Dialogue of Declarations Forum: a path to interfaith peace and ensuring freedom of religion

From September 10 to 13, 2025, Tashkent and Samarkand will host the Second International Dialogue of Declarations Forum, organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan together 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 Samarkand Regional Hokimiyat.

UzA correspondent spoke with Shafoat Nurullayeva, ISRS Deputy Director, about the significance of the upcoming Forum.

– Shafoat Fayzullayevna, could you please tell us about the background of this Forum?

– To promote the ideas of enlightenment and a culture of tolerance, and to ensure religious freedoms, the international community has held several forums since 2016, including in Marrakesh, Makkah, Jakarta, Potomac, and Punta del Este. Conceptual documents – declarations of the same name – were adopted as a result of these events. 

Uzbekistan also responded to this call and made its contribution by organizing, in May 2022, the first High-Level Dialogue of Declarations Forum. The events within its framework were held in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara over five days, bringing together leading scholars of religion, theologians, and legal experts from several countries, including the USA, the UK, Austria, Pakistan, and Indonesia, as well as national specialists from relevant government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and representatives of the clergy.

The composition of the first Forum also included several high-ranking representatives from the Muslim World League, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the governments of the United Kingdom and Indonesia, as well as other prominent figures from religious and legal circles.

I would like to recall that following the first Forum, the Bukhara Declaration was adopted, later recognized as an official document of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. In addition, the chambers of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan also adopted a joint statement in support of the principles and calls of the Bukhara Declaration. This, in turn, highlights the importance of parliament’s role in monitoring the protection of human rights and safeguarding citizens’ interests, as reflected in international documents and national legislation.

At the same time, I would particularly emphasize that the adoption of the Bukhara Declaration confirms the importance and international recognition of Uzbekistan’s model for building a tolerant society, one that includes people of diverse nationalities, religions, and beliefs.

The upcoming Second International Dialogue of Declarations Forum also confirms that Uzbekistan not only shares the principles, ideas, and values enshrined in the aforementioned international declarations but also consistently implements them in practice.

– In your opinion, what is the significance of the upcoming Forum for the international community?

– First, its regularity and the wide international composition of participants testify to the high recognition of our state policy in ensuring freedom of religion and interfaith harmony.

Second, the current Forum is a confirmation of Uzbekistan’s firm commitment to the principles of openness, the development of an atmosphere of religious tolerance and generosity, and to raising interfaith dialogue to a high moral level.

Third, the event serves as a unique platform for exchanging best practices in ensuring the peaceful coexistence of people and followers of different faiths.

– What are the expectations for the second Forum?

– We expect the participation of about 50 leading scholars of religion, theologians, experts, and several high-ranking officials from 15 countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and the Central Asian states.

Among the distinguished guests are the announced participation of Yousef Muhammad Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Political Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al-Zaid, Assistant Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Robert Rehak, Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, and others.

In addition, video addresses will be delivered by Mohammad Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa.

Over the course of four days, plenary sessions will be held to discuss pressing issues facing countries in the sphere of ensuring freedom of religion, as well as the role and contribution of civil society institutions in strengthening interfaith harmony.

On the sidelines of the Forum, three certification seminars will take place, featuring the participation of religious figures and government officials from Uzbekistan, as well as a side event dedicated to women engaged in religious affairs. Presentations of best international practices in interfaith dialogue and the promotion of tolerance in society are also planned.