The conference titled “Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual and Scientific Heritage of Mavarounnahr and Horizons of Enlightenment,” held at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, brought together diplomats, representatives of international organizations, leading scholars, and cultural figures. This prestigious event was organized within the framework of the initiative put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly regarding the deep study and wide promotion of the heritage of Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Maturidi to the global public. The conference became a logical continuation of the international dialogue launched on October 7 of this year at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
The program opened with the exhibition “Civilizations, Personalities, Discoveries.” The exposition showcased rare books, scientific and illustrated publications, and miniatures reflecting the lives and discoveries of great thinkers of Central Asia. The exhibition clearly demonstrated the region's rich scientific traditions and the continuity of knowledge between generations. At the end of the event, all the books displayed were donated by the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to the library of the UN Office at Geneva.
Tatyana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, praised the educational mission of the Center, emphasizing: “The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan left a huge impression on me. This is a true source of inspiration for the 21st century, where rich historical heritage is presented with the help of modern technologies. We have agreed to establish cooperation between our library and the Center.”
Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and Chairman of the WOSCU Board, noted the important agreements reached in his speech. According to him, the agreement reached on using the UN library and archives opens new opportunities for studying previously unknown sources related to the history of Central Asia and Uzbekistan.
During the conference, Robert Blum, President of the Geneva Diplomatic Circle, Kathleen Göbel, Director of the Cultur-Cooperation International organization in Berlin, and Craig Taylor, a representative of Latter-day Saint Charities, spoke and acknowledged that the ideas of Central Asian thinkers play a crucial role in strengthening peace and interethnic harmony in today's complex world.
Within the framework of the event, three short films dedicated to Uzbekistan's rich history and the modern concept of the Center for Islamic Civilization were screened. The conference was organized in cooperation with the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission to the UN, the Committee on Religious Affairs, international research centers, ACDF, and WOSCU, and the official program concluded with a reception featuring Uzbek national dishes.
