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On August 25, the official opening ceremony of the international media forum “Islamic Civilization: New Perspective — New Discoveries,” organized at the initiative of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was held in Tashkent.

The ceremony took place in the Grand Conference Hall of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. Participants were shown a special film titled “The global community’s perspective on the Islamic Civilization Center.”

Sherzod Asadov, Press Secretary to the President of Uzbekistan and Head of the Communications Department of the Presidential Administration, delivered welcoming remarks at the event. An address to the forum participants from Muzaffar Komilov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was read out by Rahmatulla Arziyev, a senior official of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In the welcoming messages addressed to the forum participants, gratitude was expressed to the international guests and representatives of the media community. The importance of the forum as a platform for professional dialogue, international cooperation, and the promotion of Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural heritage was emphasized.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was a special presentation by Euronews CEO and Editor-in-Chief Claus Strunz titled “The new proximity: connecting Europe and Central Asia through culture, media and ideas — the Islamic Civilization Center in the global information space.”

Strunz emphasized the importance of presenting the historical, scientific, spiritual, and cultural heritage of Islamic civilization to global audiences through modern media formats, as well as strengthening the exchange of information between Europe and Central Asia.

He noted that the media should not only facilitate the exchange of information between different countries and societies, but also build bridges for dialogue.

“Media can and must build bridges for the exchange of ideas and news. After all, that is precisely what media communication is about — building bridges. Today, here on the ancient Silk Road, this is exactly what is happening for our future,” said Claus Strunz.

The head of Euronews compared efforts to bring the information spaces of Europe and Central Asia closer together with the traditions of the historic Silk Road. He noted that modern media ties between the regions could also open up new opportunities for economic, cultural, and social cooperation.

“Just as information once flowed along the Silk Road, we should communicate with one another and understand each other’s language. This goes far beyond a simple technical process. It is a new form of genuine cooperation, a new information space that will serve as a driving force for economic development in the future,” he said.

Claus Strunz also highlighted the large proportion of young people in Uzbekistan’s population, describing it as a tremendous opportunity for the country’s future. He proposed developing media and cultural projects that would bring together young people from different countries.

In his view, young people representing various fields — including sports, science, education, and culture — could be brought together and given opportunities to exchange experiences, produce documentary films, and participate in joint projects. Such initiatives could help forge new connections among young people from different countries and regions.

“This should be reflected not only in eloquent speeches, but also in concrete and practical projects,” said the Euronews CEO.

Strunz emphasized that innovation in the media sector should serve this very purpose — preserving the legacy of the past while building the future together.

“Most importantly, media must always be a driving force for innovation. But these innovations should serve the remarkable goal I heard about today: advancing innovation in the media while preserving the past in our hearts and creating the future,” he said.

The head of Euronews linked his participation in the forum to the media sector’s responsibility to society. He emphasized that journalism and media are not merely a business or a profession, but an important mission that helps bring different societies closer together.

“We are proud to participate as a media partner in this extraordinary event. For us, this is not simply a business, nor is it just a profession. It is our duty and our calling,” said Claus Strunz.

Thus, the forum’s opening ceremony placed particular emphasis on the contemporary role of the media, the development of international information cooperation, the presentation of cultural heritage to global audiences through new formats, and the creation of new information bridges between different regions.

Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan and Chairman of the WOSCU Board, delivered a special presentation titled “The Islamic Civilization Center — a new type of cultural and educational media platform.”

Abdukhalikov presented the Center’s concept as a modern international platform that brings together historical heritage, science, museum activities, and new media. He explained how the heritage of Islamic civilization is being reinterpreted through documentary films, television projects, digital reconstructions, multimedia and immersive exhibitions, as well as publishing initiatives. Particular attention was given to the Center’s international media projects, cooperation with leading global media outlets, and the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the study and promotion of historical heritage.

Participants were also shown a presentation video about the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

The International Media Forum brings together nearly 300 representatives of the media and expert community from 50 countries. Participants include executives and representatives of international television networks and news agencies, journalists, publishers, filmmakers, scholars, researchers, and specialists in digital technologies.