Technology

Uzbekistan Presents Initiative to Advance Central Asia’s Scientific Heritage at UNESCO

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

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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Technology

KAPSARC TO JOIN 25TH WPC ENERGY CONGRESS IN RIYADH AS NATIONAL PARTNER

Published

2 hours ago

October 10, 2026

More than 20 KAPSARC leaders, researchers, and experts to contribute across the Congress’s Executive, Technical, Synergy, and Special Programmes

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KAPSARC participates as a National Partner in the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh, bringing its leaders and experts into discussions addressing some of the most important issues shaping the future of energy.

Taking place from 11 to 15 October 2026 under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All,” the Congress will be hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time in its history. First held in London in 1933, the Congress will bring together government leaders, industry executives, policymakers, researchers, and innovators in Riyadh to examine the forces reshaping global energy systems, from security and investment to technology and sustainability.

KAPSARC’s participation extends across the Congress’s Executive, Technical, Synergy, and Special Programmes, alongside additional sessions and activities, reflecting the breadth of the Center’s research and policy expertise. KAPSARC President Fahad Alajlan and Dr. Ghadah Alarifi, Dean of the KAPSARC School of Public Policy, are among KAPSARC’s speakers in the Executive Programme.

Across the Congress, KAPSARC experts contribute research and policy perspectives on energy supply and demand, energy access, natural gas, ESG and governance, the Circular Carbon Economy, artificial intelligence, mobility, and lower-emission pathways for refining and petrochemicals.

Within the Special Programme, KAPSARC leads a Knowledge Sprint session titled “Generative AI for Evidence-Based Oil Markets,” examining how generative AI can support oil-market analysis and policy research. The session explores AI-assisted data workflows, econometric and scenario analysis, responsible AI practices, and the translation of technical findings into decision-ready insights.

KAPSARC also participates in the World Café through a session on “Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies,” bringing together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to examine the prospects for scaling engineered carbon-removal solutions. The discussion covers direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and biochar, alongside the economic, infrastructure, regulatory, carbon-market, and regional considerations influencing their deployment.

In the Synergy Programme, KAPSARC experts contribute to discussions on “Accelerating the Circular Carbon Economy Through Joint Action” and “AI Partnerships for Energy Innovation,” bringing research-based perspectives to the intersection of energy, technology, and sustainability.

KAPSARC’s dedicated pavilion provides another platform for knowledge exchange and engagement throughout the Congress. Structured around five thematic hubs, the pavilion brings together KAPSARC research, analytical tools, and expertise across the Oil Hub, Transportation Hub, Clean Energy Hub, AI Hub, and Collaboration Hub. Together, the hubs provide visitors with an integrated view of selected research areas and emerging issues shaping energy systems, while creating opportunities for engagement with policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and other Congress participants.

The pavilion also features the KAPSARC School of Public Policy (KSPP) and the Saudi Energy Leaders Assembly (SELA), providing additional platforms for policy education, leadership development, and knowledge exchange.

Through its participation across the Congress’s programmes and sessions, alongside its dedicated thematic pavilion, KAPSARC connects Saudi-based research and policy expertise with international discussions on energy security, investment, technology, and sustainability.

About KAPSARC

KAPSARC is an advisory think tank dedicated to advancing knowledge on energy, environmental and regional economic issues. As an accredited observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), KAPSARC actively contributes to global climate action. KAPSARC’s mission is to advance Saudi Arabia’s energy sector and inform global policies through evidence-based advice and applied research.

For more information about KAPSARC:
https://www.kapsarc.org/

Media inquiries:
media@kapsarc.org

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kapsarc

Subscribe to our newsletter:
https://subscribe.kapsarc.org/kapsarc-newsletter-signup

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SOURCE KAPSARC

Technology

STARMUS VIII Announces Two Young Changemakers as Junior Medal Winners

Published

2 hours ago

October 10, 2026

Valeria Corrales receives the Junior Stephen Hawking Medal and Aneeshwar Kunchala receives the Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal

CANARY ISLANDS, Spain, Oct. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARMUS VIII, the premier international festival of science, music and exploration, is proud to announce the recipients of two special distinctions celebrating the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders.

Valeria Corrales, from Spain, will receive the Junior Stephen Hawking Medal, in recognition of her exceptional work bringing science, programming and technology to young audiences.

Aneeshwar Kunchala, from the United Kingdom, will receive the Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal, honouring his remarkable dedication to wildlife conservation, biodiversity and inspiring children to protect the natural world.

Although their work focuses on different fields, both young changemakers share a conviction at the heart of STARMUS: knowledge should inspire action, and age should never be a barrier to making a difference.

Valeria Corrales — Junior Stephen Hawking Medal

Valeria Corrales began her journey in science communication at the age of ten, when she co-founded the educational platform ValPat in 2018 alongside her mentor Patricia Heredia.

What began as an initiative to make science and technology more accessible has grown into a major Spanish-language STEM education platform, with more than 750 videos and 240,000 YouTube subscribers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Valeria and Patricia offered 100 consecutive days of free online STEM classes, helping thousands of children across Spain and Latin America continue learning during lockdown.

Valeria has since received national and international recognition. She was named among Forbes Spain’s 23 Changemakers in 2023, became a finalist for the Princess of Girona Social Award in 2025, and was selected as a Top 10 finalist for the Global Student Prize from nearly 11,000 applications and nominations across 148 countries.

Now studying Computational Media at the Georgia Institute of Technology, she continues to explore how science, technology, creativity and storytelling can transform education.

Her achievements reflect the spirit of Stephen Hawking’s belief in the power of curiosity and the importance of sharing scientific knowledge with everyone.

Aneeshwar Kunchala — Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal

At just eleven years old, Aneeshwar Kunchala has already become an internationally recognized voice for wildlife conservation and environmental education.

His extraordinary journey began when he was only four, after learning about a whale that had died because of plastic pollution. That experience inspired a mission to protect animals and encourage others to care for the natural world.

Since then, Aneeshwar has reached international audiences through television documentaries, educational programmes, public speaking, journalism and art.

His work includes appearances and productions for BBC, Sky Kids and Channel 5, while his conservation message has reached audiences at major international events and institutions.

Aneeshwar holds three Guinness World Records and has received honours including the Diana Award and the British Citizen Youth Award. He has also been named a young ambassador for the National Trust and became the first young columnist for National Geographic Kids UK. He has also been recognized with the Young Scientific Explorer honorary award – from the Scientific Exploration Society.

His work combines scientific curiosity, compassion for animals and an extraordinary ability to communicate with younger generations.

His guiding message captures the simplicity and urgency of his mission:

“Save the animals and make sure the world looks beautiful.”

The Junior Jane Goodall Earth Medal recognizes not only his achievements, but also his determination to inspire a generation that sees the protection of biodiversity as a shared responsibility.

Two Young Voices, One Shared Future

Stephen Hawking dedicated his life to understanding the Universe. Jane Goodall transformed our understanding of the natural world and our responsibility to protect it.

Through these two Junior Medals, STARMUS celebrates the continuation of their legacies in a new generation.

Valeria Corrales is helping young people discover the power of science and technology. Aneeshwar Kunchala is inspiring them to protect the extraordinary diversity of life on our planet.

Together, they represent a powerful message: the future of science and the future of our planet belong to those who are curious enough to ask questions and courageous enough to act.

The awards will be presented during STARMUS VIII, taking place in Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands, from 17 to 22 October 2026, under the theme The Search for Truth. The Festival will bring together some of the world’s leading figures in science, space exploration, technology, music and the arts to explore the importance of evidence, knowledge, reason and scientific thinking in an increasingly complex world.

More information about the Starmus VIII and tickets available at: www.starmus.com.

US: Dan DuPont, dupont0708@gmail.com, +1 202 380 7558

UK/EU: Nicole Ettinger, nicole@ettingerpr.com +44 7515 394107

Spain: Carlos Esteban, cesteban@llys.global, +34 699 55 2854

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SOURCE Starmus Foundation

Technology

Solvely.ai Makes the Case for AI That Builds Human Capability

Published

2 hours ago

October 10, 2026

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Solvely.ai, an applied AI company, outlined its approach to AI agents for learning: helping people build understanding and skills, rather than simply completing tasks.

Co-founder Richard Weiqi Zhang shared this perspective at Funding Conviction, a September 18, 2026, webinar on education investment and the future of learning. Hosted by Edtech Insiders, the discussion featured Reach Capital’s Steve Kupfer and Minerva’s Ben Nelson.

“Learning has to make the person more capable,” said Zhang. “The goal is still to empower the learner, not to replace them.”

Building learning-specific intelligence

To support this approach, Solvely develops its own specialized models and agent systems for learning. It uses education-domain post-training to tailor models to specific learning tasks. Its agentic system identifies instructional content in images and documents, segments individual questions and routes each problem to the appropriate solving algorithm and visualization tools. Its agent architecture brings models, context and educational tools together to create explanations, visual exploration and practice. For problem-solving, Solvely cross-checks responses across multiple models.

An Anthropic case study shows how Solvely uses Claude to create interactive visualizations that learners can explore by changing inputs.

From answers to understanding

With Solvely’s AI math solver, learners can work through text or image-based questions with step-by-step explanations, ask follow-up questions and explore problems visually through whiteboard explanations. For exam preparation, they can turn their own course materials into study guides, flashcards and quizzes for review and practice.

For writing review, its AI detector provides signals for closer examination, not proof of authorship. Its published AI-text detection research details how the company develops, fine-tunes and evaluates task-specific models. Users remain responsible for reviewing output and following applicable academic requirements.

Industry recognition

Solvely was named to Nasdaq and Notable Capital’s inaugural Prosumer AI 40, alongside OpenAI, Anthropic, Cursor and Lovable. It was also selected for the 2026 GSV Cup 50, recognizing 50 of the world’s most promising EdTech startups.

Watch the webinar or explore Solvely.ai.

About Solvely.ai

Solvely.ai is an applied AI company amplifying human capability. Its AI agents help people learn, grow and realize their potential in the age of AI. Since launching in San Francisco in 2023, Solvely has served over 15 million users across 180+ countries.

Media contact: Richard Weiqi Zhang, richard@solvely.ai

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SOURCE Aignite Inc.