Lola Karimova Tillyaeva

In her current role as Uzbekistan's envoy to UNESCO, Lola Karimova Tillyaeva is focusing on promoting the centuries-old cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan in Europe, the goal primarily aimed at advancing a better understanding between civilizations and respect for their values.

Lola Karimova Tillyaeva runs two major charitable organizations in Uzbekistan and is renowned in her country for her key role in promoting education and sports as well as championing the rights of orphaned children and children with disabilities.

She was born in 1978 in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in International Law from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent, and later received a doctorate degree in Psychology from Tashkent State University.

Karimova-Tillyaeva was instrumental in launching key nationwide reforms to improve the situation in orphanages across Uzbekistan, which resulted in many children being offered better opportunities for their development.

Lola Karimova has always adhered firmly to her belief that education, culture and sports are key factors in promoting peace and tolerance, and function as a bridge between civilizations, helping to overcome ignorance and stereotypes.

UNESCO ambassador

With term “the clash of civilizations” being increasingly used to describe many events currently taking place in the world, in her mission as the Uzbek envoy to UNESCO Lola Tillyaeva attaches special significance to promoting educational and intercultural understanding as an important tool in creating the foundation for building a more constructive dialogue between the West and the Muslim world, bridging the existing divide and overcoming destructive stereotypes and misconceptions.

Charity activities

Helping children with special needs

The National Centre for the Social Adaptation of Children was established by Lola Karimova Tillyaeva in 2004 to provide comprehensive support to children with developmental delay and impairment, children from vulnerable groups and underprivileged families as well as children with special needs who are deprived of parental care. The Centre’s specialists - including special educators, speech pathologists, speech therapists,