Samarkand to Host 2028 International Astronautical Congress

For the first time in Central Asia, the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) will be held in Samarkand in 2028, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov announced on his Telegram channel. The decision was made in Sydney, where this year’s congress in taking place.

The proposal to host the global space event was presented by the Uzbek delegation «Uzbekcosmos» during the IAC session from September 29 to October 3. Shermatov noted that Uzbekistan had to compete with strong bids from India and Bahrain.

«Six centuries ago, Mirzo Ulughbek established an observatory and madrasa, making Samarkand a centre of science. Hosting the world’s largest space event in 2028 is recognition by the international community of the reforms and initiatives led by our president to usher in a new renaissance,» he said.

Special Video Celebrates the Occasion

A video made for this occasion showcased Uzbekistan’s potential, featuring the Maidanak Observatory, Mirzo Ulughbek’s legacy, the Samarkand Congress Centre and the Silk Road Samarkand complex, underlining the city’s capacity to host major global forums and welcome international guests. The video also emphasised Samarkand’s UNESCO World Heritage status and its location along the historic Silk Road.

The congress is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors and generate economic benefits in tourism, services and entrepreneurship through international exhibitions. Uzbek space agency said the event marks a historic milestone not only for Uzbekistan but also for the whole of Central Asia, signalling a new era in the region’s engagement with the space sector.

The agency also underlined that the congress will serve as a major platform for the advancement of science and technology while boosting the national economy, citing Australia’s experience of raising more than $27 mln from hosting a previous congress.

The programme will feature plenary meetings, sessions, networking opportunities and discussions on the latest achievements in space research. This year’s Sydney congress focused on the theme «Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth,» while last year the event was held in Milan.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan with UNESCAP is creating a space-based drought monitoring system for Central Asia, aiming to strengthen water management.