ICESCO: “ICESCO and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan hold press conference ahead of the First International Islamic Civilization Forum”
According to the official ICESCO website, the First International Islamic Civilization Forum, to be held in Tashkent, is regarded as a prestigious platform that brings together the heritage of Islamic civilization with contemporary scholarly and cultural dialogue. The Organization also recognizes the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan as an important international platform for promoting the rich intellectual heritage of Islamic civilization and advancing the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment.
On Monday, 6 July 2026, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan held a press conference at the Center's headquarters in Tashkent. The event presented the program of the First International Islamic Civilization Forum, to be held from 7–11 July 2026 under the theme “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment.” Nearly 300 speakers from 40 countries are expected to participate in the Forum.
The Forum will bring together ministers, leaders and representatives of religious and international organizations and institutions, as well as distinguished scholars and experts in the fields of culture, intellectual thought, and Islamic civilization. Discussions will focus on further highlighting the contribution of Islamic civilization to promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment.
Among those attending the press conference was Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that the organization of the international conferences dedicated to Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Maturidi within the framework of the Forum once again confirms Uzbekistan’s status as a global center showcasing the outstanding contribution of Islamic civilization and its great scholars to the advancement of knowledge and enlightenment.
According to Dr. AlMalik, the selection of these three Imams carries profound significance, as they represent the principal pillars of Islamic civilization the Prophetic Sunnah, Islamic creed (aqidah), and the Islamic sciences. While Imam Bukhari and Imam Tirmidhi rendered unparalleled service in preserving and transmitting the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to future generations, Imam Maturidi made an outstanding contribution to establishing a scholarly and theological school founded upon moderation and balance.
The ICESCO Director-General emphasized that the significance of the Forum extends far beyond commemorating history. According to him, the rich scholarly legacy of these great Imams offers valuable guidance for addressing today's intellectual and cultural challenges, promoting the values of moderation, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, and strengthening the role and prestige of science and scholarship.
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik expressed his sincere appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, its leadership, government, and people for their dedicated efforts to preserve and promote the heritage of Islamic civilization. He also praised the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan as a vivid symbol of a rich historical legacy, a scholarly and educational platform shaping the future, and a strong bridge for dialogue among civilizations.
