H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the Republic of Maldives, has attended the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization being held in the Republic of Uzbekistan, a major international gathering dedicated to celebrating the enduring values and scholarly achievements of Islamic civilization. The forum is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in partnership with the Centre for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, and is taking place from 7 to 11 July 2026 across the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez.
Held under the theme “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” the forum has brought together more than 300 participants from 40 countries, including ministers, senior government officials, scholars, theologians, muftis, researchers, experts, and representatives of religious and academic institutions from across the Islamic world and beyond. Convened under the patronage of H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the forum serves as an important international platform for strengthening scholarly cooperation, deepening intercultural understanding, and reaffirming the continuing relevance of Islamic civilization in promoting peace, mutual respect, and intellectual advancement in the modern world.
The programme of the forum features a wide range of scientific discussions, international exhibitions, presentations of rare manuscripts, and cultural and educational events designed to highlight the intellectual, scientific, and spiritual contributions of Islamic civilization. The gathering also places special emphasis on the rich scholarly heritage of Uzbekistan and the historic region of Mavarannahr, which has for centuries stood as one of the great centres of learning in the Muslim world. Particular attention is being given to the contributions of renowned Muslim scholars such as Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Maturidi, and Imam Al-Tirmidhi, whose works continue to shape Islamic thought, scholarship, and ethical understanding across generations and regions.
During his visit, Dr. Shaheem also visited the Centre for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, a distinguished institution that reflects the country’s strong commitment to preserving, reviving, and presenting the rich legacy of Islamic civilization and the heritage of its great scholars. The Centre stands as an important symbol of Uzbekistan’s dedication to safeguarding the contributions of eminent scholars whose works have had a profound influence not only on the Muslim world but also on the broader development of human civilization. The institution highlights the lives, scholarship, and civilizational contributions of figures such as Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Tirmidhi, and Imam Al-Maturidi, along with many other outstanding scholars associated with the region’s illustrious intellectual history.
As part of the visit, Dr. Shaheem gave a special interview reflecting on the rich legacy of Islamic civilization and the remarkable contributions of Uzbekistan to Islamic scholarship. In his remarks, he highlighted the enduring legacy of the country’s great scholars and underscored Uzbekistan’s pivotal role in preserving and advancing the intellectual heritage of the Muslim world. He also gave special interviews to Zamon and Oʻzbekiston 24, where he spoke on the significance of strengthening appreciation for Islamic scholarship, promoting the values of enlightenment and moderation, and enhancing international cooperation in efforts to preserve and share the civilizational achievements of the Muslim ummah.
Dr. Shaheem’s participation in the forum reflects the Maldives’ continued engagement in international initiatives that promote knowledge, dialogue, cultural understanding, and the shared heritage of the Islamic world. His presence at this important gathering also underscores the importance the Maldives places on advancing cooperation with partner countries and institutions in support of scholarship, heritage preservation, and the promotion of the noble values that have long defined Islamic civilization. For global audiences, the forum offers a timely reminder of the universal contributions of Islamic civilization to education, ethics, science, spirituality, and human progress, while Uzbekistan’s hosting of the event demonstrates its growing role as a respected centre for civilizational dialogue and cultural renewal.
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