The Fergana Peace Forum to be Held for the First Time

On 15-16 October 2025, the first Fergana Peace Forum “Fergana Valley: Joining Forces for Peace and Progress” will take place in Fergana, Uzbekistan. The forum is organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, aiming to strengthen trust and unlock the vast potential of the Fergana Valley.

About the Forum

The Fergana Valley, shared by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, has been transformed into a region characterized by trust, good neighborliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation—thanks to the political will of the region’s leaders and their joint efforts. Resolution of border disputes, including the signing of the Treaty on the State Border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and the Treaty on the Point of Convergence of Borders among the three countries, has created favorable conditions for deepening trade and economic cooperation, improving transport connectivity and fostering industrial cooperation.

In today’s turbulent international climate, cooperation among Central Asian nations is increasingly vital. With its immense potential in economics, agriculture, logistics, industry, and tourism, the Fergana Valley is poised to open new opportunities for the development and prosperity of the entire region.

Objectives of the Forum

The primary objectives of the first Fergana Peace Forum are to:

• Develop a shared vision for the sustainable development of the Fergana Valley.
• Mobilize internal resources and attract external investments to support the region’s comprehensive socio-economic growth.
• Promote the Fergana Valley’s experience in resolving border disputes as a model for building effective inter-state relations in other regions.
• Strengthen the international image of the Fergana Valley as a hub of trust, dialogue, and interethnic harmony.

The Forum will span two working days.

Day One will begin with an opening ceremony, featuring the participation of the heads of the Fergana (Uzbekistan), Sughd (Tajikistan), and Batken (Kyrgyzstan) provinces. The ceremony will be followed by three thematic panel sessions:

• “Vision for a joint development strategy for the Fergana Valley”
• “The Fergana Valley – a space for new economic opportunities”
• “Fergana Valley – broadening the horizons of cultural and humanitarian cooperation”

Side events organized by partner organizations and an exhibition of craftspeople and national cultural centers will be held alongside the main program.

Day Two will feature “Yntymak Day” (Unity Day), organized by the PisNexus Foundation. This event will focus on cooperation in the field of peacebuilding and will include six thematic sessions dedicated to key topics such as the role of youth, water security, cross-border community initiatives, the contribution of the private sector, and women’s leadership.

Expected participants include heads of regional administrations and departments from the Fergana Valley provinces of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan; representatives of international organizations such as the UN, CIS, CICA, SCO, EU, and OSCE; members of expert and analytical circles; and representatives of civil society, including youth leaders.

Expected Outcomes

The Forum is expected to conclude with the adoption of a final communiqué. Key anticipated outcomes include:

• Strengthening trust, dialogue, and interethnic harmony across the Fergana Valley.
• Enhancing cooperation among representatives of policymaking, economic, expert-analytical, and business communities.
• Identifying priority areas for sustainable development and developing specific proposals to unlock the full potential of trilateral cooperation among Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

The Forum is intended to become a regular platform held once every three years in one of the Fergana Valley’s states on a rotating basis.