The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and its Federation of the Islamic World Universities (FIWU), in partnership with Westminster International University in Tashkent, held the 3rd edition of the Inclusive Innovation Masterclass Series, titled “Innovation as a Diplomatic Tool: A System Approach,” on 29 October 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event took place on the sidelines of the International Week of Innovative Ideas (InnoWeek), organized by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

The masterclass brought together 40 entrepreneurs, experts and innovation specialists. They discussed ways of harnessing innovation to strengthen international cooperation and explored the potential of science diplomacy for advancing scientific research and industry and for building human capital capacities in modern technology.

ICESCO was represented at the masterclass by Dr. Issam Krimi, Head of the Innovation and Creativity Division in the Science and Environment Sector. He emphasized that the training aimed to raise awareness of the importance of knowledge in serving communities, highlighting the role of universities, government bodies and the private sector in strengthening innovation systems.

ICESCO’s participation in InnoWeek also included a presentation by Dr. Krimi during a panel discussion titled “Strengthening the Transition from Research to Innovation,” as well as meetings with officials from Uzbekistan’s El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, the Commission and Oxentia to explore cooperation opportunities in areas of mutual interest.