On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the first International Forum, “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” was launched. The event is co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in cooperation with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The forum brings together ministers, heads and representatives of religious and international organizations and institutions, along with more than 300 speakers from 40 countries.

The forum opened with an address from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered on his behalf by Mr. Khayriddin Sultanov, Advisor to the President, who commended the high-level international participation in the forum, noting that it reflects growing global interest in Islamic civilization and its spiritual, scientific, and cultural heritage.

He affirmed that the revival, careful preservation, study, and wide dissemination of Islamic heritage are among Uzbekistan’s key priorities, adding that the world is undergoing profound transformations that underscore the importance of upholding the values of Islam, which emphasize human dignity and the pursuit of knowledge and creativity.

Following the opening address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, delivered remarks highlighting Uzbekistan’s significant civilizational and scientific legacy, which has made it one of the historical centers that shaped the course of Islamic and human civilization. Dr. AlMalik referred to the contributions of prominent scholars such as Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Tirmidhi, Imam Al-Maturidi, Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi, and Ibn Sina.

The Director-General stressed that organizing the forum reflects Uzbekistan’s vision of reviving the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment and demonstrates the role of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent as a comprehensive cultural and knowledge institution that promotes awareness of the radiance of Islamic civilization and highlights its scientific and human contributions.

Dr. AlMalik called for the inclusion of the history of Islamic civilization as a core subject across all educational levels, the establishment of an international award for Islamic civilization named after President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the adoption of ICESCO’s innovative concept of “civilizational diplomacy” as a mechanism to strengthen dialogue.

In conclusion, the ICESCO Director-General praised the strong partnership between the Organization and Uzbek institutions, particularly through hosting the ICESCO Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts at the Center of Islamic Civilization, which enhances efforts to preserve Islamic heritage and showcase its civilizational contributions.

The forum, which runs from 7 to 11 July, features several international conferences held in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez, including “Al-Jami’ Al-Musnad Al-Sahih by Imam Al-Bukhari: A Book for the Ummah,” “The Legacy of Imam Al-Maturidi: The Foundation of Moderation, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” and “The Tirmidhi School of Hadith: Scholars’ Heritage and Contemporary Research,” with the aim of exploring the rich spiritual and intellectual heritage of Islamic civilization and promoting peace and dialogue.