Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The event was organized by the Consulate General, the American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, IT Park Uzbekistan, and the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA). It brought together approximately 60 representatives of the technology sector, universities, the investment community, and government authorities, including specialists from Microsoft and Meta, representatives of Harvard, the University of Washington, and Northeastern University, the Seattle city administration, and innovative companies.

The forum focused on prospects for the Uzbekistan-US technology partnership, workforce training, startup development, attracting investment, and implementing practical AI solutions.

Nozima Davletova, Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Head of the Secretariat of the American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, presented the country’s strategic priorities in digital development. She noted that business and investment ties between Uzbekistan and the United States are developing rapidly, and highlighted the Council’s capacity to support the practical initiatives of interested organizations in both countries.
Consul General Ahror Burkhonov drew attention to opportunities for strengthening Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The Consulate General expressed its readiness to help establish direct contacts with technology companies, universities, and entrepreneurial communities in the region.

The presentation by Ruslan Yapparov of IT Park Uzbekistan outlined the development of the national IT ecosystem and opportunities for engagement with international partners. Training young people with the participation of leading AI companies, developing computing infrastructure, and bringing Uzbek startups to foreign markets were identified as priority areas.

Yale Li, Executive Chair of WDTA, noted Uzbekistan’s potential as a technology hub linking Central Asia with the most advanced innovation ecosystems of the United States. He placed particular emphasis on knowledge exchange, the responsible development of artificial intelligence, and data protection.

Julia Liuson, Senior Advisor at Permira and former President of Microsoft’s Developer Division, stressed the importance of access to modern AI tools, updating educational programs, and moving from experimental developments to their practical application.

Shannon Smith, Chief Technology Officer of the City of Seattle, presented the city’s experience in using AI to improve municipal services, streamline construction-related procedures, and enhance road safety. Prospects for exchanging experience between Seattle and Tashkent in digital urban management were also discussed.

In the panel discussions, participants considered developing university incubators, launching mentorship programs for startups, and training specialists suited to the real needs of business. Agrotechnology, water-saving technologies, language services, and solutions that expand access to services for persons with disabilities were identified as promising areas of cooperation.

At the conclusion of the forum, the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in the State of Washington and WDTA signed a memorandum on cooperation in technology and artificial intelligence. The document provides for the exchange of experience, the development of ties among universities, companies, and public institutions, and the exploration of educational initiatives and pilot projects involving Uzbekistan. The memorandum places particular emphasis on the responsible use of AI, cybersecurity, and data protection.