BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 2. Uzbekistan’s
Consulate General in Seattle and the World Digital Technology
Academy (WDTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand
cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology during
an international forum held as part of Seattle AI Week on October
26-30.
According to the Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies,
the forum, organized by Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Seattle,
the American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, IT Park
Uzbekistan and the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA), brought
together around 60 representatives from the technology industry,
universities, investment community and government institutions.
Participants included specialists from Microsoft and Meta,
representatives of Harvard University, the University of Washington
and Northeastern University, as well as officials from Seattle’s
administration and technology companies.
The discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen the
Uzbekistan-U.S. technology partnership, train specialists, support
startups, attract investment and introduce practical AI
solutions.
Nozima Davletova, adviser to the head of Uzbekistan’s
Presidential Administration and head of the Secretariat of the
American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, presented the
country’s strategic priorities for digital development. She
highlighted the expansion of business and investment ties between
Uzbekistan and the United States and the council’s role in
supporting practical initiatives involving organizations from both
countries.
Uzbekistan’s Consul General Akhror Burkhanov emphasized
opportunities to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. Pacific
Northwest region, noting the consulate’s readiness to facilitate
direct contacts with regional technology companies, universities
and business communities.
IT Park Uzbekistan representative Russ Yapparov outlined the
development of the country’s technology ecosystem and opportunities
for cooperation with international partners. Key priorities
included training young professionals with leading AI companies,
developing computing infrastructure and helping Uzbek startups
enter foreign markets.
WDTA Executive Chairman Yale Li highlighted Uzbekistan’s
potential to serve as a technology hub connecting Central Asia with
advanced U.S. innovation ecosystems. He also stressed the
importance of knowledge exchange, responsible AI development and
data protection.
Julia Liuson, senior adviser at Permira and former president of
Microsoft's Developer Division, discussed the importance of
expanding access to modern AI tools, updating educational programs
and moving from experimental development to practical
applications.
Seattle Chief Technology Officer Shannon Smith presented the
city's experience in using AI to improve municipal services,
simplify construction permitting procedures and enhance road
safety. The participants also explored opportunities for
cooperation between Seattle and Tashkent in digital urban
management.
Panel discussions covered the development of university
incubators, mentorship programs for startups and training
specialists to meet businesses' practical needs. Agrotechnology,
water-saving solutions, language services and technologies
improving accessibility for people with disabilities were also
identified as potential areas for cooperation.
Following the forum, Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Seattle
and WDTA signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in
technology and artificial intelligence. The agreement provides for
knowledge exchange, stronger links between universities, companies
and government institutions, and the exploration of educational
initiatives and pilot projects involving Uzbekistan.
The memorandum also places emphasis on the responsible use of
AI, cybersecurity and data protection.
The World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA) is an international
organization focused on advancing digital technologies, artificial
intelligence and innovation through education, research and
cross-border cooperation. It works to connect technology companies,
academic institutions and public-sector organizations, promoting
knowledge exchange, talent development and the responsible
application of emerging technologies.
