Andijan, Uzbekistan – 15 September 2026 – H.E. Ambassador Muhammad Hassan, President of the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI), represented the Institute at the 29th International Public Administration Forum (KAYFOR), held at Kokand University in Andijan, Uzbekistan.
The forum, organized under the theme “Public Administration in the Turkic World: City, Culture and Identity,” brought together scholars, intellectuals, academics and policymakers from the region to exchange views on contemporary issues related to public administration, culture and regional cooperation.
The KAYFOR29 Academic Forum was organized by its organizing committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Ercan Oktay and was attended by academics from several countries, particularly Uzbekistan, Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan. The forum was held at the Andijan Campus of Kokand University, in cooperation with Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey University in Türkiye and Kokand University in Uzbekistan.
Addressing the forum, Ambassador Hassan spoke about the relationship between cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy, emphasizing that cultural diplomacy should not be viewed separately from the broader work of governments. He noted that governments have an important role in translating ideas and perspectives generated by cultural experts and institutions into practical policies and initiatives.
During the forum, academics including Prof. Dr. Zebo Qobilova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ikrom Mamajonov, Lecturer Otkirbek Muhammad Sobir and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maruf Rasulov also discussed opportunities for academic and cultural cooperation in the ECO region with Ambassador Muhammad Hassan.
The ECI President further highlighted the remarkable cultural diversity of the ECO region, while underscoring the deep historical and cultural connections that exist beneath this diversity.
He emphasized that the ECO Cultural Institute seeks to identify, strengthen and promote these shared cultural connections and contribute to building a more culturally connected ECO region.
Ambassador Hassan also stressed that greater regional connectedness does not mean diminishing the distinct identities of ECO Member States. Rather, he noted, cultural cooperation should allow the countries of the region to complement one another while preserving and celebrating their individual identities.
The participation of the ECI President in the forum reflects the Institute’s continued efforts to promote cultural dialogue, strengthen regional understanding and advance academic and cultural cooperation across the ECO region.