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From forgotten to frontline: Does Central Asia really matter now?

Central Asia, which is usually overlooked as a peripheral region in global geopolitics, now come into the spotlight of the European political landscape. The first summit of the five Central Asian states Presidents in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, António Costa, marked a turning point.Key areas of discussion included logistics and transportation, raw materials, the green econo...

Strategic partnership, transport corridors, critical minerals and more – Samarkand summit highlights

The first-ever Central Asia–EU Summit was held in Samarkand on April 3–4, bringing together regional leaders and top EU officials. Under the theme “Investing in the Future,” discussions focused on green economy, digital transformation, connectivity, and security. A €12 billion EU investment package was announced. The summit also featured the Samarkand Climate Forum and the Aral Culture Summit, spotlighting ecological challenges and cultural dialogue.

The high-level event was chaired by Uzbeki...

Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theatre: A timeless beacon of culture

Every city has buildings that embody its history and legacy. In Tashkent, one such landmark is the Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theatre of Opera and Ballet, also known as the Bolshoi (Grand) Theatre. Standing at the heart of the city, this institution represents the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan. Its long history, architectural grandeur, and artistic contributions make it a cornerstone of the country's performing arts scene.

Historical context

Pre-theater era: The...

Islamic Arts Biennale 2025: A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation

Titled “And All That Is In Between”, the Islamic Arts Biennale, brings together the past, present, and future of Islamic art in a grand celebration of culture and creativity. This second edition of the biennale takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport-a symbolic venue that serves as a gateway for millions of Muslim pilgrims each year. Drawing inspiration from the Quranic phrase, “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all th...

Central Bank and its role in shaping the economy

Central banks are one of the most important backbone structures of a nation’s economic and financial stability due to their responsibilities and functional roles. Central banks affect the countries’ or monetary unions’ macroeconomic and microeconomic factors through policy interventions, thereby affecting overall economic performance and strength.On December 11, 2024, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan experienced a major leadership change. Timur Ishmetov was appointed as the new chairman, succeedin...

Adventure travel, lack of outdoor culture, and quality standards – Interview with tourism specialist Russel Walters

Tourism in Uzbekistan is a fast-developing sector, with numerous programs and projects aimed at boosting its growth. Russell Walters, Destination Director of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) for North America, recently visited Uzbekistan to conduct training sessions to enhance the country’s adventure tourism potential. These sessions are part of a five-year initiative supported by the USAID Business Support Project.

In an exclusive interview with Kun.uz, Mr. Walters shared his in...

British Council in Uzbekistan: A vision for education and cultural exchange

A significant part of the Council's work involves English language education. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, it aligns with Uzbekistan’s 2030 development strategy for higher education. The British Council’s initiatives complement government-led reforms.One notable contribution has been its involvement in establishing Westminster International University in Tashkent, reflecting its commitment to connecting the UK with Uzbekistan. Additionally, it has su...

Uzbekistan drops in global English proficiency index; ranking compilers explain reasons

Despite the increasing focus on English education in Uzbekistan, the country recently dropped five places in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), ranking 98th among 114 nations. Dmitry Fedorov, CIS Country Manager at EF Education First, explained in an interview with Kun.uz how the ranking is compiled and stressed the significance of English proficiency assessments.EF Education First developed the EF EPI as a standardized tool to measure English proficiency across countries. Fedorov noted...

Role of the family, right to education, children with disabilities - Interview with UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan

November 20th has been observed as World Children’s Day since 1990. On this date in 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and on the same date in 1989, it adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.Upholding and ensuring the rights of every child is of utmost importance amidst the numerous challenges the world faces today, including wars, hunger, poverty, economic and social issues, and crises. These challenges disproportionately impact the most...

Finnish tech giant Wolt launches delivery service in Uzbekistan

On October 4, the international delivery service Wolt officially launched its operations in Uzbekistan, making it the 28th country in which the company is active.

Uzbekistan is the second Central Asian country where the Finnish company has expanded, having begun operations in Kazakhstan in 2019. At a press brunch held on the day of the launch, Wolt representatives highlighted the significant potential of the Uzbek market for global companies. When asked about competition from other establishe...

World Conference on Creative Economy: Interview with Naomi Campbell

The 4th World Conference on Creative Economy that took place from October 2 to October 4 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, brought together over 2,000 participants from more than 80 countries at the Central Asia Expo Center.

This year's conference, themed “Inclusively Creative: Shifted Reality,” focused on the transformative role of the creative economy in fostering sustainable global development. 

The WCCE featured high-profile figures, including British supermodel and activist Naomi Campbell, who...

World Conference on Creative Economy in Tashkent highlights the power of AI and human creativity

The 4th World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) commenced on October 2, 2024, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, bringing together over 2,000 participants from more than 80 countries at the Central Asia Expo Center. This year's conference, themed “Inclusively Creative: Shifted Reality,” focuses on the transformative role of the creative economy in fostering sustainable global development.First launched in Indonesia in 2018, the WCCE has become a significant biennial platform where leaders, innovators,...

Mental health in your 20s: Guidance from healing coach Malika Hashimova

The 20s are a unique and challenging time as young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood. This decade often brings increased responsibilities, requiring individuals to make important decisions regarding their careers, relationships, and overall life direction.These pressures can often lead to what is commonly known as a "quarter-life crisis," characterized by feelings of uncertainty, stress, and self-doubt.



A 2023 report from Harvard’s Making Caring Common project revealed that...

Uzbekistan's historic success at Paris 2024 Olympics

The 2024 Olympic Games officially concluded on August 11, marking a historic achievement for Uzbekistan. The nation delivered its best performance since gaining independence, securing a total of 13 medals—8 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze. This remarkable haul placed Uzbekistan 13th overall among 206 competing nations, first in Central Asia, first in the CIS, and fourth in Asia.Uzbekistan's athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, achieving several historic milestones. The Uzbek b...

Museums and tourism: The importance of digitalization

Prominent museums around the world often host international exhibitions showcasing artifacts from Uzbekistan, presenting the country's rich history, art, and culture to visitors in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. In Europe, the culture of visiting museums is well developed, with museums regarded as top tourist destinations. According to NEMO - The Network of European Museum Organizations, museums in the European Union attract over 500 million visitors annually, surpassing attendance...