Civil Forum Held in Samarkand in Honor of International Day of Democracy

September 2026 has been rich in international events for Samarkand. Hosting major forums requires special attention, which is likely why the country’s leadership established the position of Deputy Khokim of Samarkand Region for Official Delegations’ Visits, to which Rustam Rajabboyevich Kobilov was appointed.

Among the international forums held in September were the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Challenge Samarkand 2026 International Triathlon, and the 46th Chess Olympiad. Furthermore, on September 17, 2026, in observance of the International Day of Democracy, the Central Asian Civil Society Forum took place, themed “The Role of Civil Society Institutions in Democratic Development: The Experience of Uzbekistan and Central Asian Countries.” During the forum, representatives of government bodies, civil society institutions, international and regional organizations, analytical and research institutions, the expert community, and the media discussed pressing issues surrounding civil society development.

At the forum, which featured three parallel sessions, participants presented reports highlighting the importance of mutual learning from national experiences across Central Asian countries. They emphasized fostering partnerships between state authorities, civil society institutions, local self-governance structures, research bodies, businesses, and the media, as well as expanding professional networks and joint initiatives at the regional level.

For instance, during Session 2, “Cooperation of Civil Society Institutions in Promoting Environmental Culture and Initiatives in Central Asia,” Berkeli Atayev—Director of the “Tebigy Kuwwat” enterprise under the “Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan” public organization and a representative of the Aarhus Center in Turkmenistan—delivered a presentation. His topic, “Regional Experience in Developing Environmental Culture Among Youth,” covered state youth policy, the growth of volunteering, regional cooperation, and future prospects.

Based on the views, proposals, and recommendations expressed during the event, participants deemed it appropriate to support a Resolution outlining priority directions for the development of a democratic society. The priority directions defined in the Resolution are intended to support civil society institutions in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, strengthen constructive interaction between the state and society, expand citizen participation in decision-making processes, foster the exchange of best practices, and further advance regional dialogue.

Berkeli Atayev.