Uzbekistan Presents Initiative to Advance Central Asia's Scientific Heritage at UNESCO

Uzbekistan presented an international initiative at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Oct. 7, focused on preserving, studying, and promoting the scientific and spiritual heritage of Central Asia. The event, titled "Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual and Scientific Heritage of Transoxiana and the Horizons of Enlightenment," drew over 300 representatives from international organizations, diplomatic corps, and scientific communities.

The initiative advances an international agenda outlined by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in September 2025, calling for greater recognition of Central Asia's intellectual heritage, expanded scientific cooperation, and stronger intercultural dialogue. Participants discussed how UNESCO and the UN system can support collaborative projects.

Projects will focus on historical sources, manuscript preservation, and the application of digital technologies to make Central Asian scholars' work more accessible. The initiative aims to connect the region's historical legacy with contemporary priorities in education, research, and cultural exchange.

Key components include plans for an international digital platform for historical sources, the use of artificial intelligence in manuscript research, and the establishment of a scientific consortium to support early-career researchers and global educational projects.