Distinguished Ministers and Heads of Delegations, Dear partners, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sometimes, it is not borders that shape the destiny of nations, but the movement of people. More than 600 participants from nearly 50 countries have gathered in this hall — and this is no longer just another international conference. Here, states, perspectives, and experiences come together. Because migration has long gone beyond the internal agenda of any single country and has become a matter of our shared future.

First of all, let me sincerely welcome all of you to the ancient and hospitable city of Tashkent. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the International Organization for Migration and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation for jointly organizing this conference. For centuries, Tashkent has been a city where roads converged. Caravans stopped here. Nations met here. Trust was built here.

Since the days of the Great Silk Road, this land has served to connect people and strengthen cooperation. It is here that one of the most important issues of our time is being discussed. Because migration is not simply movement. People do not leave their homes without reason. Necessity may set people on the road. But hope is what moves them forward.

Some seek better education for their children. Others strive to support their families through honest work. And some search for opportunities worthy of their potential. That is why, when we speak about migration, we must never forget the lives behind the statistics. Numbers may be enough for reports. But real decisions require understanding human destinies.

This is precisely why migration policies must be built around fairness, human dignity, and trust. The world is changing rapidly. Technology is reducing distances. Economies are becoming increasingly interconnected. Yet one truth remains unchanged: where human dignity is not protected, sustainable development is impossible. That is why no country can address this issue alone. Because migration is not only about the labor market. It is also about trust, stability, and shared responsibility. For Uzbekistan, this area is also of strategic importance.

Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, our country is implementing large-scale reforms in professional education, language training, vocational skills development, and orderly labor migration. We want our citizens, wherever they may be in the world, to be respected for their knowledge, professionalism, and responsibility.

Dear friends,

Last week in New York, migration issues were discussed at the global level from the podium of the United Nations. That dialogue is now continuing here in Tashkent in a practical form. This once again demonstrates Uzbekistan’s active engagement in global processes and its commitment to open dialogue. I firmly believe: where people are treated only as labor resources, trust disappears. Where human dignity is protected, development begins.

Dear guests,

In conclusion, let me emphasize one thought: Borders divide states. Trust brings them closer together. Thank you all for coming to Tashkent and for being part of this important dialogue. I am confident that this conference will become a solid foundation for new partnerships and important decisions. I encourage all participants to take an active part in the work of the conference.

Thank you for your attention!