Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Dear forum participants!

 

Dear guests!

 

I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the International Forum of Islamic Civilization, which is being held for the first time in the ancient and hospitable land of Uzbekistan.

 

The fact that this conference, which is being held at the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and is attended by prominent scientists, representatives of influential international organizations, state and public figures, and representatives of cultural and religious confessions from more than forty countries of the world, has a deep historical and symbolic meaning. This major international event testifies to the growing interest and attention of the world community to Islamic civilization, its rich spiritual, scientific and cultural heritage.

 

Today, the world is experiencing a period of profound and rapid change. Humanity is achieving unprecedented achievements in the field of science and technology, but at the same time it is facing serious challenges and problems: conflicts and mutual distrust are increasing, destructive ideologies, intolerance, extremism, and Islamophobia are spreading widely. Attempts to pit cultures, religions, and civilizations against each other, to create conflict between the customs and traditions of different peoples are on the rise.

 

In such a difficult situation, noble concepts, including Islamic values, which have long served as a solid foundation for the peaceful life of humanity, its striving for harmony and enlightenment, and its progressive development, acquire special importance. As we all know, these values, as a powerful source of scientific progress, cultural advancement, and spiritual perfection, have made an incomparable contribution to the development of world thought over the centuries and have become an integral part of the universal heritage.

 

In this sense, the conceptual idea of "Enlightenment against Ignorance", put forward by Uzbekistan from the high rostrum of the United Nations in 2017, confirms a simple but immutable truth: in today's turbulent and dangerous world, only science, education and upbringing, culture, and high moral values can serve as a reliable foundation for peace, mutual understanding, social cohesion, and sustainable development on earth.

 

Our holy religion, Islam, considers man to be precious and honorable, inspiring him to seek truth, strive for knowledge and enlightenment, make scientific discoveries, engage in creative work, and develop education, art, and culture.

 

Our region also has a worthy contribution to this unique heritage, which is the common wealth of all mankind. This vast territory is one of the recognized major centers of world science, enlightenment and spirituality. On this blessed land, mathematics, astronomy, geodesy, medicine, chemistry, history, philosophy, theology, hadith studies and many other fields of knowledge have been highly developed over the centuries. In particular, the invaluable heritage of our great compatriots - Muhammad Khorezm, Ahmad Ferghani, Abu Rayhan Beruni, Abu Ali ibn Sino, Mirza Ulugbek, Alisher Navoi, Babur Mirza, Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Imam Maturidi, Burkhaniddin Marginani - occupies a worthy place in the treasury of world thought.

 

The unique scientific and cultural achievements achieved during the great upsurges of our country's history, known as the First and Second Renaissance, continue to inspire humanity to new heights. Today, New Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the world community, is resolutely moving towards creating the foundation of the Third Renaissance.

 

We see this new Renaissance as a new stage of development based on science, innovation, modern education, the spiritual and intellectual growth of society, a deep respect for our rich historical heritage, and the realization of the creative potential of every person.

 

Therefore, the restoration, preservation, study and wide dissemination of the rich and unique heritage of Islamic civilization in our country has become one of the priority areas of state policy. This systematic work is aimed, first of all, at in-depth study of Islamic heritage, training of highly qualified specialists, supporting fundamental scientific research, and developing humanitarian cooperation. In this process, unprecedented work is being carried out on the restoration and improvement of sacred sites and historical and cultural complexes associated with the life and work of great figures of Islamic civilization.

 

We are especially pleased that the reconstruction of the memorial complex of the great hadith scholar Imam Bukhari in Samarkand region is being recognized as one of the largest spiritual, scientific and educational centers not only in our country, but also in the entire Muslim world. The land of Uzbekistan, where great civilizations, cultures and religions have always been intertwined, is today becoming a land of goodness, where representatives of different nationalities and ethnic groups, religious confessions live in an atmosphere of peace, mutual trust and harmony. These traditions of openness, tolerance and harmony constitute the main principles of our state policy and determine the essence of our country's aspirations to further strengthen international humanitarian cooperation, dialogue between cultures and civilizations.

 

Dear forum participants!

 

The eternal call of the Holy Quran to “Read!” serves as a guiding star for the noble efforts of all people of good will around the world, seeking the happiness of today and future generations. Despite the passage of centuries, the profound meaning and content of this divine call has not lost its relevance.

 

On the contrary, in this era of rapid change and unprecedented technological development, this call has become even more powerful, reminding all of humanity that science, education, and spiritual and intellectual progress are the decisive forces for the prosperity of society.

 

This blessed word is inscribed on the main gate of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, clearly defining its supreme goal - to preserve and deeply study the invaluable heritage of Islamic civilization, and on this basis, to comprehensively strengthen friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the world. For us, this Center is a symbol of the historical memory of our people, an expression of deep respect for the heritage of our great ancestors, and at the same time a bright symbol of the intense aspiration of New Uzbekistan towards the future.

 

At the same time, it is an open intellectual space that serves to unite all enlightened people from all over the world, scientists and researchers, religious figures and experts, who have dedicated their lives to the development of science, the preservation of universal human values, and their safe transfer to future generations.

 

It is noteworthy that in a short time the Center has become an intellectual bridge connecting the past and the future, the East and the West, ancient traditions and modern scientific achievements. Therefore, we assess the I International Forum of Islamic Civilization as a new stage in global cooperation, uniting the intellectual potential of different countries and international organizations, scientific centers, universities and museums, libraries and research institutes, and we hope that a joint program of actions will be adopted in this regard.

 

Uzbekistan is always ready to fully support joint projects and initiatives implemented with international partners. For this, all conditions have been created at the Center for Islamic Civilization to conduct fundamental scientific research, organize international forums and conferences, prepare joint publications, implement educational programs, and develop broad-scale humanitarian cooperation with leading scientific and cultural centers of the world.

 

We firmly believe that science and education are the greatest unifying force of our time, that they will remain the basis of creativity, a solid foundation for peace and sustainable development, and we call on all of you to cooperate towards this noble goal.

 

Dear friends!

 

As you participate in conferences dedicated to the scientific heritage of our great ancestors in our historical cities such as Samarkand and Termez, you will get to know more closely the work being carried out in our country to restore and preserve religious and educational values, strengthen peace and tolerance, and generally build a New Uzbekistan. I believe that sincere meetings and dialogues with representatives of our hardworking and hospitable people will inspire you to create new scientific research and artistic works, as well as cultural and humanitarian projects.

 

Once again, I sincerely congratulate you and wish you all good health, development of your honorable activities, and success in the work of the forum.

 

 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

 

Uzbekistan Republic President