On April 25, 2025, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) hosted the "Say “Yes” to Friendship!" intercultural festival.  First-year UWED students, working with teachers from the English department, created this project-based learning event.  Twenty countries were represented: the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Romania, South Korea, Tajikistan, China, the United Kingdom, Mexico, India, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Georgia, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and France.

The festival, a collaborative effort between students and teachers, featured three parts: a cultural fair showcasing country presentations, engaging role-playing demonstrations of traditions, and performances of national dances and songs.  The entire event was conducted in English, immersing students in a dynamic environment for international communication.

Attendees included the representatives from the U.S. Embassy, volunteers, the representatives of cultural centers, native speakers employed by UWED, residents of the surrounding area, representatives of the local community, secondary school students enrolled in the English department, UWED faculty, and UWED students.  The objectives of the festival were to enhance the intercultural competency of first-year students, to foster familiarity with the traditions of various peoples, and to encourage research into the values and customs of the represented countries.  An integral component of each country's presentation was the information regarding its relationship with Uzbekistan.

Each team of students uniquely showcased their talents and knowledge of culture and traditions, their tables artfully decorated with national dishes and souvenirs.  Several teams deserve special mention for their particularly memorable performances: the Iranian team (dance, Farsi poetry, traditional Mazandaran tambourine music, and a song by Reza Malikzodeh); the British team (pancake race, Hamlet monologue, traditional Newcastle dance, and Harry Potter characters); the South Korean team (traditional wedding and the first-birthday ceremonies, traditional dance, and K-pop); the American team (instrumental mambo and jazz dance, and a US-themed quiz); the Tajikistani team (traditional Pamir dance and song); and the Chinese team (a scene from a historical diplomatic visit and a dance).  The Indian, Spanish, Romanian, Mexican, Georgian, Turkish, Russian, Kazakh, Italian, Uzbek teams as well as the team representing the United Arab Emirates also delivered exceptionally captivating and vibrant presentations and performances.

All teams enthusiastically shared their chosen country's culture, captivating the audience with their subtle humor, vibrant costumes, and energetic dances.