Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Tashkent city.                                    May 18–20, 2026

At the new stage of our country's development, special attention is being paid to culture and the arts, and a number of systematic reforms are being implemented to raise this sector to a qualitatively new level and to promote our national culture on the world stage.

In particular, for the first time in Tashkent, a major international forum on the theme "Music Education: Towards a Unified Global Platform" is being held on May 18–20 of the current year, with nearly 200 foreign and local participants attending.

During the three-day forum, distinguished scholars from nearly 20 countries (Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Korea, the USA, France, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Italy, Hungary, Tajikistan and Armenia) are participating, along with rectors of more than 20 foreign higher education institutions, as well as vice-rectors, professors, PhD researchers, deans, ethnomusicologists, researchers, heads of cultural centres, teachers, students, and media representatives.

This international forum is of great importance for advancing music and cultural education in our country to a new level, widely introducing innovative and digital approaches, strengthening international academic cooperation, and supporting young talents.

On the opening day of the forum, an international scientific-practical conference on the theme "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cultural Education" was also organised. The conference discussed: the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies into culture and arts education; accelerating digital transformation processes; integrating AI-based creative platforms into educational processes in musical composition, visual design and media arts; as well as automatic sound analysis for teaching national musical instruments via AI; digital archiving of maqam and bakhshi performances; preserving theatrical heritage in virtual formats; and creating interactive platforms specialised in cultural education. (The conference programme is attached.) At the conclusion of the conference, a conference resolution comprising 10 points was adopted.

`Furthermore, within the framework of the international forum, a Rectors' Forum was organised with the participation of heads of higher education institutions from Turkic states, the CIS and Europe. At the Rectors' Forum, nearly 20 cooperation memoranda were signed by the heads of Uzbekistan and foreign higher education institutions, covering the introduction of innovative forms and methods of education, joint creative projects, joint scientific-methodological publications, assistance in improving the qualifications of faculty members, and student exchange.

At the amphitheatre complex of "Tashkent City" park in the capital, an "OPEN AIR" gala concert will take place for forum participants, featuring the Uzbekistan State Symphony Orchestra and renowned singers from Uzbekistan and abroad. These include: People's Artist of Uzbekistan Farrukh Zokirov; Hero of Uzbekistan and People's Artist Munojat Yo'lchiyeva; People's Artist of Uzbekistan Gulsanam Mamazoitova; People's Artist of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan Jenisbek Piyazov; Honoured Artist of Uzbekistan Ilyos Arabov; renowned singer Otabek Muhammadzohid; laureates of international competitions: Umid Israilov, Damir Rakhmonov, To'lqin Tojiyev, Musag'ali Moldabayev, Yorqinxo'ja Umarov, Sherzod Masharipov, Yasmina Husniddinova; Order of Friendship recipient Akjol Meldebekov and Yasmina Omar-Mun; Medal of Glory recipients Rasul Abdullayev and Sabina Hamdamova; the ensemble "Bek"; and the children's musical theatre studio "Tomosha".

Additionally, People's Artist of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Gulyanak Mammadova and renowned Russian singer Stas Pekha will also participate in the gala concert.

On the second day of the forum, scientific-practical conferences will be held at higher education institutions under the Ministry of Culture. In particular, international scientific-practical conferences approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan will take place at 6 higher education institutions under the Ministry of Culture:

At the conference hall of the Uzbek National Institute of Musical Arts named after Yunus Rajabiy: "Integration of New Trends and Innovative Processes in Uzbek National Musical Art";

At the Uzbekistan State Conservatory: "The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Preserving, Studying, Applying and Developing Turkic Music and Dance Traditions";

At the National Institute of Estrada Arts named after Botir Zokirov (under the Uzbekistan State Conservatory): "Musical Estrada Art in Uzbekistan: Scientific Analysis, Education and Practice";

At the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture: "Issues of Creativity and Performance in Strengthening Intercultural Integration";

At the Uzbekistan State Academy of Choreography: "The Art of Choreography and Its Significance in Inclusive Education";

At the Tashkent branch of the All-Russian State University of Cinematography named after S.A. Gerasimov: "Experience of Using Artificial Intelligence in Uzbek and Russian Cinematography".

During the forum, more than 80 scientific papers, innovative projects and applied research works will be presented.

On the third day of the forum, visits to the Centre of Islamic Civilisation and the sights of Tashkent will be organised.

By the end of the forum, the signing of nearly 20 international cooperation memoranda, agreements on implementing joint educational programmes and scientific projects is planned.

For reference: While 333 educational institutions operated under the Ministry prior to 2017, this number has now reached 382 under the Ministry of Culture. In particular:

In Tashkent, a number of new higher education institutions have been established, including the Uzbek National Institute of Musical Arts named after Yunus Rajabiy and the National Institute of Estrada Arts named after Botir Zokirov, increasing the number from 4 to 10 (an increase of 6);

The Tashkent State National Dance and Choreography Higher School was reorganised into the Uzbekistan State Academy of Choreography, and its branch in Urgench, as well as branches of the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture and the Uzbekistan State Conservatory in Nukus, were established;

Specialised secondary educational institutions in dance, maqam, opera and bakhshi arts were increased from 23 to 29. Specifically: boarding schools specialising in maqam arts were established in Urgench, Bukhara and Fergana; in bakhshi arts in Termez; in opera arts in Nukus; and in dance arts in Urgench, Karshi and Bukhara;

The number of children's music and arts schools in the regions increased by 21, from 305 to 326;

Research institutions and advanced training centres increased by 2, from 1 to 3;

While the number of students studying in culture and arts fields was 80,700 in 2017, it has reached 110,245 in the 2025–2026 academic year — an annual increase of 29,545;

The average annual participation of students and pupils in international and national competitions has grown from 1,700 to 5,376;

The subject 'Maqom Alphabet' has been introduced in all 326 children's music and arts schools across the country, and 'History of Maqom Art' in 29 specialised arts and culture schools;

The Margilan Musical Maqom Theatre under the Uzbek National Maqom Art Centre and a 'Maqom Museum' in Shahrisabz have been established;

Monthly salaries of directors and deputy directors of children's music and arts schools have been increased by 50%, and those of teacher-concertmasters by 25%;

Bakhshi arts have been introduced in 95 children's music and arts schools, covering 1,278 talented young people.

It should be noted that the international forum "Music Education: Towards a Unified Global Platform" currently being held in Tashkent is taking place for the first time. It is planned to be held on a regular basis.