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.