A story that connects generations: the Ilkhom Business Club in Tashkent celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The Inspiring Force

Ilkhom Karimov was not just the initiator but also the heart of the community. His ideas inspired many, and his energy attracted people from various fields. He believed in the immense potential of Uzbekistan and viewed the new platform as a tool for its realization.

"The club's format was unconventional for Uzbekistan. In the 1990s, inspired by the Soviet experience of creative associations and global examples, Ilkhom Karimov created a space for meetings, discussions, and ideas. It was an experiment that withstood three decades," recalls Alexey Arapov, the current chairman of the club and a well-known cultural scholar.

The club's first meeting place was the rooftop of the experimental high-rise "Zhemchug." That’s why the venue is informally referred to as "The Roof."

"There were no structures. Ilkhom sat there with a huge hairy dog, and I was with my son. In 1995, Ilkhom invited me to 'The Roof,' and from that moment, I became part of this life. Over the years, the community has grown into something more than just an interest-based group. It is a lifelong connection built on shared values and respect for diverse opinions," recalls Abdullah Butaev, a club member since 1994.

For the Public Good

According to another club veteran Norbek Pardaev, all these years, the club has been and continues to be a center for cutting-edge creative thought and successfully fulfills its mission of uniting talented individuals.

Mikhail Perper, chairman of the Association of Certified Financial Specialists of Uzbekistan (ACFP), added that for three decades, the club has consistently fulfilled its primary mission – to serve state and public interests. It actively collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce, the Institute for Strategic Research, and international organizations, including the UN. Joint conferences, seminars, and brainstorming sessions were held, focused on economic reforms and the creation of political parties.

"Thanks to active exchanges of opinions and experiences, many ideas first voiced at the club have later materialized into concrete projects, bringing real benefits to our society. I am proud that over these years, we have consistently cultivated a culture of professional dialogue and contributed to the development of the country," he stated.

New Blood

"Today, the club faces the challenge of generational change. The founders who established the club 30 years ago are already aging, and the youth wing consists of those aged 40-50. The youngest member of the club is younger than the community itself. We need to form a new core that adapts to modern realities," Alexey Arapov shared about the club's future plans.

He also mentioned that in the 1990s, the club actively collaborated with government bodies, offering unconventional solutions. Now, according to him, the authorities less frequently seek independent opinions, preferring to act on their own.

"Nevertheless, the club maintains its role as an analytical platform where we propose our ideas. Today, our focus is on energy, water usage, and education," noted the chairman of the club.

Thus, the business club remains a living history that unites generations. It continues to inspire its members to create new projects, support an atmosphere of freedom of thought, and develop society.

"30 years is just the beginning," club members are confident.