Student Forum “5 Million AI Leaders” Held in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have become a key driver of economic and social development globally. Leading countries view AI not only as an innovative technology but also as a strategic tool to enhance national competitiveness and develop human capital.

In Uzbekistan, as part of the ongoing digital transformation, effectively harnessing AI’s potential has been identified as a priority area of state policy.

On 28 November 2025, during an international AI forum attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the “5 Million AI Leaders” initiative was officially launched.

On 29 January, a student forum for the project took place at the Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Tashkent University of Information Technologies. The event aimed to actively engage students in the initiative, promote presidential AI programs among young people, and officially launch the project’s “student caravan.”

Under the initiative, by 2030, the plan is to train 4.75 million schoolchildren and university students, 150,000 teachers, and 100,000 public servants in AI-related fields. The project focuses on enhancing digital competencies among youth, fostering innovative thinking, and developing a highly skilled workforce for the digital economy.

The forum was attended by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov; leadership of the AI Alliance; representatives from the Center for Digital Education Development; university faculty; and around one thousand students and young professionals.

During the event, Minister Shermatov reviewed innovative student projects, startups, and AI-based digital solutions. He praised the youth for their initiative, scientific approach, and creative ideas, providing recommendations for further development, practical implementation, and commercialization of their projects.

The forum emphasized that such events play a crucial role in engaging youth as active participants and initiators of the “5 Million AI Leaders” initiative, helping to unlock their scientific, technological, and innovative potential.

Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Tashkent University of Information Technologies became an official member of the AI Alliance, enabling participation in international programs and initiatives and contributing to the development and implementation of AI technologies.

Additionally, in cooperation with Aloqabank, a “FinTech” laboratory was inaugurated. The lab will support young startup developers and create a sustainable platform for launching and developing new projects in financial technologies.

By 2030, the “5 Million AI Leaders” initiative aims to train 4.75 million schoolchildren and students, 150,000 teachers, and 100,000 public servants in AI, developing digital skills, fostering innovative thinking, and preparing the next generation of competitive specialists.