Delegates at Uzbekistan's first Islamic Civilisation Forum launched more than 70 international projects on Wednesday to promote education and scientific cooperation [1].
The gathering seeks to decouple the image of Islam from violence while emphasizing the preservation of Islamic heritage. By focusing on academic and cultural exchange, the forum aims to shift global perceptions of the faith and its historical contributions to science.
Participants at the forum called for greater international collaboration in education, and the protection of historical sites. The initiatives launched during the event are designed to foster a network of scientific cooperation across borders [1].
Delegates said that associating Islam with violence contradicts the true nature of the religion [2]. The forum served as a platform to debate how to better represent Islamic civilization in a modern global context and to reject narratives that link the faith to inherent aggression [2].
Uzbekistan positioned itself as a hub for this dialogue, utilizing the inaugural event to highlight the region's role in the historical spread of knowledge. The projects launched include efforts to digitize archives, and establish joint research programs between international institutions [1].
The forum's focus on heritage preservation is intended to provide a tangible record of the religion's peaceful and intellectual achievements. This approach attempts to counter extremist interpretations by grounding the faith in its scholarly and artistic traditions [2].
“Associating Islam with violence contradicts its true nature.”
This forum represents a strategic effort by Uzbekistan and international partners to engage in 'soft power' diplomacy. By framing Islamic civilization through the lens of science and heritage, the organizers are attempting to neutralize geopolitical tensions and combat stereotypes of religious extremism through institutionalized cultural cooperation.
