Friendship, good-neighborly relations, and mutually beneficial cooperation among Central Asian countries continue to strengthen. In particular, the expanding strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, along with growing political dialogue and economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties, is creating new opportunities for young people in both countries. Direct engagement among young politicians, parliamentarians, civil servants, and public figures is also playing an increasingly important role in strengthening regional cooperation.
Against this backdrop, the regional program "Young Leaders of Central Asia" has been launched in Tashkent, jointly organized by Uzbekistan's Yuksalish Nationwide Movement and Germany's Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
The initiative, being held for the first time, brings together more than 20 young politicians, parliamentarians, civil servants, and public figures from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.
The forum aims to strengthen mutual trust and friendship among emerging regional leaders, facilitate the exchange of experience in public administration, parliamentary affairs, economic reforms, and civic engagement, and establish a sustainable platform for dialogue and future joint initiatives.
The opening ceremony was attended by Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of the Yuksalish Movement and Chairman of the Committee on Entrepreneurship, Competition Development and Industry of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan's Oliy Majlis, and Sodiq Safoyev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.
Speakers emphasized that a new political environment based on mutual trust, good-neighborly relations, and practical cooperation has emerged in Central Asia in recent years. Alongside high-level interstate dialogue, solidarity and closer ties among the younger generation are becoming increasingly important in sustaining this positive momentum.
Kyrgyzstan's participation in the forum is of particular significance. The country is represented by Adilet Belekov, a member of the Jogorku Kenesh, the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic.
According to the program, the Kyrgyz representative is scheduled to address the forum alongside the heads of delegations from other participating countries. This provides an important opportunity to exchange views and experiences on public administration, parliamentary activities, youth policy, and regional cooperation.
Kyrgyzstan's involvement in the initiative is expected to contribute to stronger ties with Uzbekistan and other countries in the region, not only through traditional diplomatic and economic channels but also through youth diplomacy, interparliamentary dialogue, and cooperation among civil society institutions.
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan share deep historical roots, close cultural ties, and common linguistic and traditional heritage. The advancement of bilateral relations to a new level in recent years has also created favorable conditions for expanding cooperation in youth affairs. In this context, the Tashkent forum represents another practical step toward strengthening direct contacts among young politicians and public figures from the two neighboring countries.
Other participants include Gulmira Parmisheva, President of the Association of Social Innovators of Kazakhstan; Zaur Mammadov, Adviser to the Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Director of the Baku
Political Scientists Club Public Association; and Ahmadjon Akramov, Executive Director of the Tajikistan Youth Environmental Center. They are expected to share their respective countries' experiences and approaches.
According to Otabek Sobitov, Chairman of the Youth Parliament under the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan's Oliy Majlis, the platform is designed to promote the exchange of best practices in youth policy and encourage the implementation of joint projects among participating countries.
In particular, Uzbekistan will share its experience in strengthening the *mahalla* system of neighborhood-based self-governance, identifying and addressing young people's concerns at the local level, and supporting youth-led startups and entrepreneurial initiatives. At the same time, learning from Kyrgyzstan's experience and that of other neighboring countries in youth policy remains an important aspect of the dialogue.
The visit program extends beyond discussions at the forum. Participants are scheduled to meet with representatives of the leadership of Uzbekistan's Senate and Legislative Chamber to learn firsthand about ongoing parliamentary reforms.
The agenda also includes presentations on public administration and digital transformation, anti-corruption measures, tourism development, and reforms at the community level. Visits to IT Park, the Center of Islamic Civilization, and a neighborhood in Tashkent are also planned.
On October 29, the dialogue will continue in the historic city of Bukhara, where foreign delegations will explore the region's industrial, investment, and tourism potential. The program includes visits to a textile cluster and a greenhouse complex.
During cultural and educational activities in Bukhara's historic center, participants will visit architectural landmarks, including the Ark Fortress, the Poi-Kalyan Complex, and Lyabi-Hauz. Discussions will also focus on preserving cultural heritage and promoting regional economic development through tourism.
Overall, the Young Leaders' Dialogue launched in Tashkent provides an important opportunity to further strengthen friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan at the level of the next generation of leaders, while advancing human capital-based cooperation across Central Asia.
The region's future development will depend not only on the decisions made today but also on the mutual trust, knowledge, and initiatives of the younger generation that will carry this cooperation forward.
Utkir Alimov, journalist
Uzbekistan
