A high-level panel discussion titled “Sustainable Peace in Central Asia: Lessons from the Khujand Declaration of Eternal Friendship” was held Oct. 13 in Geneva as part of the Geneva Peace Forum, Khovar reported, citing the Tajik Embassy in Switzerland.

The event was organized by the United Nations University for Peace and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform to examine the declaration’s role in strengthening regional trust, peace and cooperation.

Participants included the permanent representatives of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva; Shanghai Cooperation Organization Deputy Secretary-General Ahmad Saidmurodzoda; UN University for Peace representative in Geneva David Fernandez Puyana; and Annissa Bellal, executive director of the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform and the Geneva Peace Forum.

Sharaf Sheralizoda, Tajikistan’s ambassador to Switzerland and permanent representative in Geneva, highlighted the significance of the Declaration of Eternal Friendship, signed by Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on March 31, 2025, as a milestone in strengthening good-neighborly relations, mutual trust and regional cooperation.

He emphasized the importance of political dialogue, preventive diplomacy and joint efforts to prevent conflicts, resolve cross-border issues and promote sustainable development.

The discussion also highlighted the role of Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon in advancing the regional peace process. The United Nations University for Peace presented Rahmon with an award and certificate of recognition on May 25, according to the report.

Participants examined the Central Asian countries’ experience in resolving regional challenges, noting the importance of political will, tolerance and cooperation in addressing geopolitical tensions and cross-border issues.