Aral Culture Summit (ACS), a cultural and environmental initiative to revitalise the Aral Sea region in Central Asia is underway.
Organised by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the Summit seeks to foster dialogue and action through art, culture, design, and science. ACS brings together leading cultural figures, policymakers, artists, and environmental experts across two cities to explore and implement sustainable solutions that address the Aral Sea crisis and global climate challenges.
Aral Culture Summit 2025 is inaugurated during the first Global Climate Forum in Samarkand, which was attended by regional and European heads-of-states to reinforce Uzbekistan's commitment to the regional cooperation for environmental and social development. Aral Culture Summit continues in Nukus, Karakalpakstan near the Aral Sea, hosting a multidisciplinary programme with panel discussions, keynotes, artistic performances, and exhibitions, addressing critical issues such as environmental regeneration, creative economy, and cultural diplomacy.
Yesterday, Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF announced a preliminary masterplan for the regeneration of Istiqlol, a former amusement park in Nukus, reimagined by Ludi Architects as a permanent cultural and ecological hub. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF, comments: "Aral Culture Summit is a platform for change.
“By integrating cultural dialogue with the climate agenda, we are ensuring that the arts contribute to our collective commitment to long term sustainable development. Our participation in the first Global Climate Forum underscores the critical role of culture to drive environmental transformation."
