On September 10 of this year, in Tashkent, within the framework of the 2nd International Forum “Dialogue of Declarations”, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef Aldobeay delivered a speech, emphasizing the special significance of this event. According to him, the initiative to hold the forum reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and interfaith harmony.

Yousef Aldobeay drew particular attention to the fact that the vision of Uzbekistan’s leadership in creating an atmosphere of openness and peaceful coexistence among different faiths is especially relevant in the context of today’s “erosion of religious tolerance.”

The Deputy Secretary-General of the OIC stressed that “our common platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on freedom of religion and harmony between religions and cultures has emerged at precisely the right moment.” In his words, “this forum provides a unique opportunity for every voice to be heard.”

Mr. Aldobeay underlined that the goals of the forum fully align with the OIC’s 2025 Action Plan, which includes supporting freedom of religion, fostering interfaith harmony through dialogue and partnership, and ensuring the practical implementation of adopted declarations.

He expressed confidence that the discussions in Tashkent will lead to concrete recommendations, the establishment of effective monitoring mechanisms, and the strengthening of international cooperation. “Our discussions here in Uzbekistan will become a beacon for future generations, promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace,” he stressed.

For information: the Forum is organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) in cooperation with the American NGO Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC), with the support of the Committee on Religious Affairs, the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the regional administration of Samarkand.

The event brings together around 50 leading scholars of religion, theologians, experts, and senior officials from 15 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and the Central Asian states.