Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

From 14 to 16 December 2025, the XI Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) was held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Forum was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the UN Alliance of Civilizations and was organized under the theme “A New Era of Respect, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding for Humanity in a Multipolar World.”

The Forum served as a prestigious international platform aimed at promoting dialogue among civilizations and cultures, enhancing media literacy, addressing migration issues, preventing extremism, and advancing inclusivity.

The delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan took an active part in the Forum. The delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, as well as relevant ministries, agencies, and sectoral organizations. The participation of the Uzbek delegation was aimed at promoting Uzbekistan’s initiatives in the field of intercivilizational dialogue at the international level, presenting the Center for Islamic Civilization to the global community, and strengthening cooperation with leading international organizations and institutions.

It is noteworthy that during his address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan officially announced the forthcoming opening of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, emphasizing its significance as an international humanitarian, academic, and cultural platform. It was also announced that in 2026, presentations of the Center for Islamic Civilization, as well as the International Centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Maturidi, are planned to be held at the UN headquarters.

One of the key events of the Forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. In addition, during negotiations with the High Representative of UNAOC, Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, issues related to positioning the Center on the international stage and its effective presentation within global humanitarian and academic platforms were discussed.

During a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres held on the sidelines of the Forum, he highly praised the large-scale reforms being implemented in New Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, noting their importance for sustainable development and international humanitarian cooperation. He also expressed keen interest in the preparations for the opening of the Center for Islamic Civilization and in strengthening its international standing.

Within the framework of the Forum, meetings were held with representatives of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the leadership of the Muslim World League, as well as leading academic and cultural institutions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Discussions focused on ensuring the participation of these organizations in the opening ceremony of the Center, implementing joint research, educational, and publishing projects, and establishing institutional participation of international partners within the Center.

Special attention was also given to meetings with representatives of the Saudi royal family, including Princess Maha bint Mishari Al Saud, and with the King Faisal Library. During these meetings, the parties expressed their readiness to support the initiatives of the Center and showed particular interest in developing academic cooperation in research related to the history of the civilizations of Mawarannahr.

As part of the preparations for the opening of the Center, a meeting was also held with the Sheikh ul-Islam of the Caucasus, Mufti of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Allahshukur Pashazade. Discussions focused on strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani humanitarian and spiritual cooperation and ensuring the participation of leading Azerbaijani scholars and experts in international forums and programs organized by the Center.

High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos: “I am ready to become a ‘New Clavijo’”.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Mr. Firdavs Abdukhaliqov, and the High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and UN Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos.

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Abdukhaliqov emphasized that participation of the Center in the XI Global Forum of UNAOC is of paramount importance, as the Forum’s themes fully align with the Center’s mission and conceptual priorities — promoting enlightened Islam, a culture of knowledge, dialogue, and humanism. These ideas have been repeatedly articulated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev from the UN’s highest rostrum and are now being practically implemented through the Center’s activities.

The signed Memorandum aims to develop long-term cooperation in cultural, scientific, and educational fields, implement joint research and educational initiatives, prepare and organize joint cultural and media projects, and promote the values of tolerance, mutual respect, and humanism. The document provides mechanisms for expert exchanges, support of joint programs, and expansion of international cooperation in culture, science, and education.

Mr.Moratinos noted his familiarity with the large-scale reforms underway in Uzbekistan and the process of shaping New Uzbekistan, expressing sincere interest in visiting the country. In his remarks, he stated:
“During my tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, I repeatedly referred to the legacy of Ruy González de Clavijo, and symbolically I say: ‘I am ready to become a new Clavijo.’”

In his view, the historical experience of Clavijo’s diplomatic mission symbolizes centuries-old traditions of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, which today are gaining renewed relevance within modern international cooperation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “The President of Uzbekistan is a great leader.”

During a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, held within the framework of the XI Global Forum and attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Muzaffar Madrakhimov, discussions focused on initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan aimed at promoting dialogue among civilizations and strengthening humanitarian cooperation. The initiative to present the Center for Islamic Civilization and the International Centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Maturidi at the UN in 2026 was also discussed.

António Guterres, who visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in 2024 and personally familiarized himself with the preparation process, expressed strong interest in the project and emphasized its significance, highly praising the role of the President of Uzbekistan. He noted:
“Your President is a great and influential leader who consistently promotes the ideas of dialogue, enlightenment, and mutual respect on the international stage, including from the UN’s highest rostrum.”

ISESCO Director General for Education, Science and Culture Malik Al-Salim: “ISESCO intends to be a key partner in the opening of the Center.”

Working meetings were held with Dr.Malik Al-Salim, Director General of ISESCO for Education, Science, and Culture. The parties agreed on implementing a number of joint cultural and civilizational projects, including the preparation and publication of books dedicated to the life, scholarly legacy, and global influence of Imam Bukhari and his contribution to the development of Hadith studies.

A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement to hold a major ISESCO international conference in Uzbekistan in 2026, with the participation of leading Islamic scholars, academics, and experts from various countries. This initiative was regarded as strong international support for the President of Uzbekistan’s efforts to promote enlightenment, science, and intercivilizational dialogue.

Dr. Al-Salim also confirmed ISESCO’s readiness to serve as a principal partner in the opening ceremony of the Center and to provide support at the highest international level, as well as the intention to establish an ISESCO representative office at the Center.

Secretary General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa: “The Center for Islamic Civilization is a vital platform for dialogue.”

During the visit to Riyadh, a meeting was held between the Director of the Center and the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Al-Issa. The parties expressed full readiness for cooperation and discussed large-scale initiatives planned to be officially announced during the opening of the Center.

The Muslim World League has repeatedly visited the Center in Uzbekistan, providing practical support, participating in the preparation and organization of events, and contributing experts to international forums, including the present Forum. This consistent support has played an important role in strengthening the Center’s development and international ties.

The parties also discussed launching a series of annual international scientific conferences dedicated to the great Muslim scholars of Mawarannahr and implementing joint programs to promote their scholarly and spiritual heritage.

Representative of the Saudi Royal Family, Vice President of King Faisal University Princess Maha bint Mishari Al Saud: “We are ready to support the establishment of a Department of the History of Mawarannahr Civilization.”

Meetings were held with Princess Maha bint Mishari Al Saud, an academic and Vice President of King Faisal University. She expressed support for the initiatives of the Center and confirmed readiness to develop cooperation in academic, educational, and humanitarian fields.

A visit was also made to the King Faisal Library, during which the Center presented a facsimile edition of the Katta Langar Quran and several scholarly publications. In return, the Library donated books to the Center’s collections, strengthening bilateral academic and humanitarian exchange.

Discussions were held on establishing a specialized department on the history of Mawarannahr civilizations at the King Faisal Library and creating a dedicated section within the Center’s library in Uzbekistan.

Sheikh ul-Islam of the Caucasus, Mufti of the Republic of Azerbaijan Allahshukur Pashazade: “A book about New Uzbekistan is a symbol of brotherhood and dialogue.”

Within the framework of the Forum, the Director of the Center met with Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade. The meeting focused on priority areas of cooperation and the development of joint Uzbek-Azerbaijani theological, humanitarian, and academic projects.

The Mufti highly praised the role of the President of Uzbekistan and announced plans to prepare a special publication on “New Uzbekistan” reflecting the country’s reforms and spiritual development, describing it as a symbol of fraternity and dialogue.

Director of the Islamic Arts House in Jeddah Mamdouh Osman: “Joint exhibitions will serve as the foundation of our cooperation.”

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Center and the Islamic Arts House in Jeddah, aimed at developing long-term cooperation in museum affairs, preservation and promotion of Islamic cultural heritage, and joint exhibitions, research, and educational projects.

The agreement предусматривает the exchange of expertise, scholarly materials, and museum practices, as well as cooperation on temporary and permanent exhibitions. As part of the cooperation, Mamdouh Osman presented replicas of several artifacts to the Center, contributing significantly to the formation of its exhibition collections.

A special focus of the cooperation is the implementation of inclusivity principles in museum spaces, including creating accessible environments for visitors with special needs and developing inclusive exhibition solutions.