American Councils CEO Lisa Choate joined U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Head of Uzbekistan's Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva, and American and Central Asian public- and private-sector leaders at the Samarkand Roundtable in Uzbekistan.
Held during Secretary Rubio's visit to the region, the roundtable focused on expanding trade, investment, and innovation; strengthening commercial ties; and advancing economic cooperation between the United States and Central Asia. The visit included a meeting of the American–Uzbek Business and Investment Council, co-chaired by Special Envoy Gor and Ms. Mirziyoyeva, to promote commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Ms. Choate was a featured speaker at the Healthcare & Education Strategic Industry Matchmaking Session, where she emphasized the importance of preparing students and professionals for a rapidly changing workforce. As artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies reshape industries, she noted, international education and professional exchanges help develop essential human skills, including adaptability, judgment, and the ability to collaborate across cultures and industries.
Drawing on American Councils' work in Uzbekistan, Ms. Choate highlighted how exchange alumni have applied their skills and professional networks to launch businesses, establish production facilities, and create new economic opportunities. She also pointed to the organization's work connecting young people with practical learning experiences, including internships with Uzbek and international companies.
American Councils also signed memoranda of understanding with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Education and Science and IT Park Uzbekistan, reinforcing cooperation in English language education, professional development, entrepreneurship, research, and technology. The agreements build on American Councils' longstanding partnerships in Uzbekistan and establish a foundation for further collaboration in areas that support workforce development and economic growth.
During the visit, Ms. Choate also met with leaders from Karakalpakstan, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent Region to discuss opportunities to strengthen academic linkages with U.S. institutions, vocational education, and English language training; explored potential collaboration with the El Yurt Umid Foundation; and consulted with American Councils' strategic partner Air Products on the continuation of the American Makerspace Qarshi initiative. Later that same week, the Makerspace received a Bronze Award in the “Next Generation: Investing in the Future” category at the 2026 EMBRAS HR Summit, recognizing its contributions to hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics education and workforce development in Uzbekistan.
American Councils has worked in Uzbekistan since 1992 and maintains professionally staffed offices across all five Central Asian countries. Through educational exchanges, professional development, and workforce-focused initiatives, the organization engages thousands of emerging leaders each year, helping them develop practical skills and establish connections with American businesses and institutions.
American Councils was honored to take part in these important conversations and looks forward to further strengthening U.S.–Uzbekistan ties.