical collections with modern research methodologies, digital innovations, and educational programs. Its mission transcends preservation; it seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster academic cooperation among diverse cultural entities.

Plans for increased collaboration with UNESCO, alongside engagements with various international scientific and cultural institutions, are forthcoming. Promoting Central Asia’s heritage internationally—especially within key global cities—is a cornerstone of this initiative, with events scheduled in Paris and Geneva to enhance international partnerships. The gathering in Paris reaffirms Uzbekistan's steadfast commitment to enhancing cultural heritage preservation and amplifying Central Asia's presence within the global intellectual community.

By synergizing historical knowledge with contemporary technologies and worldwide expertise, Uzbekistan's initiative aspires to unlock new pathways for studying and celebrating the shared cultural heritage of humanity. This step not only enriches global discourse but also embodies a significant stride toward promoting intercultural understanding.

The event was orchestrated by Uzbekistan's Center for Islamic Civilization, in collaboration with its Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, the National Commission for UNESCO, and various educational and cultural organizations across the nation.

For more information about the Center for Islamic Civilization, visit ICCU.