The First Fergana Peace Forum convened on October 15–16 in the city of Fergana, Uzbekistan, under the theme “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress.” The landmark event reportedly brought together more than 300 participants from across Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The forum was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan, in partnership with the Center for Progressive Reforms, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Peacebuilding Hub — a coalition of prominent international organizations specializing in peacebuilding and social cohesion.

One of the forum’s key distinguishing features was its inclusive format, welcoming voices from civil society, youth movements, women’s associations, as well as academic and expert communities.

Designed to serve as a permanent platform for regional dialogue, the forum aims to build mutual trust, foster good-neighborly relations, and develop a shared vision for the sustainable development of the Fergana Valley.

The agenda covered a wide range of topics, including regional stability, economic cooperation, cultural and humanitarian ties, and the growing role of the private sector, youth, and civic institutions in shaping the valley’s future.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ISRS Director Eldor Aripov highlighted the recent signing of the Declaration on Eternal Friendship and the Treaty on the Junction Point of State Borders in Khujand as pivotal milestones that signaled a return to peaceful coexistence in the region.

"For decades, the Fergana Valley was viewed as a zone of complex contradictions. Today, it is becoming a symbol of overcoming a legacy of mistrust through good neighborliness, openness, and collaborative spirit," Aripov said.

He emphasized the Valley’s long-standing role as a crossroads of cultures, languages, and civilizations. "For centuries, diverse communities have shared this land, its water, and its sun. Despite differences, they have coexisted in harmony. This historical code of mutual understanding has always enabled the restoration of balance and peace."

Aripov concluded by noting, “Fergana is more than a valley — it is a mirror of Central Asia. If peace thrives here, its effects will resonate across the entire region.”

The forum concluded with the adoption of a joint Communiqué, calling for the creation of a unified space of friendship, cooperation, and sustainable development across the Fergana Valley.

Organizers confirmed the forum will be held every three years on a rotating basis among the countries of the valley.

According to the ISRS, the Fergana Valley — home to around 17 million people across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan — has emerged as a promising model of peacebuilding following years of regional tensions. The forum underscored that political will among the three Central Asian governments has been instrumental in fostering stability and renewed cooperation in the region.