On November 5, 2026, students from the Faculty of Digital Economy and Information Technologies at Tashkent State University of Economics took part in a roundtable discussion titled “Uzbekistan: A Country of Interethnic Harmony and Religious Tolerance — Building Resilience Against Modern-Day Threats.” The event was jointly organized by the university’s Department of Information Systems and Technologies and the NGO Center for Sustainable Development. Discussions focused on fostering interethnic harmony, promoting religious tolerance, strengthening peace and social stability, and protecting young people from emerging information-related threats.
Muslim Ergashbayev and Alisher Azizov, representatives of the NGO Center for Sustainable Development, delivered presentations on the role of interethnic harmony and religious tolerance in maintaining social stability and advancing sustainable development. They highlighted the importance of protecting human rights, fostering mutual respect and understanding among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, and building peaceful and inclusive societies in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Participants also discussed Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms in interethnic relations and religious tolerance, including their legal foundations and practical outcomes. They noted that the country is home to more than 130 ethnic groups. National cultural centers, friendship societies, and access to education in multiple languages were highlighted as important ways to strengthen mutual understanding and social cohesion.
Another key topic was the growing need for digital and media literacy among young people as social media and digital technologies become increasingly influential. Speakers emphasized the importance of critical thinking, the ability to verify information and recognize misleading content, and greater resilience to harmful ideological influences.
The roundtable encouraged open dialogue and active student participation. Students tested their knowledge of interethnic harmony, religious tolerance, and information security, asked questions, and shared their perspectives and suggestions. The discussion also explored how young people can contribute to peace, mutual respect, and sustainable development in their communities.