UNJournal Lee Sung Jun | Uzbekistan hosted the Tashkent International Media Forum from 24 to 25 August, bringing together approximately 300 journalists, media experts, researchers, producers, publishers and representatives from the culture and creative industries from around 50 countries. Held under the theme "Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective – New Discoveries," the forum aimed to introduce the historical, scientific and cultural heritage of Islamic civilization to the world through modern media and digital technology.

Representatives from major international media outlets, including CNN, Euronews and BBC Studios, attended the forum to discuss ways of conveying the historical heritage of Islamic civilization through contemporary media content and to explore possibilities for international media cooperation.

A new venue for Islamic heritage

The forum's main venue was the Center for Islamic Civilization, which opened earlier this year in Tashkent. Participants toured the center's exhibitions, ancient manuscripts and historical artifacts, and discussed approaches for sharing the historical achievements of Islamic civilization—including its contributions to global scientific and cultural development—through modern media.

A central theme of the forum was how to translate historical and cultural heritage into formats such as broadcasting, documentaries and digital content, moving beyond traditional exhibitions and publications. Particular attention was given to the potential role of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies in producing and distributing cultural heritage content, with discussions focused on reconstructing historical materials and narratives for younger, global audiences. The forum also included documentary screenings, presentations on media projects, and introductions to international publishing initiatives.

Presidential message on media credibility

At the opening ceremony, Presidential Press Secretary Sherzod Asadov delivered a message on behalf of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who emphasized that the Center for Islamic Civilization would play an important role in promoting Uzbekistan's history and cultural heritage internationally, and expressed hope that the forum would help bring wider global recognition to the center and the heritage it represents.

The message also addressed the importance of accuracy and credibility in journalism amid a rapidly evolving media landscape shaped by AI and digital technology, noting that while new technologies can improve the efficiency of content production, they can also increase the risk of spreading misinformation.

International media participation

Klaus Strunz, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Euronews, addressed the forum and highlighted the growing international significance of Central Asia, calling for greater communication and cooperation between Europe and the region. Journalists and producers from various countries examined Uzbekistan's historical and cultural heritage directly and discussed its potential for development into documentaries, broadcasts, publications and digital content.

Korean participation

Kim Tae-yeon, a reporter with Diplomacy Journal, took part in a program linked to the forum and delivered a lecture titled "Korea is Watching" at New Uzbekistan University. The lecture introduced examples of South Korea's cultural diplomacy and use of media, including approaches to disseminating cultural content and international communication through social media. Kim discussed with students the role media can play in cultural diplomacy amid the growing importance of digital platforms in connecting nations and cultures, in a session organizers described as an opportunity to introduce Uzbekistan's younger generation to South Korea's experience in cultural diplomacy and digital media while exploring potential media and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Historical artifacts on display

The Center for Islamic Civilization features exhibitions on academic achievements in fields including mathematics, astronomy and medicine, alongside ancient manuscripts and historical artifacts related to Islamic civilization. Among the items on display is a manuscript known as the Uthmanic Quran, dated to the seventh century, which is listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World program. Organizers said the center aims to present Islamic civilization not solely as religious history, but as a legacy that contributed broadly to human scholarship, science and culture.

Looking ahead

The forum was seen as an effort to move beyond preservation of historical and cultural heritage toward sharing it internationally through modern media and new forms of content, at a time when AI and digital technology are reshaping how content is produced and distributed. Given Uzbekistan's historical legacy, including former Silk Road centers such as Samarkand and Bukhara, organizers and participants suggested the forum could serve as a starting point for expanded international cooperation aimed at promoting this heritage globally through documentaries, broadcasting, publishing and digital media.