The inaugural session of the Fergana Peace Forum, titled "The Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress" concluded today in the city of Fergana.

Held on 15–16 October, the event brought together over 300 participants from Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Among the attendees were representatives of government institutions, international organizations, academic and expert communities, civil society, as well as youth and women's associations.

The forum was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Peacebuilding Hub, with support from the United Nations and the European Union.

Over the course of the two-day discussions, participants exchanged views on ways to strengthen trust and good-neighborly relations in the Fergana Valley, unlock its economic potential, promote cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and enhance the role of youth in fostering sustainable peace.

The forum concluded with the adoption of a Communiqué, reflecting the shared commitment of all parties to building a common space of friendship, harmony, and sustainable development in the Fergana Valley. The document was unanimously supported by all participants.

The Communiqué underscores the importance of continuing regional dialogue and deepening cooperation in areas such as water resource management, environmental protection, trade, transport, and humanitarian engagement.

The document will be submitted to the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), as well as to the governments of Central Asian countries for further review and practical implementation of the proposed initiatives.

Organizers expressed confidence that the Fergana Forum will evolve into a permanent platform for addressing key regional issues and advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening trust and mutual understanding among countries of the region.

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