Enlarge portraitGeneral Coordinator of the Congress
Zafar Safarov
The Congress’s priorities are culture and language, youth and education, community dialogue, and business cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States.
OUR ROOTS. OUR PEOPLE. OUR FUTURE.
One heritage.
A world of
possibilities.
Connecting Uzbek communities across borders. Preserving what makes us who we are. Creating a future we can build together.
Rooted in Uzbekistan. Open to the world.
ESTABLISHED2017JULY 9
SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN39.6542° N · 66.9597° E
Our story began here.
Its next chapter is everywhere.
United by heritage✦Connected across borders✦Inspired by the future
01 / THE CONGRESS
Many places.
One shared belonging.
Home is more than a place. It is the language we speak, the traditions we share, and the people who carry them forward.
The World Congress of Uzbek Associations is a platform for communities connected to Uzbekistan to meet and cooperate. Our priorities bring together culture, education, youth initiatives and business connections between Uzbekistan and the United States.
What brings us together ↗OUR HISTORY ↗Leadership ↗OUR HISTORY
The beginning of our shared story.
The first Congress took place on July 9, 2017. This date marks the beginning of the Congress’s history.
Our purpose today
Bringing communities together, preserving cultural heritage and developing business ties between Uzbekistan and the United States.
PEOPLE / PURPOSE
Leadership of the Congress
A shared direction for communities, associations and partners connected to Uzbekistan.
Enlarge portraitOur approach to working together
- Open participation
- People with roots in Uzbekistan and those who share our values are welcome, regardless of ethnicity, language or religion.
- Independent associations
- Cooperation respects each organisation’s name, leadership and local priorities.
- Clear commitments
- A shared project starts with agreed goals, responsibilities and a practical contribution from each side.
02 / OUR PRIORITIES
Honouring our roots.
Opening new doors.
Four areas where shared effort can create lasting value for our communities.
Culture & heritage
Keep our language, arts and traditions alive — and share their richness with the world.
Explore the focus
Uzbek language learning, intergenerational storytelling, cultural exchanges and the celebration of shared traditions.
Youth & education
Help the next generation grow with confidence, knowledge and a strong sense of identity.
Explore the focus
Mentoring, knowledge exchange, youth dialogue and connections between students and experienced professionals.
Business across borders
Encourage business development and connections between Uzbek and American entrepreneurs, professionals and companies.
Explore the focus
Our focus: business introductions, trade cooperation, exchange of market knowledge and joint projects between Uzbekistan and the United States.
Community & dialogue
Bring associations together around shared goals, mutual respect and practical cooperation.
Explore the focus
Exchange between associations, volunteer collaboration and open conversations about the needs of Uzbek communities.
BUSINESS CENTRE / UZBEKISTAN — USA
Business connections between Uzbekistan and the USA
Introduce your company, describe your offer and tell us whether you are looking for a buyer, a supplier or a project partner.
03 / A GLOBAL OUTLOOK
Across borders.
Across generations.
Wherever life takes us, our heritage remains a connection. We envision a network where local associations retain their own voice and find strength in working together.
The AmericasEuropeAsia & the PacificThe Middle East & Africa
A shared international vision, built through local relationships.
Get involved ↗TOGETHER, WE GO FURTHER.
BILATERAL RELATIONS / BRIEFING
United States & Uzbekistan
Political dialogue, trade and joint projects — with a dated review of Mirziyoyev’s UN visit and meeting with Trump in 2025.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Congress & Vatan Global
Zafar Safarov and Ozod Soliev signed a cooperation memorandum on behalf of the Congress and Vatan Global Alliance. Its priorities include community support, business, education, culture and youth initiatives.
Both organisations remain independent. Each joint project requires separately agreed goals, responsibilities and resources.
Read the memorandum announcement ↗
Propose a joint project ↗World Congress of Uzbek Associations and Vatan Global sign cooperation memorandum
World Congress General Coordinator Zafar Safarov and Vatan Global Alliance representative Ozod Soliev signed a strategic cooperation memorandum. They aim to strengthen diaspora connections, support compatriots, and promote business, education, culture and youth initiatives. Both organisations remain independent; specific joint projects have yet to be implemented.
Thirty-eight Uzbek universities enter the QS Asia 2027 ranking
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education reports that 38 national institutions appear in the QS Asia 2027 ranking. Nineteen are in the Asian top 1,000, six in the top 500 and two in the top 200; TIIAME and the National University of Uzbekistan also place fourth and ninth in Central Asia.
Compatriots in Kamchatka agree a support and cultural programme
Uzbekistan’s Consulate General met active compatriots in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and approved a joint work plan for 2026–2027. It covers citizen support, Uzbek language and culture, cultural and educational events and legal-awareness work; diplomats also reviewed working and living conditions with employers.
Uzbek women in Malaysia agree to establish a new association
At a roundtable in Kuala Lumpur, compatriots working and studying in Malaysia presented around 20 ideas on IT and startups, research links with Uzbekistan and community initiatives for women. Participants agreed to establish an Association of Uzbek Women in Malaysia; the organisation is planned and has yet to begin operating.
Young Uzbek mathematicians earn 12 awards at Berlin final
At the Einstein International Olympiad 2026 Global Final, which brought together more than 300 students from over 15 countries, Uzbekistan’s team earned 3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals, plus 5 honourable mentions. Eighth-grader Zufar Atayev placed first in his age category with 96 points out of 100.
Young people from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan meet at friendship forum
An international youth forum in Batken brought together delegations from the three neighbouring countries with UNDP support. Participants presented their initiatives, discussed possible joint projects, exhibited applied arts and planted trees together near the Friendship Stele.
More from the community
Bukhara chosen to host UNESCO Creative Cities conference in 2027
UNESCO has selected Bukhara to host the Creative Cities Network’s annual conference in 2027, the first such gathering in Central Asia. The programme will focus on creative industries, heritage, young professionals and culture’s role in sustainable development; Bukhara joined the network for Crafts and Folk Art in 2023.
BRICS+ Open Science Week to reach every region of Uzbekistan for the first time
Uzbekistan plans to hold BRICS+ Open Science Week from 2 to 8 November, with activities reaching every region of the country for the first time. The main programme will be the Science 0+ festival in Tashkent, featuring popular-science lectures, interactive exhibitions, workshops and science shows.
Compatriots in Istanbul hold cultural gathering for Uzbekistan’s 35th independence anniversary
Uzbekistan’s Consulate General organised a cultural and educational gathering for compatriots working at Kalyon Holding. The programme featured poetry by Sayora Tuychieva and Uzbek music, while workers contributing to community unity abroad were also recognised.
Compatriots in Berlin celebrate Uzbek Language Day
Compatriots working, studying and living permanently in Germany gathered at Uzbekistan’s embassy. Participants discussed preserving language and cultural memory, developing Uzbek language and culture centres, and expanding the language’s use in digital technologies.
Compatriots help present Uzbekistan at South Korea’s MAMF festival
Uzbekistan became Guest of Honour for the first time at the MAMF-2026 International Multicultural Festival in Changwon. The embassy and compatriots living in the city organised a national pavilion featuring crafts and tourism materials, while the Tumor and Navo ensembles presented dance, traditional music and maqom.
Osh Uzbek Language and Culture Center brings students and communities together
The Center for the Uzbek Language and Culture at Osh State University and Uzbekistan’s Consulate General organised an Uzbek Language Day programme with university staff, national cultural centres, compatriots, and students from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The programme combined academic seminars, a folk-crafts exhibition and a literary-musical performance by Osh’s Babur Uzbek theatre.
Uzbek furniture makers explore U.S. market opportunities in North Carolina
With support from Uzbekistan’s Embassy and the MEYOS industry association, AIKO, IHLOS Furniture and Yassi exhibited at High Point Market. The companies agreed to send samples for U.S. testing, discussed showrooms and distribution with importers, and continued consultations with compatriots in the United States and Canada on possible dealership agreements.
Meros opens a home for Uzbek culture in Novosibirsk
The newly opened Meros centre presents Uzbek crafts, traditional clothing and musical instruments. Diaspora representatives from several Siberian cities attended; the Vatandoshlar foundation contributed exhibits.
Kyrgyzstan’s Uzbek cultural organisations come together for Language Day
The Uzbek National-Cultural Center, its regional branches and friendship organisations joined a gathering at Kyrgyzstan’s National Library. Participants discussed language, literature and cultural ties between communities.
Istanbul moves to accelerate preparations for its first Uzbek school
Uzbekistan’s Consul General and the mayor of Bakırköy discussed a planned school for children of compatriots. Uzbekistan’s government is expected to fund it, Turkish companies to build it, and Uzbek teachers to teach under Uzbekistan’s education system. The sides agreed to accelerate preparations; construction work has yet to begin.
04 / BE PART OF THE NEXT CHAPTER
A shared future
starts with you.
There are many ways to contribute. Find the role that reflects your experience, interests and connection to the community.
Membership terms will be published after confirmation. For enquiries, see the contact section below.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Start with your idea.
Choose the route that fits you. Each guide explains what to prepare and how to explore cooperation.
I want to participate
Choose an interest, describe your experience and decide how much time you can offer.
Open guideI represent an association
Prepare a short introduction, an authorised contact and one proposal for cooperation.
Open guideI propose a partnership
Outline the project, resources and expected result with our proposal template.
Open guideDirect enquiries to the Congress
Write to the Congress about participation, association cooperation or a proposed partnership.
Before you begin
Does Vatan Global registration make me a Congress member?
No. Platform registration and Congress membership are separate processes. Membership terms will be published after confirmation.
Who can take part?
People with roots in Uzbekistan and others who share our values. Participation is open regardless of ethnicity, language or religion. Specific projects may have their own participation arrangements.
Are the projects described here already running?
The participation guides describe possible formats for cooperation. A proposed format is not an announcement of an active programme or a scheduled event.
Does the Congress organise every event in the news?
No. The news column summarises external reporting and links to the original sources. Publication does not by itself mean Congress involvement or endorsement.
What should I include in a partnership proposal?
Your name or organisation, location, project purpose, intended audience, contribution, proposed timing and a contact you are authorised to share. The downloadable template helps structure these details.
Our heritage is the beginning.
What we build together is the future.