SEATTLE, November 2. /Dunyo IA/. Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Seattle hosted an international forum on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, bringing together representatives of technology companies, universities, investors and government agencies of the two countries, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was co-organized by the American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, “IT Park Uzbekistan” and World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA). The forum was held as part of “Seattle AI Week”.

Event brought together about 60 representatives from the technology industry, universities, the investment community, and government authorities, including specialists from Microsoft and Meta, Harvard University, University of Washington, Northeastern University, Seattle administration and innovative companies.

Focus of the discussions was on the prospects of the Uzbek-American technological partnership, personnel training, startup development, investment attraction and implementation of applied AI solutions.

Nozima Davletova, Advisor to the Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan and Head of the Secretariat of the American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, presented the country’s strategic priorities in digital development. She emphasized the growing momentum of business and investment ties between Uzbekistan and the United States, as well as the Council's capacity to facilitate practical initiatives between interested organizations of the two nations.

Consul General Akhror Burkhanov focused on opportunities for strengthening Uzbekistan's cooperation with the U.S. Pacific Northwest. He noted the readiness of the Consulate General to assist in establishing direct contacts with technology companies, universities and business communities of the region.

Presentation by “IT Park Uzbekistan” representative Ruslan Yapparov highlighted the development of the national IT ecosystem and opportunities for cooperation with international partners. Designated priority areas included youth training with the participation of leading AI companies, development of computing infrastructure and the promotion of Uzbek startups into foreign markets.

Executive Chairman of the WDTA, Yeli Li, noted Uzbekistan's potential as a technology hub connecting Central Asia with the advanced innovation ecosystems of the United States. He paid special attention to knowledge exchange, responsible development of artificial intelligence and data protection.

Julia Liuson, Senior Advisor at Permira and former President of Microsoft's Developer Division, emphasized the importance of access to modern AI tools, updating educational curricula and transitioning from experimental developments to their practical application.

Seattle’s Chief Technology Officer, Shannon Smith, presented the experience of using AI to improve municipal services, simplify construction procedures and enhance road safety. Prospects for exchanging experience between Seattle and Tashkent in the field of digital urban management were discussed.

During the panel discussions, participants reviewed the development of university incubators, mentorship for startups and training of specialists tailored to real business tasks. Agricultural technologies, water conservation, language services and solutions enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities were identified as promising areas of cooperation.

Following the forum, the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Seattle and the WDTA signed a framework memorandum of cooperation in the field of technology and artificial intelligence. Document provides for the exchange of experience, development of ties between universities, companies, and government institutions, as well as the formulation of educational initiatives and pilot projects involving Uzbekistan. Special attention is paid to the responsible use of AI, cybersecurity and data protection.