Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba

On January 22, 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Charter of the Board of Peace in Davos during the World Economic Forum events.

The ceremony, presided over by U.S. President Donald Trump, saw leaders and prime ministers from 19 founding countries sign, including Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Hungary, Kosovo, Vietnam, and others. With this signature, the Republic of Uzbekistan became one of the founding members of this new international structure, which official statements describe as an advanced step toward strengthening global stability.

The Context of Establishing the Board of Peace: From Gaza to a Broader Horizon

The concept of the Board of Peace was originally launched as a mechanism to oversee the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in the Gaza Strip, announced by President Trump on September 29, 2025.

This 20-point plan received support from several world leaders and was officially adopted under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025.

Its primary goal was to prevent escalation, support economic and social recovery in Gaza, and create conditions for building a viable Palestinian state within the framework of sustainable peace. Over time, the Board's scope expanded to promote stability in other conflict zones while maintaining its initial focus on Gaza.

The Board is permanently chaired by President Trump and serves as a multilateral advisory platform without binding executive powers, relying instead on voluntary cooperation among members to mobilize resources and expertise.

Nevertheless, the project has sparked international controversy, as major European countries and some traditional U.S. allies were absent, making the participation of nations like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan particularly notable as evidence of the initiative's geopolitically diverse base.

Why Uzbekistan Joined
In an interview with Uzbekistan 24 channel, Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy Abdulaziz Kamilov explained the core reasons behind the decision. Kamilov emphasized that the accession was based on three main axes: First, vital security considerations.

Kamilov stated that Uzbekistan has serious and vital interests in the Middle East, noting that instability there directly affects the security of Central Asia. He highlighted the risks of extremism, pointing out that Uzbek citizens had previously joined extremist groups in the region, but the state adopted a humanitarian approach by facilitating their return and social reintegration—a model praised by the United Nations.

Second, alignment with foreign policy priorities. The Board's objectives—reducing escalation, supporting reconstruction, and ensuring long-term stability—align with Uzbekistan's principles of promoting multilateral peace, combating extremism, and supporting diplomatic solutions.

Third, symbolic importance and international recognition. Kamilov described participation as an expression of trust, respect, and recognition of Uzbekistan as a serious player on the international stage. He added that the situation in the Middle East is closely linked to neighboring Afghanistan, where terrorist groups relocated after wars, making collective international engagement essential to prevent the spread of threats.

President Mirziyoyev's participation was not limited to the signing ceremony. The visit included a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings that reflected the balanced nature of Uzbekistan's foreign policy: A trilateral dialogue with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, focusing on expanding cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States and prospects for multilateral partnership.

Talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

A meeting with Adebayo Ogunlesi, Managing Director of BlackRock, discussing joint investment opportunities, attracting international expertise, and developing investment mechanisms in Uzbekistan.

Discussions with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), reaffirming the ongoing strategic partnership. The Bank's investments in Uzbekistan have reached approximately $7 billion to date, with annual operations exceeding $1 billion in 2025, focusing on green energy, infrastructure modernization, digital transformation, and programs for women and youth training.

These meetings transformed the visit into a comprehensive platform combining political diplomacy and economic opportunities, reinforcing Uzbekistan's image as a reliable and attractive partner for investments.Thus, Uzbekistan's accession to the Board of Peace represents a qualitative shift in its foreign policy since President Mirziyoyev assumed power. The country has gradually evolved from focusing on internal reforms and regional affairs to becoming an active player in global issues.

Trump's choice of Uzbekistan—a Muslim-majority country with a strategic location in Central Asia and a moderate stance—reflects a desire to broaden the initiative's geographical and cultural base and give it a multipolar character.

From a security perspective, accession contributes to enhancing regional stability: the lower the level of extremism in the Middle East, the lower the risk of threats transferring to Central Asia through historical and social ties.

Economically, it opens new opportunities, as peace in the region is linked to stability in energy markets and trade—matters of concern to Uzbekistan as a gas and raw materials exporter.Media coverage of the participation was extensive on official presidential sites, Uzbek media, and international outlets, strengthening Mirziyoyev's image as a leader who combines internal reforms with active diplomacy. This event highlights the success of the balanced openness policy he has adopted, making Uzbekistan a sought-after partner in sensitive issues. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's signing of the Board of Peace Charter in Davos on January 22, 2026, represents a carefully considered diplomatic step that reflects the evolution of Uzbekistan's foreign policy toward greater engagement in international issues directly related to its security and stability. This signature is not merely symbolic but a declaration that Uzbekistan refuses to remain a mere observer in conflicts whose effects may reverberate in Central Asia—whether through extremism risks or instability in neighboring areas like Afghanistan.

At the same time, the success of this step depends on the Board's ability to evolve from an advisory framework into an effective mechanism that achieves its stated goals, starting with supporting stability in Gaza and extending to promoting multilateral cooperation in other conflict zones.

The absence of some major European countries and the focus on diverse-oriented nations raise questions about the balance and inclusivity of this new structure, but it also opens opportunities for countries like Uzbekistan to strengthen their voice and contribute to practical solutions.

For Uzbekistan, the future depends on its ability—under President Mirziyoyev's leadership—to translate its founding membership into tangible contributions, whether through supporting humanitarian initiatives, enhancing economic cooperation for reconstruction, or sharing its internationally recognized expertise in combating extremism humanely.

If successful, this imprint will bolster its position as a balanced and influential power capable of linking its national interests with global stability.

If the Board remains symbolic, the accession will still stand as evidence of Uzbekistan's readiness for constructive participation in international efforts while preserving its multi-vector foreign policy based on dialogue and shared interests.

Ultimately, this event proves that Uzbek diplomacy is heading toward a new phase of international activism, where symbolic opportunities turn into real possibilities for enhancing regional and national security while adhering to principles of peace and sustainable cooperation.