On the 5th and 6th of April, the heart of Karakalpakstan — the city of Nukus — hosted the inaugural Aral Culture Summit, a landmark event bringing together intellectuals, artists, environmentalists, and representatives of international organisations to rethink the role of culture in the age of climate challenges. Where the waves of the Aral Sea once rippled, ideas now emerge — ideas that inspire and unite.
This was the first event of its kind in the region, where cultural diplomacy meets the urgent questions of survival. Initiated by a group of international partners with the support of the Uzbek authorities, the Aral Culture Summit aimed not only to draw attention to the environmental catastrophe of the Aral Sea, but also to highlight the region’s potential as a future hub of sustainable development, creative economy, and intercultural dialogue.
Key topics of discussion included the preservation of Karakalpak intangible heritage, the development of eco-tourism, the support of local artists and musicians, and the role of art in making sense of the disappearance of the Aral Sea. The summit featured vibrant discussions on how culture can become a tool for adaptation and resilience.
Equally significant was the fact that the summit gave a voice to local communities. Karakalpak experts and activists presented projects focused on reviving traditional crafts, establishing cultural and agricultural centres, and developing local tourism. For many, the summit marked their first appearance on the international stage.
The Aral Culture Summit in Nukus demonstrated that even in the world’s most vulnerable regions, rebirth is possible — provided there is respect for tradition, a willingness to engage in dialogue, and a belief in the transformative power of culture. Once a symbol of environmental disaster, the Aral region is slowly becoming a territory of hope — and perhaps that is the summit’s most powerful message.
The summit is now scheduled to be held biannually.
by Taina Kaunis
