On June 23–25, 2026, the III International Forum of Makom Art was held in Namangan, Republic of Uzbekistan.
The event was attended by ministers of culture from foreign states, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Uzbekistan, representatives of UNESCO, ISESCO, the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Executive Committee of the CIS, and a number of other international organisations, academic and expert circles, as well as about 250 cultural and arts figures from over 80 countries.
The aim of the Forum is to promote the preservation the rich cultural heritage of peoples, strengthen intercultural dialogue, develop creative exchanges, and expand international cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. Particular attention is paid to preserving traditional spiritual and cultural values, as well as promoting the principles of respect for cultural diversity.
The First SCO Forum on Intercultural Dialogue opened as part of the event. The Forum represents the practical implementation of the initiative put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the meeting of the Council of Heads of SCO Member States in Tianjin in 2025. The Forum is intended to become a new platform for expanding humanitarian ties, exchanging experience, and promoting constructive dialogue between cultures and civilisations across the Organisation's space.
Welcoming the forum participants, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasised that makom art serves as a spiritual bridge connecting people's hearts and opening the way to goodness. It was noted that this forum, which has become a good tradition in Uzbekistan, has established itself as a global platform that contributes to enhancing the significance and popularisation of makom art.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Murodjon Majidov noted that the development of intercultural dialogue and the preservation of rich cultural heritage remain among the important areas of international cooperation. He emphasised that the holding of the forum opens up new opportunities for strengthening humanitarian ties, expanding interaction between SCO member states, and implementing joint cultural initiatives.
In addition, within the framework of the overall programme, a Conference entitled "New Trends in Eastern Makom: The Interconnection of Tradition and Innovation" took place.
In his address at the event, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Batir Tursunov noted the particular symbolic significance of holding these events in the year of the Organisation's 25th anniversary. He emphasised that the ideas of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for cultural diversity, and the pursuit of shared development, which form the foundation of the "Shanghai Spirit," continue to serve as a solid basis for strengthening friendship, good-neighbourliness, and mutual understanding among the peoples of the SCO member states.
Batir Tursunov also pointed out the important role of art and intercultural dialogue as effective tools for developing humanitarian cooperation, strengthening mutual trust, and bringing civilisations closer together. He expressed confidence that further expanding cultural exchanges, implementing joint humanitarian initiatives, and promoting the principles of mutual respect and cultural diversity will contribute to strengthening the atmosphere of trust, good-neighbourliness, and friendship across the SCO space.