Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Dear friends,

On behalf of the CIS Executive Committee, I am sincerely pleased to welcome the organizers and participants of the Youth Forum of the Commonwealth of Independent States in the ancient and ever-young land of Uzbekistan, in the magnificent city of Khiva, at the very heart of the Great Silk Road.

It is symbolic that this unique museum city, which carefully preserves its centuries-old heritage, has become a gathering place for talented and forward-thinking young people who will shape the future of the entire Commonwealth of Independent States.

The Republic of Uzbekistan is a clear example of how state support and attention to the younger generation contribute to its comprehensive development. Through its achievements in various fields, Uzbekistan continues to inspire the youth of the Commonwealth countries.

It is no coincidence that Tashkent became the first CIS Youth Capital in 2024. Uzbekistan has hosted forums of public organizations and volunteers from CIS member states, scientific and practical conferences, and a range of other events that have established the country as a center of hospitality, innovation and international youth cooperation.

Dedicated to strengthening multilateral partnerships and developing the innovative potential of the next generation, the Khiva Forum significantly complements the established platforms for cooperation among active young people across the Commonwealth. These include the international project “100 Ideas for the CIS,” the Forum of Young Scientists of the CIS Member States, the Issyk-Kul Forum of Young Intellectuals and other initiatives.

Today, the major challenges facing our countries cannot be successfully addressed without the energy, courage and fresh perspectives of young people.

I am confident that the initiatives put forward in Khiva, including projects aimed at establishing a Youth Innovation Laboratory, will be implemented and provide a strong impetus for intergovernmental cooperation.

I wish all forum participants productive discussions, reliable partners, exciting discoveries and boundless inspiration.

Respectfully,

Sergey Lebedev
Secretary General of the CIS Executive Committee