"The traditional 'Friendship' Festival, celebrating interethnic harmony and unity, is being held across Uzbekistan from July 25 to 31 this year."

Under the law adopted on February 10, 2021, July 30 has been designated as the Day of Friendship of Peoples in Uzbekistan."

 The wide celebration of the Day of Friendship of Peoples in Uzbekistan stands as further proof of the unity, brotherhood, mutual support, and deep respect for the rich cultural diversity of all nations living in the country.

Ensuring interethnic harmony and tolerance in society, as well as strengthening an atmosphere of nationwide solidarity and friendship, has become one of the key priorities of state policy.

Profound changes in the sphere of interethnic and interfaith relations began in 2016 with the wide-ranging reforms initiated by the President of our country, covering all areas of public life — including political, legal, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Moreover, in this land, ethnic diversity is not merely a statistic — it is regarded as a strategic asset and a great spiritual advantage of the nation.

Uzbekistan, with its centuries-old rich history and unique cultural identity, has long been recognized as a land where a special social environment of friendship, tolerance, mutual understanding, and harmony among peoples and religions has taken root.

Today, more than 130 ethnic groups and representatives of 16 religious denominations live together peacefully in Uzbekistan. To preserve and pass on the culture, languages, traditions, values, and customs of various nations and ethnic communities, 157 national cultural centers are actively operating across the country.

To support the development of national cultural centers, “Friendship Houses” have been established in various regions, and each year the Parliamentary Fund provides them with financial assistance.

In schools, education is conducted in seven languages, creating opportunities for students of different ethnic backgrounds to study in their native languages.

National TV and radio channels broadcast in 12 languages, while newspapers and magazines are published in 14 languages — ensuring equal access to information in one’s mother tongue.

Representatives of various ethnic groups living in our country contribute actively and selflessly to the development of Uzbekistan as a united nation. Nearly 5,000 civil servants from 35 different ethnic communities are employed in the state civil service alone.

Notably, 12.7 percent of members in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, and 11.2 percent of deputies in local councils, represent different nationalities and ethnicities.

These achievements know no boundaries — they reflect the deep-rooted interethnic harmony and solidarity present in every sphere of society.

On the eve of “July 30 – Day of Friendship of Peoples,” the opening of the pavilion of national cultural centers has become another major opportunity for all ethnic communities living in our country to preserve, develop, and showcase their cultural heritage, customs, and traditions.

The construction of this pavilion was carried out in close consultation with the heads of national cultural centers across the country. Two-story structures reflecting the unique cultures and national traditions of various ethnic groups were erected within the complex.

These pavilions serve as a space for intercultural exchange and stand as a symbol of the large-scale reforms being implemented in our country to promote interethnic harmony and nationwide solidarity.

It is worth noting that the events held in honor of the Day of Friendship of Peoples are attended each year by representatives of national cultural centers operating in our country, international organizations and foreign embassies, guests from abroad, compatriots, officials from ministries and agencies, trade union members, the general public, and the media.

Events such as the “Gaze of Friendship” photo exhibition, the “From the Heart of the Homeland” handicraft fair, the “Poetry of Brotherhood” creative gathering, cultural and educational programs titled “Friendship Begins in Childhood” held in children's summer camps, and the “Melodies of Friendship” concert performances are planned as part of the celebrations.

An international conference titled “Strengthening National Unity – A Key Pillar of New Uzbekistan’s Development” will also be held, with the expected participation of scholars, experts, and representatives of foreign partner organizations from countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, Russia, and the United States.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to promoting national unity and social harmony, nearly 50 of our compatriots will be awarded the “Order of Friendship of Peoples.” As part of the festival, a ceremonial award presentation will be held to honor the recipients.

Across all regions of the country, including border areas, festive public gatherings, concert programs, performances by amateur art groups representing different ethnic communities, traditional sports competitions, and exhibitions of national cuisine and clothing are being held.

The “Friendship” Festival, taking place under the slogan “Uzbekistan – Our One and Only Homeland,” vividly reflects the unity and cohesion of our multiethnic society and the steady development of interethnic relations based on friendship and mutual respect.