The Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In today’s fast‑changing and complex geostrategic environment, the influence and significance of international institutions are noticeably weakening. Escalating conflicts and confrontations, increasing technological and social inequality, economic and humanitarian crises, as well as the persistent threats of terrorism and extremism pose serious challenges not only to national security but also to global sustainable development, social cohesion, and interfaith harmony.

The speech of our Head of State at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly was significant for offering effective practical solutions to such global problems.

It was stated that Uzbekistan supports the transformation of the UN Security Council and its expansion in membership in order to more effectively combat contemporary threats and protect the interests of developing countries. Importantly, this aspect demonstrates Uzbekistan’s readiness to participate actively in global political processes and assert its position as a responsible partner in the international community.

Another urgent issue emphasized in the address was the fight against terrorism, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration. There were important proposals concerning the reintegration of persons returning from conflict‑affected areas and their adaptation to civilian life. Indeed, measures in this direction are of great importance for strengthening both national security and social stability.

As our President stressed, effective work is underway in Central Asia to implement the UN Global Counter‑Terrorism Strategy. In cooperation with the UN Office of Counter‑Terrorism, a regional council has been established on rehabilitation and reintegration. The President proposed transforming this body into an International Centre of Competence. Undoubtedly, this structure will be an important platform for experience sharing in adapting individuals returning from affected regions to peaceful life. Uzbekistan, for its part, expressed its readiness to create the necessary conditions to open a regional office of the UN Office of Counter‑Terrorism in Uzbekistan. This is an initiative of practical significance not only for the region but for the world in strengthening security. Our President also touched on another priority:
“Tomorrow, the fate and prosperity of the world lie in the hands of the growing young generation. It is our urgent task to instill noble ideas such as peace, humanism, friendship, mutual trust, and respect into the hearts and minds of our youth,” he said.

In this light, a proposal was advanced to establish the Movement of World Youth for Peace and to locate its headquarters in Uzbekistan. This initiative will make an invaluable contribution to raising future generations in a spirit of resolving global issues peacefully, grounded in the ideas of tolerance and solidarity.

At the same time, it was noted that the policy of tolerance is being steadily implemented in our society, and efforts to deeply study Islamic teachings and promote them worldwide are actively continuing.

In recent years, advanced initiatives aimed at strengthening the atmosphere of mutual respect, unity, and cooperation among different religious confessions within our country have been widely recognized by the international community. This clearly demonstrates how well the new Uzbekistan’s policy aligns with and corresponds to universal human interests.

Today, in many parts of the world, people’s rights to live freely, to receive education, to work, to express their talents, and to practice their religious beliefs are restricted to various degrees. Nevertheless, in Uzbekistan, more than 130 nationalities and ethnicities, as well as 16 religious confessions, live in peace and harmony under the principles of tolerance, peace, and mutual respect.

The fact that followers of various religions freely practise their worship, observe their rites, and that an environment of accord and solidarity exists is attracting significant interest from multi‑confessional states. Uzbekistan’s experience in this regard has become exemplary for many countries.

In a short time, the following institutions have been established in our country: the International Research Centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, Imam Termizi, the International Islamic Theology Academy of Uzbekistan, the School of Hadith Science in Samarkand, and the Mir Arab Madrasa in Bukhara.

These institutions, based on the noble idea “Enlightenment against Ignorance”, serve to ensure a healthy spiritual and moral environment in society, to nurture youth who think in a modern way and are worthy in all respects of our great ancestors.

In this regard, it was gratifying that our President announced plans, in the near months, to open an Islam Civilization Center unique for our region, and to present the rich spiritual and scientific heritage of our great ancestors — Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Imam Maturidi — in a special presentation at the United Nations.

Indeed, the grand project — the Islam Civilization Center — will not only conduct spiritual‑educational outreach internationally, but also promote the spiritual values and scientific legacy of our ancestors, and manifest the essence of Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance.

Overall, as the President said from the high rostrum of the UN, the reforms being carried out in building the new Uzbekistan are being implemented in a consistent manner in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. At the center of this policy lie noble aims such as human dignity, ensuring rights and freedoms, and achieving a prosperous life for every family. Therefore, the irreversible reforms being built upon are leading towards a democratic, legal, social, and secular new Uzbekistan moving confidently into the future.

The address of our Head of State holds not only national significance but also considerable political and spiritual importance for the international community. The proposals and initiatives put forward by our state leader are broad‑based strategic ideas aimed at strengthening cooperation in global issues, striving for peace and progress, combating terrorism, and enhancing youth education and tolerance.

Certainly, these noble initiatives and proposals will make an invaluable contribution to ensuring peace, stability, and development in the world, while elevating mutual cooperation in the international community to a new level.

 

Sodiq Toshboyev,
Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Source: "Yangi O‘zbekiston" Newspaper

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Press Service
Committee on Religious Affairs