Uzbek-British Women's Cultural and Business Forum «Pearl of the East» was held in Westminster

The Forum was organized on October 28, 2009 at the London Institute of Civil Engineers by the NGO «The Haven Wolverhampton» (UK) jointly with the Public Association «Women's Assembly» and the Socio-Economic Development Center «Sabr» (Uzbekistan), with support of the Embassy.

The event was attended by senior representatives of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Parliament of the United Kingdom, a number of leading international charities, business, expert and artistic circles, as well as the diplomatic corps (more than 100 people).

Opening the Forum, President of the Uzbek-British Society Lord Fred Ponsonby underlined the importance of this event in development of cooperation between charities of Britain and Uzbekistan and strengthening of bilateral ties in general, as well as expressed a wish to see more such meetings in the future. He emphasized that the British-Uzbek Society is rapidly expanding rows of its members, becoming an effective mechanism for promotion of relations in the spheres of culture and economy.

In his speech, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Otabek Akbarov noted that the respect and care for women is one of the pillars of the Uzbek society. Attention of the participants was drawn to the words of President Islam Karimov that «to value women means to value the family, Motherhood and life». He stressed that throughout the history of the Uzbek people women played an important role not only in social and cultural life, but also in state affairs.

As examples were mentioned the names of such prominent women, as:
Saray Mulk Hanum, senior spouse of Amir Temur, who educated her grandson Ulugbek, who later became a great scientist and created the first observatory and celestial map in the world. She also inspired construction of Bibi Hanum Mosque in Samarkand;
Gulbadan Begim - who wrote a chronicle Humayun Nama about the life of her brother, the first such literary work created by a woman in the world;
as well as poetesses Nodira Begim, Zebunniso and Uvaisiy.

It was pointed out that in contemporary Uzbekistan all conditions were created for gender equality. Women are widely represented at all levels of legislative, executive and judiciary levels of authority, as well as lead major charity organizations. Considering the significant role of women also in Britain, it was said that contacts between women's organizations of the two countries can be very interesting and useful in terms of mutual cultural enrichment and social development (full text here).

British Ambassador to Uzbekistan Rupert Joy: - «In a comparatively short period of work, I became convinced of the uniqueness of Uzbekistan. We must not forget that this land gave the world such outstanding figures as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Al-Khorazmiy, Al-Fargoniy and many others, who are the founders of many modern sciences. Uzbekistan has not only a rich historical heritage, but also a great scientific and technological, economic, geo-strategic and resource potential. Skilled human resources - is another important advantage.

Currently, there are a whole range of issues, effective solutions of which represent an interest to both sides - these are Afghan problem, religious freedom, energy security, and others. Britain is interested in continuing implementation by Uzbekistan of its course of political and economic reforms».

Chief Executive of the Haven Wolverhampton Kate Reese and Director of Sabr Mavlyuda Shirinova reported about their activities, as well as major achievements during the years of joint partnership. They presented to the participants of the Forum their jointly published book «The Silk Road to Development: account of two women on their road to collaboration».

As it was noted, the main task of the Forum is to promote existing and establish new ties between the target groups involved in the field of charity and support for vulnerable populations. They expressed satisfaction with the outcome of long-term partnership and called for making this Forum a regular event, in order to make it an effective platform to discuss gender issues.

Deputy Executive Director of the British Association «ACEVO» Peter Kyle spoke about the reform of charity organizations or the so-called «third sector» in Britain over the last decade. He said that this area has undergone radical changes and sharp increase due to the reform of charitable activities. «If previously the state itself acted as a monopoly in this area, now are leading the NGOs, which work on competitive and contractual basis».

In the framework of the Forum there was also organized an exhibition «Images of Uzbekistan», created by Frederique Beaupertuis-Bressand, the founder of the Association of Temurids (France). Guests also acquainted with items of the Uzbek art, craft and design, as well as tasted sweets, fruits and other food from our country. In conclusion there were a concert by ensemble «Ofarin» and reception.


Prepared jointly with the IA «Jahon»

London, November 6, 2009

Lord Ponsonby, Chairman of the Forum (in centre), Ambassador Akbarov (third from right), Ambassador Joy	Director of SABR Mavlyuda Shirinova
Kath Rees (left), Chief Executive officer of The Haven Wolverhampton, and her college Elvira Wilson	Ambassadors of Kyrgyzstan (right), Azerbaijan,    Belarus and other guests of the Forum
Pearl of The East Women’s Cultural and Business Forum UK/Uzbekistan