More than 300 participants take part in Paris event on preserving, studying and promoting the region’s scientific and spiritual legacy

PARIS, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Uzbekistan presented an international initiative at UNESCO Headquarters on Oct. 7 to preserve, study and promote the scientific and spiritual heritage of Central Asia, highlighting the region’s enduring contribution to world civilization.

The event, titled “Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual and Scientific Heritage of Transoxiana and the Horizons of Enlightenment,” brought together more than 300 representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, scientific institutions, cultural organizations and expert communities, in person and online.

The presentation advanced the international agenda outlined by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. That agenda calls for greater recognition of Central Asia’s intellectual heritage, expanded international scientific cooperation and stronger dialogue among cultures.

Participants discussed opportunities for UNESCO and the United Nations system to support collaborative projects focused on historical sources, manuscript preservation, digital technologies and broader access to scientific knowledge. The initiative seeks to connect the region’s historical legacy with contemporary priorities in education, research and intercultural dialogue.

Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and Chairman of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU), presented the initiative’s principal areas of focus. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts by researchers, libraries, museums, universities and international organizations to make the work of Central Asia’s leading thinkers more accessible to scholars and future generations.

The conference was joined by heads of leading international scientific, cultural and diplomatic organizations who traveled to Paris to deliver presentations. They included Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies; Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO); Prof. Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA); Mr. Sali Shahsavari, Executive Director of the Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation; Mr. Robert F. Blum, President of the Diplomatic Circle of Geneva; Prof. Mario Taddei of the Design University of Milan; Dr. Salima Dalibey of the Permanent Observer Delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to UNESCO; and Ms. Frédéric Bressand, President of the Association for the Study of History and Art of the Timurid (France).

The initiative includes plans for an international digital platform for historical sources, the application of artificial intelligence to manuscript research, the establishment of a scientific consortium, support for early-career researchers and the use of cultural diplomacy to advance global educational and scientific projects.

The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, which opened in Tashkent in March 2026, was also highlighted. Covering approximately 15,000 square meters, the Center presents materials spanning the region’s history of science, education, spiritual thought and cultural exchange. Its collections include the Quran of Uthman, a significant monument of early Islamic written heritage listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme.

The Center is intended to serve as an international scientific and educational platform, combining historical collections with contemporary research methods, digital tools and educational programming. Its mission extends beyond preservation to include knowledge exchange, academic partnerships and cultural dialogue.

Further engagement with UNESCO, United Nations bodies and scientific and cultural institutions worldwide is planned. The initiative will also support the presentation of Central Asia’s heritage at international venues, including events in Paris and Geneva, with the goal of expanding cooperation globally. The presentation reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in cultural heritage preservation and expanding the presence of Central Asia’s scientific heritage in the global intellectual landscape. By combining historical knowledge, modern technologies and international expertise, the initiative aims to create new opportunities to study and share the common cultural heritage of humanity.

The event was organized by the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in France and specialized scientific, educational and cultural organizations of Uzbekistan.

Notes to editors:
About the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. Opened in March 2026, the Center for Islamic Civilization is located on the historical site of Shash, in the heart of Tashkent, next to the spiritual center of the capital, the Hazrati Imam complex. The three-story building measures 145 by 115 meters, and its central dome rises 65 meters.

The Center’s exposition is based on the Uthman Quran, one of the oldest surviving handwritten copies of the Quran in the world. The manuscript is included in the UNESCO Memory of the World program, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of documentary heritage of world importance.

The area of the main museum exposition is about 15,000 square meters; In addition, the complex includes a research center, digitization laboratories, as well as conservation and restoration workshops. Visitors will be able to see rare artifacts of different historical periods, returned from abroad, including those purchased at international auctions and from private collectors at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan. The exposition also presents collections of museums from around the world and the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU). Interactive exhibitions tell about the outstanding achievements of the Islamic Golden Age in the fields of algebra, astronomy and medicine.

Even before the official opening, the Center received wide international recognition. In 2026, it was named one of the most beautiful museums in the world by the Prix Versailles, included by Smithsonian Magazine and BBC Travel in the list of the most anticipated new museums of the year, and also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest museum dedicated to Islamic civilization.

Website: https://iccu.uz/en

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Team members volunteering across Texas and the nation while community voting initiative awards $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A+ Federal Credit Union (A+FCU) is celebrating its fifth annual A+ Gives Day by bringing team members together for a coordinated day of volunteer service benefiting nonprofit organizations in Central Texas, across Texas, and throughout the country. The annual initiative also includes a community-wide voting campaign that awards $10,000 to five local nonprofits.

On Monday, October 12, 2026, A+FCU team members will volunteer with nonprofit organizations in the communities where they live and work, supporting causes focused on community outreach, park cleanup, animal welfare, and food insecurity. While many team members will serve at organizations throughout Central Texas, remote team members across Texas and around the country will also participate in volunteer activities in their local communities.

As part of this year’s effort, A+FCU is awarding $10,000 in charitable donations, with five nonprofit organizations each receiving a $2,000 contribution following a public voting campaign that invited community members to help determine the recipients.

“A+ Gives Day reflects the spirit of service that has always been at the heart of A+FCU,” said Eric R. Kase, President/CEO of A+ Federal Credit Union. “Our team members give back throughout the year, but A+ Gives Day is special because it brings us together around a shared purpose. Whether volunteering in Central Texas, elsewhere across the state, or in communities around the country, our team dedicates this day to supporting organizations that make a real difference. As we celebrate five years of A+ Gives Day, we’re proud of what this initiative has become, the partnerships it has fostered, and the collective impact our team members and nonprofit partners continue to make in communities across Texas and beyond.”

Originally created by A+FCU employees in 2019 as part of the credit union’s 70th anniversary celebration, A+ Gives began as a series of acts of kindness and community service projects. Since then, it has evolved into a year-round commitment to volunteerism, charitable giving, and community partnerships, anchored by an annual day of service that brings team members together to support causes that matter most to their communities.

The five nonprofits receiving this year’s $2,000 donations were selected through an online voting campaign that encouraged community members and supporters to rally behind organizations making a positive impact across Central Texas. Donation recipients will be announced during A+ Gives Day activities.

The annual initiative continues to grow in impact. During the 2025 A+ Gives Day, over 490 A+FCU employees volunteered more than 1,500 hours at 74 organizations, including 42 across Central Texas and 32 in communities across the country. As A+FCU celebrates the fifth annual A+ Gives Day, the initiative stands as a reflection of the credit union’s long-standing commitment to serving others through volunteerism, charitable giving, financial education, and community partnerships.

A+ Gives is an ongoing effort that positively impacts community partners and A+FCU team members. Visit aplusfcu.org/gives to learn more about the program’s history and the organizations it supports.

A+ Federal Credit Union was founded in 1949 by 50 Austin, Texas teachers. Over seventy-seven years later, A+FCU is an award-winning institution with more than 190,000 members throughout the community, $2.52 billion in assets, over 520 employees, and 22 branches. A+FCU supports members with a full range of financial products, including home, auto, and business loans, checking and savings accounts, as well as digital banking solutions for banking on the go. Learn more at aplusfcu.org.

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The article outlines Medicare enrollment periods, coverage options, and how retirees can avoid penalties and gaps in healthcare.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When should retirees sign up for Medicare if they are turning 65? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Joe Garcia, “Retirement Joe,” of SMG – SafeHarbor Management Group in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The HelloNation article explains that understanding Medicare enrollment is essential for retirees who want to avoid penalties and maintain continuous healthcare coverage. While many people assume enrollment is automatic at age 65, the article clarifies that this is not always the case. Planning ahead helps Michigan retirees access benefits on time without facing unnecessary long-term costs.

The article describes the Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before a person’s 65th birthday month, includes that month, and continues for three months afterward. This seven-month window allows eligible individuals to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, along with Part D prescription drug coverage if needed. Missing enrollment deadlines without qualifying coverage can result in delayed benefits or higher premiums.

Medicare coverage is divided into different parts, each serving a specific purpose. Part A focuses on hospital care, skilled nursing, and limited home health services, while Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, and preventive services. Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private plans. The article highlights how understanding these benefits helps retirees prepare for their healthcare needs.

For retirees who continue working past age 65, employer-sponsored insurance may affect enrollment decisions. The article explains that some individuals can delay Part B enrollment without penalties if their employer coverage meets Medicare requirements. However, rules vary depending on employer size and plan structure. Verifying coverage details before delaying enrollment can help prevent unexpected expenses.

The article also reviews additional enrollment periods that may apply. The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage beginning the month after enrollment. Special Enrollment Periods may be available for individuals who lose qualifying employer coverage or experience certain life changes. Understanding these timelines helps retirees avoid gaps and potential penalties.

Prescription drug coverage is another important consideration discussed in the article. Part D plans have separate enrollment requirements, and delaying enrollment without creditable drug coverage can result in penalties. Retirees with qualifying employer or union prescription benefits may delay Part D, but the article notes the importance of maintaining documentation.

In Michigan, retirees are also encouraged to consider supplemental coverage options. The article explains that Medigap plans can help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and co-pays. These plans are tied to Medicare enrollment timing, and purchasing coverage later may result in higher premiums or fewer choices. Reviewing options early can help retirees prepare for medical expenses.

Throughout the discussion, Retirement Planning Expert Joe Garcia, “Retirement Joe,” is featured as a source of insight into Medicare enrollment and retirement healthcare planning. The article emphasizes that understanding Part A, Part B, and Part D deadlines helps retirees make informed decisions about coverage. It also highlights the importance of reviewing existing insurance before choosing when to enroll.

The article concludes that careful planning is essential for avoiding penalties and maintaining consistent healthcare coverage. Michigan retirees should understand their eligibility, review enrollment deadlines, and consider how employer insurance and supplemental plans affect their options. Taking these steps can support a smoother transition into Medicare at age 65.

When Should You Sign Up for Medicare If You Are Turning 65? Features insights from Joe Garcia, “Retirement Joe,” Retirement Planning Expert of Kalamazoo, Michigan, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation