On June 26, 2025, the first Uzbekistan–Mongolia Expert Forum was held under the theme "Uzbekistan and Mongolia: New Prospects for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation", dedicated to the outcomes of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s first state visit to Mongolia. This high-level event was organized at the initiative of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Institute for Strategic Studies under the National Security Council of Mongolia.

The forum addressed key issues such as strengthening political dialogue based on mutual trust, enhancing cooperation in trade and economy, digital transformation, and the media sector. The event brought together heads of leading analytical centers, experts, and representatives from the diplomatic circles of Uzbekistan and Mongolia. The forum is viewed as one of the key mechanisms for deepening the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

As part of the forum, Kadambay Sultanov, Deputy Director of the Center for Progressive Reforms (CPR), delivered a speech titled “Media Bridge: Connecting Uzbekistan and Mongolia in the Digital Age.”

As emphasized by Kadambay Sultanov, there are currently around 2,000 registered media outlets in Uzbekistan, with more than 700 operating in an online format. The majority of these are private or independent media organizations, primarily targeting a young audience well-versed in digital technologies. With internet penetration approaching 90%, digital journalism and online civic engagement are becoming increasingly significant. Today, social media platforms serve as a primary channel for distributing news and analytical content.

In his remarks, Mr. K.Sultanov provided a comparative analysis of the media environments and information policies of the two countries, highlighting their complementary strengths. Based on this, CPR proposed the development of cooperation in the following priority areas:

• Implementing journalist exchange programs;
• Launching joint digital media projects;
• Conducting joint research and practical initiatives in media innovation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.

“Media cooperation is not only about enriching the information space – it is a powerful opportunity to strengthen cultural bridges between societies, foster new dialogue, and build mutual trust,” noted Mr K.Sultanov during his presentation.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants acknowledged that such expert dialogues play a crucial role in elevating bilateral relations to a new level and reinforcing strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Mongolia.