Islamic Civilization Forum in Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s inaugural International Forum on Islamic Civilization opened at the Center for Islamic Civilization, running July 7–11 across Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez, bringing nearly 300 participants from 50+ countries to discuss Islamic civilization’s legacy and its role in peace, tolerance, education and science. Bukhara Biennial 2027: Organizers announced the second Bukhara Biennial will run Sept 3–Nov 21, 2027, with architect Kulapat Yantrasast as artistic director, expanding the 2025 craft-art model to include ecologists, scientists and economists and placing contemporary work inside restored historic sites. Census reshapes planning: Uzbekistan’s first independent-era census found 39,047,321 people (Jan 15, 2026), about 810,617 more than earlier estimates, with authorities now recalibrating schools, clinics, housing, labor forecasts and regional budgets. Uzbekistan–Georgia ties: President Mirziyoyev’s Georgia visit advanced a strategic partnership focused on connectivity via the Middle Corridor and wider political, trade and cultural cooperation. Sports—boxing links region: India’s U-23 boxing day 2 featured a 5:0 win over Uzbekistan, while Uzbekistan’s Ilkhomjon Ergashev also advanced in the same tournament bracket. Culture & lifestyle note: A travel spotlight highlights Mangystau’s otherworldly chalk cliffs, canyons and salt flats, positioning it as a standout Central Asia road-trip destination.