During the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization held in Tashkent, ten major global initiatives aimed at preserving, scientifically studying, and widely promoting the heritage of Islamic civilization were presented. These initiatives intend to further illuminate the immense contribution of Islamic civilization to world science, culture, and spiritual progress, as well as to pass on this priceless heritage to future generations.
As the first initiative, it was proposed to establish the World Forum of Islamic Civilization on the basis of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. This platform will serve to unite international organizations, scientific institutions, museums, libraries, archives, manuscript centers, and research institutes, fostering long-term scientific, cultural, and educational cooperation.
The second initiative provides for the creation of a World Digital Register of Islamic Civilization heritage. A unified international electronic system will compile manuscripts, archival documents, museum collections, architectural monuments, samples of intangible cultural heritage, and the results of scientific research.
The third initiative is the implementation of the international program "Heritage of Islamic Civilization – Heritage of All Mankind." Within the framework of the program, regular organization of international exhibitions, scientific conferences, educational projects, publishing initiatives, and cultural events is planned.
Forum participants also proposed establishing an international award on Islamic civilization to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a huge contribution to the study, preservation, and popularization of the heritage of Islamic civilization, as well as to the development of science, education, intercultural dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation.
The fifth initiative is aimed at establishing an international foundation for the study of Islamic civilization. This foundation is envisaged to finance fundamental scientific research, the restoration of historical monuments, the support of young scientists, publishing activities, and the development of international academic cooperation.
Also at the forum, the initiative to create a Global Digital Library of Islamic Civilization was put forward. This multilingual platform will unite manuscripts, scholarly works, archival documents, museum collections, educational resources, and virtual exhibitions in a single electronic space.
As another important initiative, it was proposed to prepare a multi-volume International Encyclopedia of Islamic Civilization. It is planned to comprehensively cover the history of Islamic civilization, the activities of great scholars, scientific schools, cultural monuments, and the most important achievements of the Islamic world.
Forum participants also put forward the initiative to prepare an annual international analytical report assessing the current state of the heritage of Islamic civilization. This report will analyze the state of cultural heritage objects, the results of scientific research, existing problems, and prospects for international cooperation.
The ninth initiative is the organization of an International Youth Forum on Islamic Civilization. This venue will serve to develop scientific dialogue among young scientists, researchers, students, and specialists in the field of cultural heritage, training a new generation of experts.
As the tenth initiative, it was proposed to establish an international union of museums of Islamic culture, art, and civilization.
The union aims to implement joint exhibitions, scientific research, restoration, educational and digital projects among the world's leading museums and specialized institutions, as well as to develop the exchange of collections and specialists.
At the end of the forum, a permanently operating coordinating body – the International Forum Council – was established. The council took on the task of summarizing the proposals expressed by participants and developing and approving a roadmap for international cooperation until 2030.
This roadmap is planned to serve as the main mechanism for implementing the initiatives defined in the forum declaration and to be submitted to international organizations and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Forum participants called upon states, international organizations, scientific institutions, higher education institutions, museums, libraries, and public organizations to jointly implement these initiatives. As emphasized, these initiatives will serve to strengthen peace and mutual understanding, develop education and intercultural dialogue, and preserve and widely promote the rich heritage of Islamic civilization as an integral part of world cultural heritage.
