AGP Executive Report

Uzbekistan’s Islamic diplomacy: A major International Forum of Islamic Civilization wrapped up with discussions across Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez, highlighting Uzbekistan’s push for peace, tolerance and education, and proposing a World Alliance of Islamic Civilisation based in Tashkent. Local governance & culture spaces: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met community representatives in Nurafshan (Tashkent region), spotlighting New Uzbekistan Park and other new cultural and social infrastructure as the city’s “light of enlightenment” identity takes shape. Cultural publishing ties: A new Azerbaijani-language edition of Uzbek poet Shukhrat Arif’s “My Life Is a Letter” was presented in Azerbaijan, reinforcing literary cooperation between the two Turkic countries. Sports with Uzbekistan on the map: Uzbekistan’s teams were drawn into tough Asian Games groups—women’s football Group G includes Uzbekistan and the Philippines, while the men’s draw also features Uzbekistan in Vietnam’s group—keeping regional attention on Uzbek athletes. Civic space under pressure: A new Uzbekistan freedoms report flags continued restrictions on assembly and association, including ongoing impacts after the 2022 Karakalpakstan unrest.

Islamic Revival in Policy: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank has set up an Islamic Finance Council to coordinate Islamic banking rules after the new Islamic banking law took effect on June 29, aiming to draft standards and advise institutions. Cultural Diplomacy: Greece and Uzbekistan signed a 2026–2028 cooperation agreement boosting heritage protection, archaeology exchanges, cinema links, and wider music, dance, theater, and cultural-route projects. Regional Culture & Faith: Uzbekistan hosted the first International Forum of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez, with leaders discussing peace and tolerance and proposing a World Alliance of Islamic Civilisation. Creative Industries: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan agreed to expand cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including reciprocal cinema days and joint music and concert programs. Sports & Youth: Uzbekistan’s presence in regional sport continues, from Islamic finance reforms to international cultural ties, while Pakistan’s junior women’s hockey team qualified for the Asia Cup 2026 after matches that included Uzbekistan.

Islamic revival & state messaging: Uzbekistan hosted the first International Forum of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez, with leaders discussing peace and tolerance and proposing a World Alliance of Islamic Civilisation plus digital platforms for manuscripts and museum collections. Civil society under pressure: A new CIVICUS Monitor report says Uzbekistan’s freedoms of expression, association and assembly remain tightly controlled, with continued impunity around the 2022 Karakalpakstan unrest and ongoing repression and digital crackdowns. Islamic finance reform: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank set up an Islamic Finance Council after the new Islamic banking law took effect on June 29, aiming to draft standards and regulatory guidance. Cultural diplomacy: Greece and Uzbekistan signed a 2026–2028 cooperation agreement covering heritage protection, archaeology and restoration exchanges, cinema, music, dance, theatre and cultural routes. Creative industry ties: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed expanding cooperation in culture and humanitarian projects, including reciprocal cinema days and joint music and concert programs. Sports & youth culture: Uzbekistan’s presence at international sport continues, from AFC youth qualifiers coverage to Uzbekistan-linked World Cup legacy stories.

Islamic Finance Watch: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank has set up an Islamic Finance Council to coordinate Islamic banking rules and standards after the new Islamic finance law took effect on June 29. Cultural Diplomacy: Greece and Uzbekistan signed a 2026–2028 cooperation agreement boosting cultural ties, including heritage protection, archaeology and restoration exchanges, plus joint work in cinema, music, dance, theater, folklore, and cultural routes. People-to-people Links: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan officials discussed expanding cooperation in cinema, direct city-to-city cultural ties, joint music groups, and concert programs. Sports & Youth Culture: Uzbekistan’s presence was highlighted in international sport—from the Asian Hockey5s qualifiers in Oman to UFC Abu Dhabi’s card featuring Uzbek fighter Ramazan Temirov. Global Spotlight on Uzbek Model: Roza Gilles, an Uzbek model, publicly recounted new details about Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, including claims involving an ankle monitor and an officer nearby. Community & Lifestyle: A Kyrgyzstan report shows how water projects are strengthening local communities and cross-border cooperation.

Islamic Finance in Uzbekistan: The Central Bank has set up an Islamic Finance Council to coordinate banks and microfinance bodies under the new Islamic banking law that took effect June 29, aiming to draft standards, issue supervisory guidance, and represent Uzbekistan internationally. Culture & Sport in Bishkek: An extreme street sports festival drew BMX, scootering, parkour, and street workout athletes from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, with aerial gymnasts adding a crowd-pleasing master class. Uzbekistan in the spotlight at UFC Abu Dhabi: UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi returns with Ankalaev vs Guskov as the headline, and Uzbek fighter Ramazan Temirov on the undercard. Turkic literary ties: The Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World wrapped up in Azerbaijan’s Shusha, with poets from Uzbekistan and other Turkic countries and plans for the next edition in Izmir in 2027. SCO culture in Issyk-Kul: An international film festival and a gala concert in Cholpon-Ata showcased cinema and music from SCO member states, including Uzbekistan. Global culture moment: A 23-year-old designer’s Ajrakh tie—rooted in centuries-old textile craft—was worn by filmmaker Christopher Nolan at a New York premiere.

Uzbekistan in the spotlight at the end of the 2026 World Cup: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time, capping a tournament that put first-time debutants including Uzbekistan on the global map and turned host cities into cultural meeting points. Community-led land restoration: Under the FOLUR-Uzbekistan project, IUCN and local residents moved from identifying erosion and water stress to designing and piloting nature-based solutions in three regions, with farmers and rangers shaping priorities on the ground. Turkic youth culture exchange: The Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World wrapped in Shusha, Azerbaijan, with poets and book launches involving Uzbekistan and other Turkic countries, and a 2027 handoff to Izmir. Youth sport and healthy lifestyle: An extreme street sports festival in Bishkek drew BMX, scootering, parkour and workout competitions with athletes from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and more. SCO cultural diplomacy in Central Asia: Film and music events in Cholpon-Ata highlighted cooperation across SCO member states, including performances by Uzbek creative groups.

UFC & Culture Tourism: Abu Dhabi Showdown Week kicks off on Yas Island with free UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall, athlete appearances, and daily Khabib Gym fitness activations ahead of UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov on July 25. Chess Heritage: On World Chess Day (July 20), a look at how Central Asia—via Silk Road history and sustained public investment—has become a fast-growing chess powerhouse, now producing elite players and champions. SCO Film Diplomacy: The SCO International Film Festival wrapped up in Cholpon-Ata, with a closing ceremony honoring Kyrgyz filmmakers and winners after four days of cross-country cinema talks and screenings. SCO Music Night: A gala concert in Cholpon-Ata marked the 23rd SCO Meeting of Ministers of Culture, featuring performances and folklore from Uzbekistan and other member states. Uzbekistan Education Access: Uzbekistan’s state admission quotas for 2026–2027 were approved, including Uzbek- and Russian-language seats plus targeted grants for disability, orphans, and other categories. Community & Exchange: KT&G Welfare Foundation plans to send 80 student volunteers to schools in Almaty and Tashkent through July 26, combining education support with Korean culture and K-pop performances. Diaspora Spotlight: A new profile traces the Koryo-Saram diaspora’s cultural survival and new voice in the United States. Sports & Society: Coverage of the 2026 World Cup’s final and wider debate around visas and “inclusivity” highlights how global sport intersects with culture, access, and identity.

World Cup wrap: Spain beat Argentina 2-1 in the final, with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute, and the tournament’s biggest moments are being recapped as the 2026 edition ends. Football politics & access: Rights groups say FIFA’s “most inclusive” promise fell short as strict U.S. visa rules shut out many fans and workers, including ticket holders from countries named in the complaint such as Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan in the spotlight: Uzbekistan’s debut at the expanded 48-team World Cup is highlighted in coverage of the tournament’s controversies and future format debates. Uzbekistan culture & learning: A Kyrgyz event in Bishkek will present the Kyrgyz translation of “New Uzbekistan: The Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev,” tying regional interest to Uzbekistan’s reform narrative. Sports for youth: Uzbekistan-linked regional hockey and football pathways keep moving, including Uzbekistan in the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship women’s pool and Uzbekistan mentioned in AHF Cup coverage. Health in extreme heat: Uzbekistan’s emergency medical service handled 166,726 calls during a heatwave, with officials stressing care for chronic patients, older adults, pregnant women, and children. Culture & sport abroad: An Uzbek fighter, Bogdan Guskov, steps in for Khalil Rountree Jr in UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, facing Magomed Ankalaev.

International Film & Culture: The International Film Festival of SCO member countries wrapped up in Cholpon-Ata, with Kyrgyz filmmakers honored through the “Kyrgyz Panorama” national program and awards presented at the closing ceremony. Sports & Youth Culture: Uzbekistan’s presence in regional sport stayed strong as the Religious Affairs Committee’s cultural-life backdrop met the spotlight—Uzbekistan’s national boxing team topped the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships in Jakarta with 33 medals overall, while Uzbekistan also appeared in the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship build-up through regional pools. Community & Mediation Skills: A Tashkent mediation center director led a cross-border online training for mediators from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, focusing on commercial mediation, negotiation, and building trust for dispute resolution. Religion & Public Life: Uzbekistan’s Religious Affairs Committee registered 12 new mosques in the first half of 2026 and reported major reconstruction and renovation work, alongside large-scale tolerance and anti-extremism outreach. Diplomacy & Faith Tensions: A diplomatic row flared between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan after a senior Taliban official’s remarks about Islam in Uzbek cities were reported, then denied—raising questions about how sensitive religious narratives can affect cooperation. Health & Everyday Safety: During the heatwave, Uzbekistan’s emergency medical service handled 166,726 calls over four days, with officials stressing extra care for chronic illness patients, older adults, pregnant women, and children.

Food Security & Innovation: The World Food Prize Foundation named 40 “Top Agri-food Pioneers” for 2026, spanning 30 countries and six continents, including Uzbekistan, with recognition for work from crop research and child nutrition to methane cuts and newer tools like AI and 3D/4D food printing. Education Policy: Uzbekistan’s State Commission approved 2026–2027 university admission quotas for 155,852 applicants, with most seats in Uzbek-language programs and extra grants for groups including people with disabilities, orphans, and women with at least five years of work experience. Culture & Faith: Uzbekistan’s Religious Affairs Committee registered 12 new mosques in the first half of 2026, alongside reconstruction and major renovations, while reporting hundreds of thousands of tolerance-focused outreach events. Sports & National Pride: Uzbekistan topped the medal table at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships in Jakarta, finishing first overall with 21 gold, six silver, and six bronze. Tourism & Lifestyle: Hyatt opened Beldersoy Resort and SPA in the Chimgan–Bostanliq area, positioning it as a premium Destination by Hyatt property with wellness and Uzbek-inspired design. International Spotlight: A diplomatic row erupted between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan after a senior Taliban official’s remarks about Islam in Uzbekistan circulated in media, prompting denials from both sides.

Education & Language Policy: Uzbekistan’s State Commission approved 2026–2027 university admission quotas for 155,852 applicants, with most seats in Uzbek-language programs (130,843) and smaller shares for Russian and other languages, plus targeted grant quotas for groups including people with disabilities, orphans, and women with work experience. Public Health: During the heatwave, the national 103 emergency service handled 166,726 calls over four days, with officials saying demand stayed broadly stable and urging extra care for chronic illness patients, older adults, pregnant women, and children. Religious Life: The Religious Affairs Committee registered 12 new mosques in the first half of 2026 (up from just three last year), alongside reconstruction and renovation of dozens of houses of worship and large-scale tolerance-focused outreach. Culture & Tourism: Hyatt opened Beldersoy Resort and SPA in the Chimgan–Bostanliq region, positioning it as a premium mountain wellness destination with Uzbek-inspired design and year-round outdoor access. Sports & Youth: Uzbekistan topped the medal table at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships in Jakarta, finishing with 21 gold, six silver, and six bronze. International Spotlight: Uzbekistan proposed co-producing a film with Greece and a joint exhibition on Alexander the Great, linking Samarkand’s history and his marriage to Roxane.

Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Diplomatic Tension: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan traded denials after a senior Taliban official’s remarks questioned the state of Islam in Uzbekistan, raising concerns over a relationship built on trade, transport, energy and border cooperation. Religious Life Update: Uzbekistan’s Religious Affairs Committee registered 12 new mosques in the first half of 2026 and reported major reconstruction and renovation work, alongside large-scale tolerance and anti-extremism outreach. Sports & Youth Talent: Uzbekistan topped the medal table at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships in Jakarta, finishing with 21 gold, six silver and six bronze. Culture & Heritage Diplomacy: Uzbekistan proposed a Greece co-production feature film and a joint exhibition on Alexander the Great, highlighting his Samarkand connection and marriage to Roxane. Tourism & Lifestyle: Hyatt opened Beldersoy Resort and SPA in the Chimgan–Bostanliq region, positioning it as a premium wellness destination with direct access to year-round outdoor activities. Community Safety: During the heatwave, Uzbekistan’s 103 emergency service handled 166,726 calls over four days, with officials stressing extra care for chronic illness patients, older adults, pregnant women and children.

Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Diplomatic Row: Uzbekistan pushed back after reports from a senior Taliban official questioned whether Islam exists in Uzbekistan “only on people’s lips,” warning the remarks could strain a relationship built on trade, transport, energy and border cooperation. Cultural Diplomacy: Uzbekistan proposed a Greece co-production on Alexander the Great and a joint exhibition linking the Macedonian ruler to Central Asia, including his marriage to Roxane in Samarkand. Mahalla Governance: New decisions aim to strengthen Uzbekistan’s mahalla institution with expanded local budgets and mechanisms to improve neighborhood development, employment and entrepreneurship—while noting uneven local initiative. Legal Migration Talks: Uzbekistan and the U.S. discussed pilot labor migration projects for Uzbek workers in the American agricultural sector, focusing on document prep, consular checks and legal pathways. Destination & Lifestyle: Hyatt opened Beldersoy Resort and SPA in Chimgan–Bostanliq, positioning it as a premium Destination by Hyatt property blending wellness with Uzbek heritage. International Culture Exchange: Azerbaijan’s Culture Summer School participants visited the Alisher Navoi Uzbek Language and Culture Center in Ganja, highlighting shared literary ties and research cooperation.

Cultural Diplomacy: Uzbekistan has proposed a Greece co-production feature film and a joint exhibition on Alexander the Great, linking his Samarkand legacy and his marriage to Roxane, after meetings between the two countries’ culture ministers in Athens. Regional Film & Arts: The International Film Festival of SCO Countries opened on Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, with delegations from member states including Uzbekistan and an international jury led by Kyrgyz director Ernest Abdyjaparov. Local Governance & Community Life: New decisions aim to strengthen Uzbekistan’s mahalla institution—expanding district and mahalla budgets, boosting local initiative, and improving support for employment and entrepreneurship. Women in Public Life: A new report highlights how women’s political visibility is rising across Central Asia, but power still often remains out of reach. Social Issues: Uzbekistan ranks 166th in a global prison population ranking, with 85 prisoners per 100,000 people. Humanitarian Spotlight: MSF responder Muhammad Hussain Mattee reflects on years of community-focused missions, including work in Sudan and other conflict-affected regions. Migration & Work: Uzbekistan and the U.S. discussed pilot labor migration projects for Uzbek citizens in the U.S. agricultural sector, focusing on document prep and legal pathways.

Uzbek–Azerbaijan Cultural Links: Participants in an Azerbaijani culture summer school toured the Alisher Navoi Uzbek Language and Culture Center in Ganja, learning about its research on shared Uzbek-Azerbaijani literary heritage and Nizami Ganjavi–Alisher Navoi legacies. Legal & Social Debate: Denmark plans to extend its burka ban into schools and universities, aiming to counter “parallel societies,” though critics question whether the measure targets a real classroom problem. Labor Migration Talks: Uzbekistan and the U.S. discussed pilot legal labor migration for Uzbek workers in the American agricultural sector, focusing on document prep, visa checks, and return procedures. Sports Spotlight (UFC): Bogdan Guskov (Uzbekistan) replaces Khalil Rountree Jr and will face Magomed Ankalaev in UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi on July 25. Youth Sports (Football): AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers draw placed India in Group E with Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq (Oct 5–11, 2026). Culture & Travel: A travel piece highlights Tashkent’s metro art, major landmarks, and the city’s welcoming public spaces. Prison Data: Uzbekistan ranks 166th globally in the 2025 prison population ranking (85 per 100,000).

Women’s Boxing Spotlight: India swept the women’s section at the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships in Jakarta, finishing with 5 gold, 10 silver and 4 bronze; Uzbek fighters featured in several finals, including Nazokat Mardonova and multiple U-23 silver medal bouts. Youth Sports & Culture: Thailand’s U18 women’s volleyball team won bronze at the AVC U18 Girls’ Asian Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, with FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support including coach training and equipment. Uzbekistan in the Global Arena: Uzbekistan ranked 166th in the 2025 global prison population ranking (85 prisoners per 100,000), according to the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research. Health & Lifestyle: Uzbekistan leads the CIS on overweight prevalence, with data citing 64% of adults overweight and nearly one in five clinically obese. Diplomacy: Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan held political consultations in Ashgabat, reaffirming cooperation across UN and regional organizations and planning upcoming international events. Cultural Exchange: Uzbek students visited Azerbaijan’s Ganja landmarks in a “Summer School of Azerbaijani Culture,” learning about Nizami Ganjavi and related commemorations.