Over the past 34 years of independence after the breakup of the Soviet Union, Central Asia has faced problems that require joint efforts for their solution. These include water and energy shortages, access to the sea and international transport routes, environmental risks, and instability in Afghanistan. In recent years, however, Central Asian countries have strengthened
Esther Harlander, Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Head of the Environmental Remediation Account at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), visited Yangiyabad in the Tashkent region, accompanied by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan and Sharifbek Khasanov, Director of the Agency for Waste
In September 2025, the new season of the world-famous travel television show “The Amazing Race Australia” premiered on Australia’s Network 10 and the streaming platform 10 Play. One of the central highlights of the season was filming in Uzbekistan — primarily in Samarkand — where the competition tasks were designed around the country’s rich local
A Government meeting on October 7, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, discussed measures to reduce the shadow economy. “The Head of State has set the goal of reducing the share of the shadow economy in GDP to 15% this year. We must continue striving for a consistent decline in this indicator. We need a
At the summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on October 7 in Gabala, Azerbaijan, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the unity of the Turkic world and enhancing its role in global politics, the economy, and humanitarian development. Mirziyoyev proposed to hold in Samarkand the first joint
Kyrgyzstan continues experiencing steady economic growth, supported by rising state revenues, growing foreign investment, and expanding small and medium-sized business sector. At a government meeting on October 6, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliyev stated that in January–September 2025, state budget revenues totaled 722.9 billion soms, 23.8 billion or 3.4% more than planned.
In 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrates its 80th anniversary, while Tajikistan marks 30 years of membership in the organization. Over the past three decades, FAO has evolved in the country from a humanitarian partner into a strategic ally—capable of mobilizing resources, introducing innovations, and building resilient agricultural systems
At the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Sydney, Australia, it was officially decided that the 2028 edition of the congress will take place in Samarkand. This historic decision marks a new stage in the development of the space industry not only for Uzbekistan but also for the entire Central Asian region. The delegation of
The 2025 Human Development Report was launched in Kazakhstan at the Digital Bridge 2025 forum last week. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kazakhstan organized a panel session titled “The Power of Choice: Human Development at the Crossroads of Artificial Intelligence.” The event brought together diplomats, government officials, academics, civil society, educators, and thought leaders
On October 6, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed plans for the development of artificial intelligence technologies in Uzbekistan and their broad implementation across the economy and social sectors. Today, artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key tools in various sectors, including the economy, education, healthcare, security, and other vital areas. Its application contributes to improving
For the first time, the Government of Tajikistan has financed the procurement of antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs and HIV early diagnosis tests for newborns, under the project “Support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan in Procuring Quality Medical Products,” implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Government-financed procurement
From November 29 to December 2, 2025, the Borovoe resort (Burabay, Kazakhstan) will shine with the spirit of a Christmas fairy tale as it will host the 5th festival Voices of Friends, a place where art meets magic. The Voices of Friends V will feature author’s concerts, film festivals, art exhibitions, and master classes that
Starting from 2026, a mechanism for detecting illegal tree cutting using space monitoring will be introduced in Uzbekistan. This is stipulated in the presidential decree “On Measures to Expand the Use of Aerospace Data in Economic Sectors and Improve the Agricultural Management System.” According to the document, the Agency for Space Research and Technology will conduct
A government meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the implementation of Yashil Makon (Green Space), Uzbekistan’s nationwide program which aims to preserve and restore biodiversity through the greening of urban and rural areas. Launched by President Mirziyoyev in November 2021, the Yashil Makon program is aimed at the planting of one billion trees and
A delegation from Uzbekistan, composed of representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recently undertook a three-day study visit to Batken Region of Kyrgyzstan. The mission was organized with the objective of studying innovative artificial glacier technologies as a solution to seasonal water shortages. The delegation attended a presentation on
The Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a new strategy for Tajikistan, setting out the Bank’s priorities in the country to 2030. The new strategy reflects the EBRD’s commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s economic transformation through a comprehensive approach that combines financial investment with policy dialogue and technical assistance. In
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Smart City State Unitary Enterprise at the Dushanbe Executive Authority have launched a project to develop a digital platform for an electronic map of Dushanbe. The project is supported by the EDB Fund for Digital Initiatives and aims to create a unified digital environment for urban infrastructure management. The platform
On October 2 in Astana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan hosted the jubilee award ceremony for the winners of the 10th Annual International Contest “Kazakhstan Through the Eyes of Foreign Media”. This year, by decision of the jury, the works of journalists from Armenia, Belgium, Pakistan, the United States, and Uzbekistan were recognized
In the vibrant tapestry of global tourism, Umedjon Saidov, National Expert in Tourism Development and General Director of Somon Travel LLC, shines brightly by unveiling Tajikistan’s hidden treasures. From scholar of international relations to orchestrator of the Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition (DITE-2025), held September 18–20, he blends cultural reverence with strategic brilliance, elevating sites from
As tourism in Kyrgyzstan is becoming a driver of inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provides comprehensive support to the tourism industry. The regional project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia,” funded by the Government of Finland, demonstrates that a system approach to tourism development can transform local
