The Fergana Peace Forum continues its work in Fergana, serving as a unique international platform that brings together representatives of leading analytical centers from the CIS, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The event also involves civil society representatives, business leaders, academics, and youth leaders from the countries of Central Asia.

The Forum has become not only a venue for exchanging views and holding discussions but also an essential step toward shaping a new philosophy of regional coexistence, based on the principles of mutual respect, good-neighborliness, and open dialogue.

Participants expressed their full support for the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced at the UN General Assembly, to adopt a resolution supporting the efforts of Central Asian countries in deepening partnership and integration.

The symbolic significance of holding the Forum in Fergana Valley was emphasized – a region once associated with tension, which today demonstrates steady progress toward good-neighborly relations, cooperation, and integration.

Assessments from international partners

The Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Kaha Imnadze, described the Forum as “an important contribution to the formation of a new political culture of dialogue”. He emphasized that, thanks to the political will of the region’s leaders, the level of mutual trust is increasing, and the agreements reached are already yielding tangible results.

Kate Fearon, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, noted that the Fergana Valley is becoming “an inspiring example of how diplomacy and cooperation can transform a region”. She reaffirmed that the OSCE will continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring peace and sustainable development in this unique and dynamic region.

The Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Kairat Sarybay, recognized the Fergana Peace Forum as an important event that reflects the consistent implementation of the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“Today’s forum has become a natural continuation of the positive transformations taking place in the region. Fergana Valley is reclaiming its historical role – once again becoming a space for uniting efforts, ideas, and aspirations toward peaceful development”, the diplomat stated.

Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), noted that the event reflects the aspiration of the region’s countries for peace and prosperity. “Central Asia is the core of the SCO, and the decisions made at such platforms testify to the maturity of regional cooperation”, he emphasized.

Andrew D’Anieri, Associate Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, underlined that the forum plays a key role in establishing strong and lasting partnerships among countries. He also highlighted the importance of the event as a platform for in-depth and comprehensive analysis of ongoing regional processes, which helps to understand better the challenges and opportunities for joint development and security.

Alex Virtanen, Head of Asia at the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, described the forum as an essential platform for the active promotion of peace initiatives and the deepening of regional dialogue. “Such a venue opens broad opportunities for developing coordinated approaches to addressing the key challenges facing the region”, the expert stated.

UzA