AGP Executive Report

Nuclear & Energy Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg to watch the launch of construction for Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, with IAEA oversight and a plan to build a new engineering “school” around the project. Culture & Heritage Exchange: A C5+1 meeting of culture ministers in Tashkent agreed on practical steps to protect and digitize cultural heritage, expand museum and expert exchanges, and support joint festivals across art, literature, theater, cinema, and music. Hong Kong–Uzbekistan Cultural Ties: A Hong Kong delegation visited IT Park Uzbekistan and discussed innovation cooperation, while Hong Kong Palace Museum plans a major Uzbekistan artefacts exhibition in Hong Kong by end-2028. Literary Loss: Hero of Uzbekistan Ibrahim Gafurov, a key figure in the country’s literature and intellectual life, died at 88. Sustainability Spotlight: TIKA showcased global zero-waste and recycling projects at Istanbul’s Zero Waste Festival, including a workshop honoring Gaza journalist Yahya Barzaq. Regional Security (Uzbekistan in focus): Pakistan and Russia signed accords on illegal immigration and drug trafficking during SCO talks, with Uzbekistan also meeting on law-enforcement cooperation.

BRICS at SPIEF: Vladimir Putin told the St. Petersburg forum that BRICS has boosted high-tech exports and is driving major global growth, with Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev among the leaders in attendance. C5+1 Culture Talks in Tashkent: Central Asian culture ministers and the U.S. met under C5+1 to push heritage protection, museum and expert exchanges, and digitalization of historical sites. Uzbekistan–Russia Partnership Framed by Mirziyoyev: Mirziyoyev used SPIEF to stress openness and deeper connectivity with Russia, highlighting rising trade and joint investment momentum. SCO Security Cooperation: Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi signed pacts with Russia to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, while also discussing Afghanistan-linked security threats with Uzbekistan and others. AI for Jobs: Uzbekistan’s digital technologies minister said the country’s AI push is aimed at creating jobs and improving life, including expanding foreign IT company presence. Samarkand Preschool Expansion: The ADB will support building and upgrading about 100 kindergartens via public-private partnerships, starting with land allocation. Culture Sector Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Malaysia discussed expanding education, science, innovation, and cultural-humanitarian ties, including inter-parliamentary cooperation.

C5+1 Culture Diplomacy: Central Asian ministers of culture and the U.S. met in Tashkent to push joint heritage protection, museum partnerships, and digitization of historical sites, with plans for exchanges and festivals across art, literature, theater, cinema, and music. Uzbekistan–Russia Economic Ties: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told SPIEF that trade with Russia has more than tripled to $13B and highlighted deeper connectivity and industrial cooperation, calling Russia a “time-tested strategic partner.” AI for Jobs: Digital Technologies Minister Sherzod Shermatov said Uzbekistan’s AI strategy is human-centered, aiming to create jobs and bring remote work home as foreign IT offices expand. Education & Skills Boost: ADB will support Samarkand’s kindergarten expansion via PPP, while Ferghana and Germany launch a new vocational education cooperation phase to train for in-demand sectors. Uzbekistan–Malaysia Relations: Senate Chair Tanzila Narbayeva met Malaysia’s ambassador to expand cooperation in education, science, innovation, and cultural-humanitarian ties. Culture Sector Support: Uzbekistan is expanding tax incentives and social benefits for culture and arts workers, alongside broader reforms to film industry governance.

C5+1 Cultural Heritage Talks (Tashkent): Central Asian culture ministers and the U.S. met at JW Marriott to push museum partnerships, professional exchanges, and digitization of heritage sites, signing a protocol to expand joint festivals across art, literature, theater, cinema, and music. Sher-Dor Madrasah Restoration (Samarkand): The first phase of façade work on Registan’s Sher-Dor Madrasah reached a milestone with U.S. support, alongside a five-year roadmap for heritage cooperation. Uzbekistan–Malaysia Parliamentary & Culture Links: Senate Chair Tanzila Narbayeva met Malaysia’s ambassador to highlight growing ties in investment, education, science, innovation, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, with emphasis on inter-parliamentary diplomacy. AI Jobs Focus: Digital Technologies Minister Sherzod Shermatov said Uzbekistan’s AI strategy prioritizes job creation and better living standards, aiming to bring remote work home. Early Childhood Education Boost (Samarkand): With ADB backing, plans call for building, reconstructing, and renovating about 100 kindergartens via public-private partnerships. Vocational Training with Germany (Ferghana): A new phase of cooperation targets modern training centers, language skills, and job-ready specialists aligned with labor-market needs. Aral Region Environment Cooperation: UNDP and Karakalpakstan signed an intent to strengthen biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and community resilience in the Aral Sea area. Green Mobility in Tashkent: Yandex Uzbekistan reported results from a World Environment Day campaign, including planting 1,000 trees tied to scooter and electric ride activity.

AI & Jobs: Digital Technologies Minister Sherzod Shermatov says Uzbekistan’s AI push is “human-centric,” aiming to create jobs and bring remote work home as foreign IT offices expand fast. Early Childhood Education: ADB will back Samarkand’s preschool upgrade—about 100 kindergartens via PPP, including 37 new builds, 49 reconstructions, and 66 major renovations. Vocational Skills: Ferghana and German vocational providers plan modern training centres and language support under iMOVE, targeting in-demand trades from construction to IT and logistics. Cultural Heritage: Samarkand marks the first milestone in restoring the Sher-Dor Madrasah façade at Registan Square with U.S. support, alongside a new five-year heritage cooperation roadmap. Environment & Community: UNDP and Karakalpakstan sign intent to strengthen Aral Sea-region protection, while Yandex Uzbekistan reports a World Environment Day tree-planting campaign that helped 1,000 saplings take root. Diplomacy & Culture Links: Belgium plans to open an embassy in Tashkent, and Senate Chair Tanzila Narbaeva discusses expanding Uzbekistan–Malaysia ties across education, science, and cultural exchanges. Sports Culture: Uzbekistan’s presence in global culture continues as World Cup coverage ramps up, with local interest boosted by the tournament’s expanded 48-team format.

Sports & Youth Culture: The International Judo Federation announced two new youth Grand Prix events—Hoji Sharif Dushanbe Junior Grand Prix (Oct 24-25, 2026) and Uzbekistan’s Saber Tashkent Cadet Grand Prix (Nov 24-25, 2026)—aimed at building a clearer international pathway for young judoka. Arts & Heritage: Bangkok-born architect Kulapat Yantrasast was named artistic director of the 2027 Bukhara Biennial (Sept 3–Nov 21), succeeding Diana Campbell, with plans to expand the “infrastructure as culture” approach that links caravanserais, madrasas, hammams and public spaces to contemporary ideas. Education & Access: Uzbekistan will give applicants with B1 foreign-language certificates a 75% score boost in university entrance exams, alongside updated rules for recognized language tests and teacher bonuses for foreign-language instruction. Culture Policy & Support: Uzbekistan is set to expand tax incentives and support measures for the culture sector, including new initiatives to back cultural workers and creative industries. Environment & Lifestyle: At the GEF-8 Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan signaled a bigger climate role by announcing it will become a donor to the Global Environment Facility, framing green economy and sustainable land use as a national development model. International Links for Daily Life: Uzbekistan and Hong Kong agreed to move toward mutual visa-free travel for up to 30 days, with implementation details now being discussed.

Bukhara Biennial: Architect Kulapat Yantrasast has been appointed artistic director of the 2027 Bukhara Biennial (Sept 3–Nov 21), with a plan to treat infrastructure as culture and pair international artists with local experts and communities. Heritage & restoration: The US and Uzbekistan marked the first phase of Sherdor Madrasa restoration in Registan Square, backed by the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, and signed a five-year roadmap for further work. Culture policy: Uzbekistan is expanding support for the culture sector via new tax incentives and social benefits for cultural workers, alongside broader reforms to film-industry governance. Education & access: From June 3, Uzbek university applicants with B1 foreign-language certificates can receive 75% of the maximum score in entrance exams. International connectivity for culture: Hong Kong and Uzbekistan moved toward a mutual 30-day visa-free arrangement, while Hong Kong’s business delegation in Tashkent secured dozens of agreements and pushed trade, innovation, and people-to-people links. Ancient science story: Archaeologists in Surkhandarya report a 4,000-year-old child’s skull showing trepanation, offering rare evidence of early surgical practice in Central Asia. Environment with a cultural angle: Uzbekistan announced it will become a donor to the Global Environment Facility, positioning Samarkand as a hub for green economy and climate finance.

Archaeology & Heritage: In Surkhandarya, Uzbek archaeologists report a Bronze Age burial where a child’s skull shows trepanation—about 4,000 years old—among the earliest known surgical traces in Central Asia. Cultural Diplomacy: The US and Uzbekistan marked the first restoration phase of Samarkand’s Sherdor Madrasa facade, with a five-year roadmap signed to expand joint heritage work. Arts & Events: Kulapat Yantrasast, behind major museum projects worldwide, has been named artistic director of the 2027 Bukhara Biennial (Sept 3–Nov 21). Film Reform: President Mirziyoyev announced a sweeping overhaul of Uzbekistan’s film industry governance to remove Soviet-style censorship controls and boost creative freedom and festival-ready output. Inclusive Employment: Yandex Lavka in Tashkent is expanding jobs for deaf and hard-of-hearing workers via adapted recruitment, training, and sign-language support. Education & Gender: A UN-backed study in Uzbekistan finds only 22.5% of men believe women can be competent leaders, linking corruption impacts to gender stereotypes and unequal power. International Mobility: Uzbekistan and Hong Kong are moving toward a mutual visa-free deal for up to 30 days, aiming to boost tourism and cultural exchange. Sports Culture: Uzbekistan’s presence in the 2026 World Cup is highlighted alongside broader tournament coverage, including free-to-air match plans in Asia.

Ancient Heritage & Science: A joint Italian-Uzbek team reports a 4,000-year-old child’s skull from southern Uzbekistan showing clear signs of cranial trepanation—among the oldest documented surgeries in Central Asia. Cultural Diplomacy: The U.S. and Uzbekistan marked the first restoration phase of Samarkand’s Sherdor Madrasa facade in Registan Square, backed by the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and a signed five-year roadmap. Film & Creative Freedom: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a sweeping decree to overhaul culture, arts, and literature support, including a new state target fund “Investments in Creativity” with 200 billion soums annually and major tax breaks for creative industries. Inclusive Work & Tech: Yandex Lavka expands jobs for deaf and hard-of-hearing workers in Tashkent’s dark stores, adding sign-language support and adapted training. Education Links: Ferghana Region moves to deepen ties with Malaysia’s Management and Science University through joint programs, exchanges, and research cooperation. World Cup Culture: Uzbekistan’s historic first-ever World Cup debut is highlighted alongside other debut nations, framing the tournament as a story of identity and resilience. Pilgrimage Returns: Uzbek Hajj pilgrims have begun returning to Tashkent, with state support covering fully funded packages for 100 citizens.

Culture Policy Overhaul: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a sweeping decree to boost Uzbekistan’s culture, arts and literature, including a new state target fund “Investments in Creativity” with 200 billion soums annually, plus major tax breaks for private theaters, film and children’s content producers. Film Industry Reform: Mirziyoyev also moved to overhaul film governance by abolishing Soviet-era censorship bodies and shifting script/project review to professional experts, aiming for 5–10 festival-competitive films per year. Copyright + Social Support: The plan pairs stronger copyright enforcement (including AI-based tracking) with new social benefits for cultural workers and a voucher system for public servants, students and low-income families. Music & Heritage: Uzbekistan’s cultural scene gets a wider regional spotlight as an International Mugham Center concert celebrates young talent and national musical heritage. Green Economy Showcase: Samarkand hosted Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 alongside the GEF Assembly, highlighting green finance, clean tech, water-saving and biodiversity projects. Education Quality Step: Uzbekistan’s quality assurance agency gained full INQAAHE membership in London, supporting international recognition and academic mobility. International Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and the U.S. discussed public diplomacy cooperation, including culture and information exchange.

Culture Policy Boost: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced expanded support for Uzbekistan’s culture and arts, including major tax exemptions for private theaters, film and children’s content producers, and arts education, plus state reimbursement of up to 20% of concert/event costs from July and free vouchers for hundreds of thousands of people to attend performances. Copyright & AI Protection: The same package pushes stronger intellectual property enforcement, using digital tracking and AI tools to protect creators’ revenues. Education Quality Upgrade: Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education gained full INQAAHE membership in London, aiming to improve international recognition of diplomas and student mobility. Public Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and the United States discussed cooperation in education, culture, information exchange, and public diplomacy. Green Economy Showcase: Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 opened in Samarkand alongside the GEF Assembly, highlighting clean technology, green finance, water-saving solutions, and biodiversity. Zoo on Global Stage: Tashkent Zoo joined the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand to exchange conservation practices. International Cultural Links: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan hailed a rapid deepening of ties across multiple areas, with cultural cooperation implied in the broader partnership momentum. Sports Culture Moment: Uzbekistan’s presence is also in the spotlight with World Cup 2026 coverage and fan-watch events featuring Uzbekistan matches abroad.

Culture Policy Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled a wide-ranging package to boost Uzbekistan’s culture and arts, pairing copyright protection (using digital/AI tools to track creative assets) with social support for cultural workers, including housing mortgage help, rent compensation, healthcare coverage, and sanatorium vouchers. Tax Relief for Creatives: The government will expand tax incentives for private theaters, film and children’s content producers, and arts education, exempting them from VAT and multiple taxes, while also reimbursing up to 20% of regional concert/event costs from July and issuing large-scale art vouchers for teachers, doctors, students, low-income families, and children with disabilities. Film Industry Overhaul: Uzbekistan will reform film governance, ending several state bodies and reshaping financing and incentives, including support for the “Olting Humo” festival and new revenue distribution rules for state-commissioned films. State Honors for Artists: In Tashkent, Mirziyoyev awarded 167 cultural figures (with 24 posthumous honors), underscoring culture’s role in national identity. Regional Culture & Community: Namangan set a Guinness record by planting 29.4 million flowers for its International Flower Festival. International Cultural Links: Qatar and Uzbekistan chambers discussed activating a Joint Business Council and cooperation in areas like halal, while an ECG Eurasian Film Festival in London highlighted Central Asian cinema. Diaspora Support: Hyosung backed descendants of Korean independence fighters living in Uzbekistan through Good Neighbors. Sports as Lifestyle: Uzbekistan’s World Cup presence also shows up in community watch-party plans, including a match watch featuring Uzbekistan vs. Colombia.

Culture Policy Boost: Uzbekistan is rolling out expanded tax incentives for the culture and arts sector, exempting eligible organizations from VAT, profit and turnover taxes, plus land, property and personal income taxes, while also making sponsorship money for literature, culture and the arts tax-free. Direct Support for Creatives: From 1 July, the state will reimburse up to 20% of regional concert and event costs, create regional directorates to manage cultural venues, and issue free vouchers for 500,000 people from selected social groups and 100,000 low-income families and children with disabilities. Film Industry Overhaul: Uzbekistan will reform film governance by ending several state bodies and changing financing rules—up to 30% of state-ordered film budgets can go to promotion and advertising, foreign film companies get tax exemptions, and 50% of screening revenues from state-commissioned films will be returned as incentives; the national festival “Olting Humo” gets 5 billion soums annually. Social Benefits for Artists: New measures expand housing and health support for cultural workers, including mortgage loan compensation, rent help in Tashkent and regions, free treatment and health insurance, and sanatorium vouchers. Arts on Stage: Tashkent’s Uzbek National Puppet Theatre premieres “Caliph-Stork” from 1 June, a modern take on Wilhelm Hauff blending puppet, drama, physical and musical theatre. Cultural Recognition: President Mirziyoyev presented state awards to 167 cultural figures in Tashkent, with posthumous honors for 24. Community & Heritage: Namangan set a Guinness record by planting 29.4 million flowers for its 65th International Flower Festival, expected to draw millions of visitors. Regional Lifestyle & Trade: Ferghana region secured Malaysia deals for fruit exports, with first air shipments of cherries and new apricot/peach deliveries to Kuala Lumpur.

State Honors for Culture: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a ceremony in Tashkent awarding high state awards to 167 cultural figures, with posthumous honors for 24 more, underscoring how literature, music, theater, cinema, art, and museum work strengthen Uzbekistan’s global voice. Repatriation & Reintegration: Uzbekistan completed the return of 530+ citizens from conflict zones via the Mehr operations, with about 75% being children; repatriated kids received legal documents and are now integrated into regular schools, with some already reaching higher education and academic Olympiads. Creative Economy Push: Tashkent unveiled the Uzbekistan Creative Park to help creative professionals run real businesses, access infrastructure, and benefit from incentives under the Creative Economy law. Puppet Theatre Premiere: The Uzbek National Puppet Theatre in Tashkent premieres “Caliph-Stork” from June 1, a modern take on Wilhelm Hauff blending puppet, drama, physical and musical theatre. Summer Camp Transport Safety: Uzbekistan prepared 1,100+ buses for children’s summer camps, adding road patrol coverage, route inspections, and safety checks for 314,000+ children. World Cup Culture Spotlight: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup opens June 11, coverage highlights Uzbekistan’s football journey too—Fabio Cannavaro’s role as coach and the wider fan culture shaping the tournament.

Afghanistan-Russia Ties: Russia and the Taliban government in Afghanistan signed a military-technical cooperation deal, with Moscow framing it as “full partnership” and pointing to regional security needs. Summer Youth Logistics: Uzbekistan is readying 1,100 buses to safely transport children to summer health camps, alongside road patrol deployment and route inspections. Creative Economy Boost: Tashkent unveiled the Uzbekistan Creative Park, offering support for creative businesses under the Creative Economy law, including tax incentives and resident-status rules. Stage Arts in Tashkent: The Uzbek National Puppet Theatre will premiere “Caliph-Stork” from 1 June, a modern take on Wilhelm Hauff blending puppet, drama, physical and musical theatre. Archaeology & Medicine: A Bronze Age child’s skull found in Uzbekistan shows signs of trepanation, described as the oldest documented surgery evidence in Central Asia. State Honors for Culture: Uzbekistan issued posthumous and new state awards for artists, writers and cultural workers, recognizing contributions to national spirituality and heritage. Education Fairs: The Third Education Fair of Uzbek Universities continued with international academic participation, highlighting science and higher-education cooperation. Digital Adoption Watch: Microsoft reports only 7.2% of working-age people in Uzbekistan used generative AI in early 2026, while adoption is rising.

State Honors for Culture: Senate chair Tanzila Narbaeva visited families of artists and writers awarded posthumously by President Mirziyoyev, including People’s Artist Manzura Khamidova, actors Gani Azamov and Obidjon Yunusov, and singer Rasulqori Mamadaliev—decorations such as “Fidokorona Xizmatlari Uchun” and “Mehnat Shuhrati.” More Awards for Arts & Literature: Another presidential decree granted titles and medals to performers, musicians, teachers, and cultural leaders, highlighting Uzbekistan’s push to preserve heritage and support youth education. Reading Culture Boost: Uzbekistan will launch an annual national reading promotion movement from 2026, with an online stage on kitobxonlikharakati.uz and cash prizes for top students. Digital Tourism with AI: Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee met Beijing International Studies University to explore an AI and big-data “Smart Tourism Data System,” aiming to build a similar platform for Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan–Kuwait Cultural Links: Talks in Tashkent focused on implementing the culture agreement, including Kuwaiti participation in Namangan’s Maqom festival and postponing Kuwait’s “Days of Culture and Arts” to next year. Ferghana–Japan Cooperation: Ferghana region officials held business and tech meetings in Japan, discussing investment, smart cities, agriculture exports, and JICA-backed projects. Lifestyle in Tashkent: A cost-of-living snapshot estimates a comfortable monthly budget for a family of four in Tashkent at about UZS 23.5 million (excluding rent). Fashion Meets Heritage: A profile of OZBE streetwear shows how Uzbek ornaments and symbols are being reworked for a modern youth audience.