Author: Anora Bakirova

In the almost 20 years between 2001 and 2021, there weren’t many differences between the western world and Afghanistan when it came to observing significant international days. Like elsewhere in the world, days bringing attention to global themes brought on excitement and emotion. This was especially true for International Women’s Day. This day was special for women across the Afghanistan – particularly for those of us living in the capital, Kabul. Women were shown gestures of respect in many settings. We had access to free public transport and were given gifts or flowers by men we knew and even those…

Riyadh: At first glance for Saudi Arabia, the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup that kicks off on Wednesday looks a little like last June’s U-23 Championships which was won by the young Green Falcons. Firstly, the venue is once again Uzbekistan, the scene of the triumph from nine months ago. Secondly, Saudi Arabia are, once more, in Group D. And thirdly, Japan are again present as are a Central Asian nation, though this time Kyrgyzstan instead of Tajikistan, and there is also a dark horse in the shape of China and not the UAE. Overall, it follows the same classic…

Uzbekistan has set an ambitious goal – to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. Harnessing the sun’s energy is one factor in making this plan a reality. Uzbekistan has an average of 330 sunny days a year and the potential for solar energy is huge. Today, large-scale solar projects are attracting international private investors to the country.  For instance, French company Total Eren developed one of the first solar station plants in Uzbekistan. Launched in July 2022, the Tutly solar farm is located around a hundred kilometres west of the city of Samarkand. Working at a…