If you want peace, be friends with your neighbors.

Experts often use the Latin phrase "si vis pacem, para bellum," which translates as "if you want peace, prepare for war." It is emphasized that only force can guarantee peace.

The processes observed in Central Asia in recent years indicate the opposite. Thus, amid geopolitical turbulence, the countries of the region regularly pursue policies based primarily on the principles of dialogue and good neighborliness.

In a short period of time, the region's appearance has changed dramatically, common growth points are emerging, and mutual trust is becoming an important condition for sustainability. Common development triggers are being identified – the formation of a common economic space, the active attraction of investment, and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties. A spirit of unity and solidarity has emerged in the region.

As Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, "Central Asia today is different – ​​it is united and strong, open to dialogue and full-scale partnership."

The region's political transformation is supported by progressive economic momentum, demonstrating its growing strength. In particular, Central Asia's GDP has grown by more than 6% annually over the past 10 years—twice the global average.

Thanks to the political will and joint efforts of state leaders, significant progress has been made in resolving border issues. A key milestone in this process was the trilateral meeting of the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, held in Khujand on March 31, 2025.

Following this meeting, the Treaty on the Junction Point of the Three Countries was signed—a clear demonstration that our governments place peace and harmony above all else.

All this confirms the idea that peace can only be achieved through mutual understanding, support, and cooperation, which are the foundation of friendly relations. We are guided by the principle: "If you want peace, be friends with your neighbors." This approach reflects the essence of the integration processes taking place in the region and undoubtedly deserves the attention of the global community as a "model" for resolving even the most complex modern conflicts.

How has humanity understood peace throughout the centuries?

Throughout human history, peace has been viewed as one of the highest spiritual and social values. Even in ancient times, thinkers of Ancient Greece sought to understand the phenomenon of eirene—a state of harmony, the cessation of hostility, and stable order in society.

In Eastern philosophical thought, the concept of peace also occupied a special place. It was understood, above all, as the inner harmony of a person with themselves and the surrounding world, as a path to spiritual balance and moral perfection.

Great thinkers of Central Asia continued to develop the idea of ​​peace, imbuing it with philosophical and humanistic content. For example, Abu Nasr Farabi viewed peace and harmony as an essential condition for the existence of a "virtuous city," where justice, reason, and mutual understanding between people become the foundation of social well-being. In his poetry, Alisher Navoi envisioned peace as the highest form of human spiritual and moral perfection, the foundation of creativity and mutual respect between peoples.

Thus, the idea of ​​peace has evolved over the centuries from an understanding of the absence of war to a recognition of spiritual and moral harmony between people and nations.

Why was Fergana chosen as the site for the Forum?

The choice of Fergana as the site for the Forum was no accident.

The Fergana Valley is a unique geographical space where peoples speaking different languages ​​and practicing different religions have peacefully coexisted for centuries. The Great Silk Road passed through the valley, and its inhabitants engaged in crafts, trade, and science, always striving for mutual understanding and dialogue. Conflict is a foreign concept to the region.

Today, the Fergana Valley encompasses the territories of three independent states, relations between which are built on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The Fergana Valley is the most densely populated region in Central Asia. According to estimates, approximately 11 million people live in the Andijan, Namangan, and Fergana regions of Uzbekistan alone, accounting for almost a third of the country's population. If the population of neighboring states geographically located within the region is included, the total number is approximately 17 million.

With this in mind, the countries of Central Asia are persistently striving to deepen regional integration, viewing it as a key prerequisite for sustainable development. Strengthening mutual trust and partnership is becoming a key focus of their foreign policy. To discuss specific steps and exchange experiences, platforms that promote open dialogue and coordinate positions are needed.

One such platform will be the Fergana Peace Forum, which will be held on October 15-16 at Fergana State University. It will bring together representatives of government agencies and business circles from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, experts from academic and research centers, as well as delegates from the CIS, SCO, OSCE, UNDP, the EU, and other international organizations.

Furthermore, the Fergana Valley is a multinational region where representatives of all peoples and ethnic groups live in peace and harmony.

In this regard, the government's focus on strengthening interethnic friendship and creating conditions for all citizens to receive an education in their native language and study their national culture is crucial.

Today, there are more than 250 schools in the Fergana, Namangan, and Andijan regions where instruction is conducted in Kyrgyz, Russian, and Tajik.

The important role of regional branches of national cultural centers, which participate in promoting interethnic harmony, developing intercultural dialogue and tolerance, and strengthening good-neighborly relations with neighboring countries, should be emphasized.

A variety of activities are carried out in this area by 17 national cultural centers (eight in the Fergana, five in the Andijan, and four in the Namangan regions), including Russian, Slavic, Korean, Jewish, German, Tatar, Kyrgyz, Uyghur, Tajik, and Turkish centers.

The work of public associations, foundations, and NGOs implementing socially significant projects deserves special mention—both through domestic donors and with the support of international organizations and foreign partners, such as the World Bank, UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Organization for Women, the European Union, the International Organization for Migration, Saferworld, DVV International, Fair and Sustainable Development Solutions, DIA International, and others.

The implementation of such projects contributes to access to social protection, the development of entrepreneurial skills, increased participation of women and youth in public affairs, and the strengthening of mutual understanding and friendship among residents of border regions.

Overall, the inaugural Fergana Peace Forum opens a new chapter in the development of good-neighborliness and partnership between the countries of the region.

In this case, the choice of the Fergana Valley as the venue reflects its historical role as a space of mutual understanding and harmony. Undoubtedly, this forum will provide additional impetus for the further strengthening of stability and expansion of cooperation in Central Asia.

Abror YUSUPOV, PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Center for the Analysis of Democratic Processes