In recent years, Uzbekistan has garnered international attention due to the rapid reforms and transformations led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. These changes significantly impact the country’s internal processes and shape its new image in the eyes of foreign audiences. Euronews regularly publishes articles and video segments about the "New Uzbekistan," allowing a broad audience to learn about the country's rich historical and cultural heritage, tourism potential, and large-scale transformations.
An article on Euronews titled “Bold Reforms in Uzbekistan Attract Global Interest” discusses how the country is making its mark on the world stage, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reforms transform politics, the economy, and civil society, drawing notable international interest. “The election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President of Uzbekistan in 2016 marked the beginning of comprehensive reforms aimed at democratization, economic growth, and global engagement. These reforms were solidified last year with Uzbekistan’s adoption of a new constitution through a nationwide referendum, where citizen input from across the country accelerated the nation's transition to a new development stage,” the Euronews article notes.
The article highlights the International Week of Partnership Initiatives held in Tashkent in October, organized by the Uzbekistan Center for Sustainable Development and the Center for Islamic Civilization in collaboration with local research institutions, think tanks, and civic organizations. The event symbolized Uzbekistan’s openness, with international experts in politics, society, culture, diplomacy, and economics in attendance, including members of the British House of Lords and well-known diplomats. “Uzbekistan’s reforms are positioning it as a governance leader, and the victory of liberal and reform-oriented parties in the recent parliamentary elections shows that the country is moving toward democratic change not only in words but also in action,” the article continues.
Foreign policy is another key topic for journalists. Through partnerships that bridge East and West, Uzbekistan is opening new channels for trade, cultural exchange, and joint development, strengthening ties with neighboring countries and global powers. Former Serbian President Boris Tadić emphasized the importance of this trend as a commitment to the future of the country. He also highlighted the mutual benefits of closer ties between Uzbekistan and Europe, as Uzbekistan’s young population serves as a vital resource for cooperation in technology and innovation. “We need each other as partners,” he said. Professor Małgorzata Sztul from Gdańsk University, an expert on gender equality, praised these achievements: “In recent years, Uzbekistan has expanded women’s participation in various fields. Women are increasingly involved in electoral processes as political leaders,” she stated.
Since the start of the reforms, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has emphasized Uzbekistan’s commitment to openness and modern governance. These changes include not only the modernization of the economy, politics, and international integration but also the strengthening of cultural ties. Together with the Center for Islamic Civilization under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, the Tourism Committee, and Uzbekistan Travel, the media giant has developed and published a series of articles and video segments showcasing the country’s cultural and economic transformations.
One standout publication was a Euronews program on traveling along the Great Silk Road, which introduced viewers to the history of ancient Uzbek cities, including Samarkand and Bukhara. Viewers were invited to follow a unique tourist route on the high-speed Afrosiyob train, visit historical sites like the Afrosiyob archaeological site, and discover centuries-old winemaking traditions in Bagizagan.
Tourists worldwide can immerse themselves in Uzbekistan's culinary traditions through a special Euronews article dedicated to the country’s culinary heritage. The article, “Taste Traditions: Culinary Tourism in Uzbekistan,” features an overview of Uzbekistan’s famous dishes, including plov—a culinary treasure with unique regional recipes.
Another significant topic covered was the art of silk-making, an ancient craft that has retained its cultural importance for centuries in Uzbekistan. The article “Unraveling the Art of Silk Production in Uzbekistan” explores the traditional methods of silk-making passed down through generations, which remain a hallmark of the country.
Uzbekistan continues to capture the world’s attention through its efforts in developing the creative economy, promoting cultural heritage, and organizing international conferences and forums. The article “Uzbekistan Hosts the World Conference on Creative Economy: Shaping the Future of Global Creativity” focuses on the creative sector’s growth in the context of globalization and its potential contribution to sustainable development. Inspired by its rich history and recent reforms, Uzbekistan presented a series of initiatives to support young entrepreneurs and strengthen international connections in the fields of culture and art.
Additional reports, such as “Uzbekistan’s Heritage: The Samarkand Congress Highlights the Importance of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent” and “International Scholars Support Uzbekistan’s Cultural Revival,” focus on Uzbekistan’s cultural revival efforts and international recognition. Special attention is given to reforms aimed at fulfilling the ambitious mission of the Center for Islamic Civilization to showcase the invaluable contributions of notable Uzbek ancestors to global civilization. As part of this initiative, Euronews will soon release special videos about the prominent figures of ancient Uzbekistan and their priceless heritage. Moreover, a special report on the Cultural Heritage Week, organized by the Center for Islamic Civilization in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Cultural Heritage Agency, and leading museums and libraries in the country, will air tonight. This report promises to reveal Uzbekistan’s fascinating history and cultural traditions, emphasizing the country's efforts to popularize its unique heritage to a global audience.