Photo: cisc.uz
Samarkand hosted an international forum dedicated to Uzbekistan under the title “130 Nationalities, 16 Faiths, One Homeland,” the Center for Islamic Civilization (CISC) reported.
The forum was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan in partnership with the American NGO LYNC, with support from the Committee on Religious Affairs, the CISC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Samarkand regional administration.
About 50 experts, scholars of religion, and public figures from 15 countries took part, including representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the World Muslim League, and delegations from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
The main topics of discussion were interfaith dialogue, protection of freedom of conscience, combating religious discrimination, and building trust among faith communities. Participants emphasized that in the face of growing geopolitical and religious tensions, such events play a vital role, serving as platforms for practical solutions and joint initiatives.
Uzbekistan was presented as an example of interfaith harmony: the country is home to more than 130 ethnic groups and 16 religious denominations; it has enacted an updated Law on Freedom of Conscience, expanded the activities of the Council on Religious Affairs, and hosts academic and cultural centers such as those dedicated to Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Maturidi, and the Center for Islamic Civilization.
The three-day event included discussions and seminars, culminating in the adoption of a declaration with proposals to protect the rights of religious minorities, combat discrimination, promote tolerance, and strengthen peace.
At the conclusion of the forum, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies and LYNC.
