Today, May 14, on the sidelines of the Forum of Creative and Scientific Intellectuals of the CIS Member States, the opening performance of the CIS Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2025 was held at the Sadriddin Aini State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

The performance was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Dilrabo Mansuri, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, Chairman of the Board of the CIS Youth Orchestra Polad Bulbuloglu, Co-Chairman of the Board of the CIS Youth Orchestra, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvidkoy, heads of scientific institutions of the CIS countries and more than 200 representatives of the countries of common interest.

We would like to remind you that the CIS Youth Symphony Orchestra was established at the initiative of the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund of the CIS member states. The orchestra first gathered in November 2007 in the capital of Kazakhstan – Astana – to participate in a concert dedicated to the II Forum of Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia of the CIS member states. The concert program was conducted by People’s Artist of Russia, Kazakhstan and Tatarstan Fuat Mansurov.

It should be noted that the position of the Youth Symphony Orchestra – Azerbaijan and Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan is expanding from year to year. The orchestra’s concerts have been held in the UN General Assembly Hall in New York and at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

This orchestra has been performed by renowned conductors from different countries – Yu. Simonov, M. Gorenstein, V. Spivakov, R. Osmonaliev, A. Kabdurakhmonov, V. Valeev, and many other prominent musicians from the Commonwealth of Independent States.

At the same time, since 2019, the orchestra has been led by People’s Artist of Russia, winner of the Stars of the Union Award, Sergei Skripka. In Dushanbe, the conductors will be accompanied by maestro Rasul Klichev, artistic director of the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, and conductor Konstantin Naumenko, conductor of the Zhukovsky Symphony Orchestra. It should also be noted that Tajikistan is represented in the orchestra by conductors Daler Tilloev and Alisher Oliev.

The symphony orchestra traditionally includes young musicians from the CIS countries, winners of prestigious music competitions. The concert program in Dushanbe includes famous classical music works by Russian, Tajik and foreign composers.

It is worth noting that the Youth Orchestra is one of the prominent projects of the CIS, the purpose of which is not only concert activities, but also to provide young musicians with a unique opportunity to communicate with outstanding conductors and outstanding masters of orchestral performance from all CIS countries.

In addition, in all countries where the orchestra performs, a diverse cultural program is prepared for young musicians.

Today, May 14, at the National Library of Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Forum of Creative and Scientific Intellectuals of the CIS Member States, the main humanitarian award of the CIS “Stars of the Union” was presented to the laureates of this award. This year, 8 outstanding scientists from the CIS countries will receive the Honorary Star.

It should be noted that this award includes three nominations, in which scientists from Tajikistan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan competed.

At the same time, the winners of the “Stars of the Union” award in the category “For Outstanding Contribution to Culture and Art” are Eduard TADEVOSYAN – People’s Artist of Armenia, Professor of the Yerevan State Conservatory, Director of the Komitas Quartet, Elena ATRASHKEVICH – composer, Chairman of the Union of Composers of Belarus, Teacher of the Minsk College of Arts, Ayzhan BEKKULOVA – Expert of the National Committee for Intangible Heritage, Chairman of the Union of Artists of Kazakhstan, Denis MATSUEV – Pianist, People’s Artist of Russia, Soloist of the Moscow State Philharmonic, Rustam SADULLOEV – Honored Artist of Uzbekistan, Honorary Professor of the Branch of the All-Russian University of Cinematography named after S. Gerasimov in Tashkent.

The winners of the “Stars of the Commonwealth” award in the nomination “For outstanding contribution and achievements in the field of science and education” are Muhammadyusufi IMOMZODA – academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, professor of the Department of Persian-Tajik Literature of the Tajik National University, and Aziz ALIEV – professor, rector of the Baku branch of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I. Sechenov.

Also, Tugelboy KAZAKOV – People’s Artist of Kyrgyzstan, Chairman of the Commission on State Awards, Chairman of the Union of Musicians was recognized as the winner of the award in the nomination “For outstanding contribution to humanitarian activity”.

It should be noted that the “Stars of the Commonwealth” award is awarded annually to representatives of the CIS countries for significant achievements in the field of humanitarian activity that correspond to the level of world achievements and have contributed to the development of each CIS member state and as a whole. The amount of the award is 2 million rubles. This year, 15 candidates from 8 countries competed for the top prize.

Today, May 14, in the hall of the National Library of Tajikistan, at the initiative of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States and the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, the XVIII Forum of Creative and Scientific Intellectuals of the CIS Member States began.

The Forum is attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Dilrabo Mansuri and the president of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, Chairman of the Board of the CIS Polad Bulbul oghlu, Co-Chairman of the Board of the CIS, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvidkoy, and more than 200 representatives of the countries of mutual interest.

The Forum was opened by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, an associated member of the National Institute of National and International Studies, Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, who emphasized that, thanks to state independence, the Republic of Tajikistan has become a full member of the United Nations since March 2, 1992, and has established friendly relations with more than 180 countries of the world on the basis of the principle of an “open door” foreign policy. The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, also emphasized that “the basis of the country’s current foreign policy is the “open door” policy, readiness to cooperate with all subjects of international relations on the basis of respect for the accepted principles and norms of international law.”

It was noted that, thanks to state independence, cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the CIS countries and other countries of the world is constantly developing. In general, one of the areas that contributes to the system and expansion of cooperation between the CIS countries is the field of science. It should be noted that the establishment of extensive cooperation with the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund of the CIS member states and the holding of this international forum in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, once again lays the foundation for strengthening cooperation between mutually beneficial countries.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Dilrabo Mansuri emphasized in her opening speech that science unites scientists, therefore the forum has become a platform for international exchange without borders. Expanding international relations is especially important now. And the forum has become a full-fledged platform for establishing cooperation between creative and scientific intellectuals of the CIS member states. And most importantly, it provides an opportunity for live communication, which will undoubtedly turn into serious projects.

It was emphasized that special attention should be paid to the issue of expanding cooperation between creative and scientific intellectuals of the CIS member states. The CIS member states are taking the necessary measures to establish joint scientific cooperation.

We would like to remind you that the Forums of Scientific and Creative Intellectuals of the CIS are the largest humanitarian events in the CIS countries, where the results of the past year are summarized, plans for joint events are discussed, and recommendations are developed on topical issues of cooperation in the fields of science, education, culture, information, tourism, sports, and youth work.

It is worth noting that the forums have been held in different countries in turn since 2006. Tajikistan is hosting this gathering for the second time.

The theme of today’s XVIII Forum is “The Commonwealth of Independent States: New Horizons of Cooperation”, which brings together representatives of professional communities: cultural, educational, and media workers.

At the same time, on the sidelines of the Forum this year, for the first time, a meeting of the heads of the National Academies of Sciences of the CIS countries and leaders of the scientific community will be held.

The Forum will also conclude with a grand ceremony of awarding the winners of the main CIS interstate award “Stars of the Commonwealth”, which is awarded for outstanding achievements in the field of art, science and education. At the same time, the winners of the CIS youth award “Union of Debuts” will also receive their awards on the sidelines of this forum.

It should be noted that the CIS Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform as part of the cultural program of the Forum. The creation of the orchestra is one of the important projects of the MFGS. It includes young musicians from the CIS countries, winners of prestigious music competitions. This year, the orchestra will be led by People’s Artist of Russia Sergey Skripka, winner of the Stars of the Commonwealth award.

It should also be noted that the XVIII Forum of Creative and Scientific Intellectuals of the CIS member states will begin on May 14 and continue until May 15.

In the city of Dushanbe, under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Majlisi milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Chairman of the city of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali, was held a meeting of the Council of the Majlisi milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, seventh convocation.

On May 2, 2025, at the Regional Center for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety, Security and Protection of the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, on the initiative of the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, which acts as the national coordinator of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), together with the State Institution "Republican Scientific Center for Oncological Research" of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan, a donor meeting was held with the participation of development partners. The main goal of the meeting was to equip the country's oncology centers with modern technologies and train highly qualified specialists to combat cancer.

The meeting was attended and addressed by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, corresponding member of the NAST Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, Director of the Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency of the NAST, and representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The meeting discussed issues of providing cancer centers in the cities of Dushanbe, Khujand, Kulob and other regions of the republic with advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, such as X-ray devices and accelerators. These devices are of great importance for the timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer. According to the Director of the Republican Scientific Cancer Center Akbarjon Murodzoda, “With the support of international partners and Nuclear Safety Agency under the Academy of Sciences, we were able to put into operation a number of modern devices that have brought the level of services closer to international standards. However, additional support is needed to fully equip regional centers and increase the population’s access to medical services.”

The NIAT Nuclear Safety Agency, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, is actively working within the framework of international projects TAD6007, TAD6008 and TAD6009, contributing to the strengthening of the infrastructure of cancer centers and the development of radiation services in Tajikistan. Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, Director of the NIAT Nuclear Safety Agency, noted: “We are working closely with international partners to bring advanced technologies and modern knowledge to Tajikistan. This will not only improve medical services, but also increase radiation safety in the country.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population made a speech on the National Strategy for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and the State Program for Prevention and Treatment. In this context, joint programs with International Atomic Energy Agency and other international organizations are being launched to organize training courses and exchange programs.

Development partners, including International Atomic Energy Agency's representatives and private donors, expressed their readiness to continue providing technical support to Tajikistan in the implementation of these projects. They emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating cancer and improving the health of the population, which will also contribute to the provision of equipment and training of personnel in the future.

At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their gratitude and noted that such meetings can contribute to a new level of medical services in cancer centers of the country.

On 24 April 2025, the Embassy in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, the University of Louvain, and the Tajik Association of in Belgium "Diyor" organized a Round Table entitled "Shohnoma of Firdawsi: A Unique Heritage of World Literature" at the Muntpunt Library in Brussels.

An extensive gathering of scholars, representatives of European and Belgian institutions, experts, artists, residents of Brussels, compatriots living abroad, and members of the Persian-speaking communities residing in Belgium and the Netherlands attended the event.

The meeting featured addresses by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Professor Dr. Qobiljon Khushvakhtzoda, Member of the European Parliament Thierry Mariani, Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and Professor at the University of Louvain Jan Tavernier, Professor at the University of Louvain Elin Gorris, Director of Programs at the "Diplomatic World" Magazine Alberto Turkstra, Professor at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) Morgan Jourdain; Researcher Ofran Badakhshoni, and Master's student at the Free University of Brussels (VUB) Shohina Behzodzoda.

The speakers emphasized the significance of Firdawsi’s Shohnoma in preserving national identity, ancestral heritage, patriotism, humanistic and peace-loving values, and fostering dialogue among civilizations and the development of cultural diplomacy. They also especially highlighted the pivotal role of the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, in reviving prominent historical figures and safeguarding the historical and cultural heritage of the Tajik people.

Later in the event, talented musician Sipand Dodbeh captivated the audience with his masterful skills, offering a vibrant introduction to traditional folk music.

An ethnographic exhibition was held in the library’s magnificent hall, showcasing classical works, videos, and artifacts related to Firdawsi’s “Shohnoma”.

Today, April 25th, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Corresponding Member of the NAST Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, and the Chairman of Khatlon Region, Davlatali Said, visited the progress of construction works at the branch building of the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in the city of Bokhtar, Khatlon Region. The construction of this building began in February of this year based on the action plan of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and is proceeding according to schedule.

It is recalled that on October 29, 2024, in the academic campus of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, and the Chairman of the Majlisi Milli of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, Chairman of the city of Dushanbe, His Excellency Rustami Emomali, inaugurated the new building of the Regional Center for Safety, Security and Safeguards in the Field of Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

Also on this day, the project of the branch building of the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in the city of Bokhtar, Khatlon Region, was presented. During the presentation, it was noted that this building is a complex of 2 and 3-story structures and is planned on an area of 0.12 hectares of land. The building will include the construction of a laboratory, administrative offices for employees in the field of nuclear and radiation safety, an assembly hall, and modern classrooms equipped with modern equipment.

It should be noted that this branch was established taking into account the focus on the declaration of 2020-2040 as the «Twenty Years of Studying and Developing Natural, Exact and Mathematical Sciences in the Field of Science and Education» with the aim of developing scientific and research cooperation between the institutions of Khatlon Region and the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

The financing of the building's construction is carried out from the budget of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the internal equipment will be financed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). There is also the possibility of conducting practical classes and laboratory work for students majoring in chemistry and biology in modern classrooms.

Today, April 23, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, an associated member of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, met with representatives of the Vatican Apostolic Archives and the Vatican Apostolic Library.

During the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and the Vatican Apostolic Archives and the Vatican Apostolic Library, which will further study the historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Tajikistan, preserved in the collections of the Holy See.

During the meeting, it was noted that the Vatican Apostolic Archives, which contain invaluable documents related to the government of the universal Church, and the Vatican Apostolic Library, which preserves a rich heritage of scientific and artistic books, will be placed at the disposal of Tajik scientists and researchers to conduct scientific research and education in this area.

Mentioned, that the Vatican Apostolic Archives and the Vatican Apostolic Library, within the framework of this memorandum of understanding, will strive to assist the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in conducting a research project, and at the same time will contribute to the compilation of the series of books “Cultural Heritage of Great Khuroson”, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.

During the meeting, the parties agreed, within the framework of this agreement, to promote the scientific and research work of scientists from the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in the Vatican Apostolic Archives and the Vatican Apostolic Library.