SCO Digital Push: Uzbekistan is urging the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to move from principles to practical tools—economic integration, security coordination, digital development and cross-border connectivity—after the Bishkek summit highlighted AI, digitalization and connectivity as next-step priorities. Nuclear Localization: Uzbekistan’s $9.5B nuclear power plant project is advancing, with excavation and major concrete work completed, and authorities pushing local production from 21% to at least 30% via a planned 200-hectare industrial zone in Farish. Tech Ecosystem in Tashkent: ICTWEEK Uzbekistan 2026 will run Sept. 22–25, bringing startups, investors and global tech firms to focus on AI, cybersecurity, cloud, gaming and digital infrastructure. Water Security Focus: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan met to protect and sustainably use transboundary water resources, including work on a roadmap for the Tashkent aquifer through 2030. Land Restoration Science: ICBA highlighted drought resilience and land restoration at UNCCD COP17 and said Uzbekistan renewed ICBA’s Tashkent office accreditation through 2029. Regional Energy Shock Watch: A report links Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian refining to fuel shortages and price spikes across Central Asia, where dependence on Russian petroleum remains high. Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s ACDF signed a five-year cooperation deal and Qatar’s Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated Uzbek heritage exhibitions at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art.