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Claus Strunz, CEO and Editorial Director of Euronews

It is a great honor for me to participate in this international media forum. In such a short time, I have already gained many new impressions and insights. I believe the most important aspect of a forum like this is that it brings together journalists, media representatives, and experts from different countries on a single platform, creating an opportunity for open dialogue about history, culture, and modern development.

It is extremely important to continue this forum on a regular basis and enrich it year after year with new topics and new participants. In this way, the rich history of Islamic civilization, its significance today, and its role in the future can be presented to international audiences more broadly and in a modern format.

The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan undoubtedly has a special role in this process. Establishing such a center in itself requires a great idea and a broad vision. But an idea alone is not enough — what matters is bringing it to life. I was deeply impressed that the President, his team, and all the specialists involved in this project were able to establish such a large and significant center in a very short period of time. Today, the Center is not only a distinctive architectural landmark but also an important educational space showcasing Uzbekistan’s rich scholarly, cultural, and civilizational heritage. Alongside exploring the past, it also provides an opportunity to connect historical heritage with today’s development and visions for the future.

I believe one of the greatest opportunities for international media is precisely to highlight this connection — to present Uzbekistan’s rich historical heritage, its development today, and its aspirations for the future to a global audience. From the Great Silk Road, historic cities, and their development over the centuries to the transformations taking place today, this story can generate considerable interest among international audiences.

I would describe this as building the future while keeping the past in our hearts. It is precisely this approach that can further increase international interest in Uzbekistan. People are attracted not only by the country’s rich history, but also by its energy today, the aspirations of its younger generation, and its commitment to turning new ideas into reality.

The role of the media in this process is extremely important. The task of journalism is not to tell audiences what to think, but to present reality objectively, provide important information, and enable people to form their own opinions independently.

Journalism not only reports on current events but also creates a platform for the exchange of different opinions and perspectives. Such open dialogue helps generate new ideas, strengthen mutual understanding, and move society toward a more successful future.