FORUM FOR UZBEK AND SILK ROAD STUDIES

17 November 2021

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The Forum for Uzbek and Silk Road Studies (FUSRS) provides a dynamic platform for debate and discussion over contemporary developments in Uzbekistan, Central Asia and the broader Silk Road region. The Forum seeks to be inclusive, engaging with all those interested in the region, and to further international understanding of developments along the Silk Road.

The Forum is a joint initiative between Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) and the University of Westminster in London (UoW). This conference will formally inaugurate the Forum whose mission is to build strong research links across the region, nurture early career researchers and stimulate intellectual interest in the Central Asian region.

Conference Theme - Central Asia: 30 years of Independence – challenges and opportunities

The main theme of the inaugural conference of the Forum for Uzbek and Silk Road Studies is the hard-gained autonomy of the states of Central Asia, who celebrate 30 years of independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. These states and their societies have developed rapidly over this period and it is an opportune moment to reflect on the achievements as well as the continuing challenges that the region faces. The conference will provide multiple perspectives on the contemporary issues and developments in Central Asia. A particular focus of the conference will be on education and the youth of Central Asia who provide the best promise for the future and who will be critical in developing the scientific and social capital for longer-term sustainable development.

There are four main sub-thematic areas within this conference:

• Law, Politics and Society;
• Business and Economics;
• Science, Technology and Innovation;
• Education and Development.

The conference organizers recognize the importance of providing opportunities to disseminate the research findings of this initiative to students and scholars around the globe. Silk Road: A Journal of Eurasian Development, published by University of Westminster Press, exists to promote evidence-based scholarly research in social sciences and public policy studies that make the affairs of the Great Silk Road countries an area of significant interest, scholarship and impact. The journal supports the Forum’s activities and a special conference issue will be commissioned – FUSRS 2021.

About Organisers

Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) is the first international university in Uzbekistan and first in Central Asia to offer Western education, with United Kingdom (UK) qualifications. WIUT`s mission is to provide International Standards of Education and Research Opportunities that contribute to the Intellectual, Social and Professional development of the Central Asian communities as well as Global Community.

University of Westminster (UoW) started out 180 years ago as the first polytechnic in London and one of the first in the UK, established to educate the working people of London. UoW has a long and proud history of international collaboration and global engagement from research partnerships, colleagues, students and alumni from across the world. Today UoW continue to provide grounded, holistic education with wide horizons and opportunities, so that people from every background can realise their true potential, contributing to a richer, happier society.