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A delegation led by Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

During the visit, the guests toured the Center’s exhibitions accompanied by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, and Muzaffar Kamilov, Head of the Department for Religious and Educational Affairs of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The delegation began its tour with the “Gallery of Great Figures” and the magnificent arches located in the Center’s main foyer. These exhibitions, which reflect the history of Uzbekistan and the development of its civilization through a harmonious combination of art and modern technologies, aroused great interest among the guests. In particular, the contemporary presentation of the legacy of the great scholars and thinkers born in this land was highly appreciated.

The delegation then visited exhibitions dedicated to pre-Islamic civilizations, the history of the Great Silk Road, and ancient cultural heritage. Original artifacts from ancient civilizations, interactive displays, and multimedia exhibitions created using digital technologies left a strong impression on the guests. The delegation gave special recognition to the innovative approaches used to present history through modern methods.

The guest emphasized that Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage is of great significance not only for the country itself but for all humanity, noting that the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan had left a profound impression on her.

Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, stated:

“Uzbekistan’s rich heritage is an invaluable gift to all humanity. It combines wisdom accumulated over centuries with today’s global aspirations to build inclusive societies. This sacred place speaks of science, innovation, and human values. At the same time, it reminds us that investing in human capital is the most effective way to build the future.

The United Nations Population Fund works closely with religious organizations to promote dignity, health, and equality for women, girls, and society as a whole. By taking cultural values into account, we strive to ensure that the rights, opportunities, and choices of women and girls are placed at the center of every community.

At the Islamic Civilization Center, the exceptional importance of knowledge, innovation, and human potential is vividly demonstrated. By recognizing people as the greatest wealth and investing in them, we pay worthy tribute to this great heritage and build an inclusive future for all. Such cooperation serves to transform lives and ensure people’s rights, choices, and dignity.”

During the visit, the delegation also toured the halls dedicated to the First and Second Renaissances. In the First Renaissance exhibition, the guests were introduced to the original Kiswah that covered the Holy Kaaba in 1988, keys to the Kaaba from the Mamluk period in Egypt, and a fragment of the Kiswah presented to the leadership of Uzbekistan by Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In the Second Renaissance section, the Umar Aqta Quran, exhibitions dedicated to Amir Temur and the Timurid era, as well as interactive AI-generated figures of Amir Temur and Gawharshad Begim attracted considerable interest. After personally testing these digital solutions, the guest highly praised their role in promoting historical heritage through modern technologies. The artistic presentation of Bibi Khanum’s attire and the atmosphere of the period also left a deep impression.

The delegation also visited the “New Uzbekistan — The Foundation of the New Renaissance” exhibition, where they learned about the large-scale reforms being implemented in the country, as well as achievements in science, international cooperation, and sports. Exhibitions highlighting the latest successes of Uzbek athletes on the international stage drew particular interest.

One of the most moving moments of the visit was the Hall of the Holy Quran. After viewing the Mushaf of Uthman, the guest offered a prayer and noted that the spiritual atmosphere of the hall had left an unforgettable impression on her.

At the conclusion of the visit, Diene Keita wrote her reflections in the Center’s Book of Honored Guests. Firdavs Abdukhalikov also presented her with a special publication containing information about the Center’s activities, the legacy of Uzbekistan’s great ancestors, and the progress of New Uzbekistan.