Central Asia pioneers global movement for tech diplomacy with historic Samarkand declaration

Initial Phase of a Global Initiative to Integrate All Nations into Digital Governance by 2030

On Saturday, November 1st, world leaders convened in Samarkand to unveil the Samarkand Declaration on Tech Diplomacy, marking the inception of the first global movement aimed at ensuring that every nation possesses the diplomatic capability to influence the digital future.

This event coincided with UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference—the first held outside of Paris since 1985—and symbolizes the initial phase of an international effort to disseminate the Declaration across all regions by 2027, with the goal of achieving universal acceptance by 2030.

The Tech Diplomacy Institute (TDI), in partnership with UNESCO, brought together governments, industry leaders, civil society, and academic representatives from Central Asia as founding signatories or observers, heralding the start of a global initiative to democratize technology governance.

This momentous gathering establishes the region as the birthplace of a new chapter in international collaboration, where diplomacy intersects with innovation and emerging nations take the forefront in defining the global digital landscape.

“From the Silk Road crossroads that once connected civilizations, we are forging a digital road to our shared future,” stated Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and President of the Tech Diplomacy Institute.

With more than 170 countries lacking Tech Ambassadors and an annual loss of $2.8 trillion due to fragmented digital regulations (Economist Impact, 2025), the Declaration offers a neutral platform for coordinating global standards on AI, data protection, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

“Tech diplomacy is not an abstract idea — it is the language of collaboration, the architecture of shared progress. Here in Samarkand, where technology meets diplomacy, ambition turns into collaboration, and collaboration into lasting impact. The Samarkand Declaration stands as a shared commitment to build a more connected, ethical, and human-centered digital future — one where innovation serves people and trust unites nations,”

Signatories are urged to:

“Technology transcends borders, yet diplomacy has failed to keep pace,” remarked Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO Assistant Director-General and Chair of TDI’s Supervisory Board. “The Samarkand Declaration embodies the inclusive cooperation that our digital age necessitates.”

Signatories emphasized that Tech Diplomacy should be rooted in collaborative efforts and concrete results through joint testbeds, pilot projects, and knowledge-sharing platforms that encourage experimentation, learning, and measurable outcomes. It was acknowledged that building public trust through results and shared successes, rather than merely through formal agreements, is crucial in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

The Samarkand Declaration on Tech Diplomacy was endorsed by UNESCO and representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Among the signatories was IT Park Uzbekistan, the primary partner in this initiative, along with the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, TBC Bank Uzbekistan, and various government bodies, educational institutions, and technology communities throughout Central Asia.

Following the event in Samarkand, TDI plans to host regional signing ceremonies on all continents from 2026 to 2028, aiming for universal adoption by 2030. The Declaration remains accessible to all UNESCO Member States at www.tech-diplomacy.com/samarkand-declaration.

About the Tech Diplomacy Institute (TDI): The Tech Diplomacy Institute is the first permanent, neutral platform in the world that connects technology with global policy. In partnership with UNESCO, TDI brings together governments, industry, academia, and civil society to foster ethical and inclusive technology governance through diplomacy, capacity-building, and research.