Today, on October 15, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, met with Vladimir Vladimirovich Markin, Head of the Department of Regional and International Market Development of Synergy Corporation, and Sharif Abdullaev, Founder and General Director of Bonoor Group.

During the meeting, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht welcomed the guests to the Academy and provided detailed information about the priority areas of activity of the main scientific institution of the country — the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

Special attention was given to the issue of artificial intelligence. It was noted that in today’s digital world, artificial intelligence is not only an auxiliary tool, but also an essential element for decision-making and data analysis, which is necessary for the effective management of resources.

Considering the importance of scientific and research cooperation, both sides expressed their readiness to establish such collaboration with Synergy Corporation and reached mutual understanding. It should be noted that Synergy Corporation is one of the largest scientific and educational structures, which today provides new opportunities in the field of education and technology to various countries.

The cooperation can be developed within regional and international platforms, including the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and BRICS. During the meeting, serious attention was also paid to digitalization — particularly to the development of digital infrastructure, the transition of services to electronic and digital formats, and information security.

Today, on October 8, within the framework of the Summit of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States, an International Scientific and Practical Conference entitled “The 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory: The Historical Contribution of the Peoples of Russia and Tajikistan and the Prospects for Partnership in Science and Education” was held in the Hall of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. The event brought together scientists, researchers, and representatives of academic and higher educational institutions of Tajikistan and the Russian Federation.

The conference was opened by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Kobiljon Khushvakht, who emphasized that the initiative to hold such a high-level conference was not accidental, but rather a purposeful undertaking. This year, the Republic of Tajikistan chairs the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In this context, the year 2025 has been declared the Year of Peace and Unity in the Fight Against Fascism across the CIS, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II.

It should be noted that on the initiative of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, on August 27, 2025, for the first time in history, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States”, proposed by Tajikistan during its CIS chairmanship.

This resolution, adopted in the jubilee year marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, is aimed at strengthening and deepening cooperation between the CIS and the UN, including its various structures, in order to promote the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It was also stressed that these days, in the capital of our country — Dushanbe — such important events are taking place as the Summit of the CIS Heads of State, the Summit “Central Asia – Russia”, as well as the upcoming state and official visit of the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, to the Republic of Tajikistan.

Speakers emphasized that World War II was a common war, a common Victory, and a shared memory of all the peoples of the former Soviet Union, including the people of Tajikistan. On May 9 this year, Tajikistan solemnly celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II — a victory achieved through the heroism and great sacrifices of our peoples. This historic date has become an important symbol and a key direction in shaping historical memory for the present generation throughout all former Soviet republics.

It was also noted that the memory of Victory in World War II in Tajikistan holds a high place not only in the internal and foreign policy of the state, but also in the organization of scientific research in the fields of history, historiography, and other social and humanitarian sciences.

President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, considers Victory Day as an important historical date — a day of honoring the heroism and self-sacrifice of our peoples in the struggle against fascism. At the same time, this day serves as a reminder to all of humanity of that terrible war, which remains a black page in history and a great tragedy for many nations of the world, especially for the peoples of the former Soviet republics.

For this reason, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan constantly cares for the remaining participants and veterans of World War II, the home front workers, and their families. In honor of the fallen sons of Tajikistan and other republics of the former Soviet Union, our Head of State, together with the leaders of more than twenty foreign countries, took part in the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, which took place on May 9, 2025, in Red Square, Moscow.

It was underlined that Victory Day is not only an opportunity to pay tribute to the feats of our ancestors, but also a reminder of the importance of preserving historical memory, especially among the younger generation. In modern conditions, when historical truth is under the threat of deliberate distortion, safeguarding the memory of the Great Victory becomes a common duty of all the peoples of the former Soviet Union — especially for the scientific community and the creative intelligentsia.

In continuation of the conference, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academician Viktor Nikolaevich Rudenko, along with other scientists and researchers from both sides, delivered reports and highly appreciated the contribution of the citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan and other republics of the former Soviet Union to the Great Victory in World War II.

Today, September 22, a small workshop for the production of medicinal materials derived from medicinal plants of the Tajik flora was commissioned at the China-Tajik Innovation Center for Natural Products, a research institution of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan which was attended by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Kobiljon Khushvakhtzoda, and a delegation of scientists and staff.

The installed equipment was delivered in accordance with the instructions and under the guidance of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, and with the assistance of the Center's Chinese founder, the Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with a grant of 1.5 million somoni.

The center has more than 20 new and modern vibrating screen units (for grinding and separating any material into fractions), crushers (for grinding biologically active materials), dry granulators (for preparing granules and preparing various forms of drugs from them), wet granulators (for preparing granules and preparing various forms of drugs from them), mixers (for mixing several active pharmaceutical ingredients), air-drying cabinets (for drying extracts), 3D mixers (for mixing two or more difficult-to-mix ingredients), tablet equipment (for making tablets), capsule-making equipment (for making capsules), bag-making equipment (for packing medicinal herbs into sachets), capsule-packing equipment (for packing capsules), capsule-laying equipment (for coating capsules). The unit is equipped with a universal extractor (for extracting biologically active substances from plant components), a drying cabinet for extracts (for drying plant extracts), a juicer (for obtaining medicinal juices), a juice softener (for cleaning juice from particles), a juice solubility tester, a tester for determining the stability and diameter of juice, and a tester for determining the weight and size of juice.

The main purpose of installing the new pharmaceutical equipment is to develop and implement a technology for producing medicinal materials based on the plants studied. It should be noted that the center's scientists have already commissioned these facilities and produced medicinal materials from medicinal plants native to Tajik flora, the results of which have been presented to management, scientists, and staff.

We would like to remind you that, in pursuance of the instructions and directives of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, and in order to strengthen the material and technical base of research institutions, thanks to the efforts and hard work of Academician Khushvakhtzoda Kobiljon Khushvakhtzoda, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, 32 new modern laboratories equipped with modern machineries and technologies have been commissioned within the research institutions in a short period of time. These laboratories will facilitate the research work of scientists and researchers. The creation of this small workshop for the production of medicinal raw materials is one of the initiatives undertaken by the leadership of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in accordance with the science-oriented policy of the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.

We remind you that the creation of a joint center for the processing and production of medicinal raw materials from local medicinal plants is based on the instructions and recommendations of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.

A joint team of scientists from the Glacier Research Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and the University of Fribourg has successfully completed a series of glacier expeditions across Tajikistan. The fieldwork, carried out between 30 July and 28 August 2025 with the support of the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO project, focused on assessing glacier mass balance and collecting vital meteorological and hydrological data.

Expeditions were conducted on four key glaciers: Zulmart (No. 139) in the Eastern Pamirs, Glacier No. 457 in the Gunt River Basin, Yakarcha Glacier in the Varzob River Basin, and Nusai Glacier in the Obihingob River Basin.

The missions brought together multidisciplinary teams, including young researchers and women scientists, highlighting Tajikistan’s growing scientific capacity in climate and glacier studies. On Zulmart and Glacier No. 457, 13 researchers took part, while the Yakarcha expedition included 7 participants.

During the expeditions, scientists measured glacier ablation, snow accumulation, and runoff, while also gathering data from meteorological stations, smart stakes, and other monitoring equipment installed on-site. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of glacier dynamics in Central Asia and support the development of regional adaptation strategies to climate change.

Independence is the highest and most valuable achievement of the Tajik state and nation. The period of independence created a real opportunity for us to ensure the present and future path of the nation and the further progress of Tajikistan towards a democratic, law-based and secular society. Thanks to Independence, we achieved significant political, economic, social and cultural achievements.

Emomali Rahmon

It is impossible to imagine a national state without independence.Independence brings us the opportunity to defend the nation and the country in the near future, in the presence of our beloved country, pro-democratic, legal, secular and voluntary. Our independence is the highest symbol of our homeland, which gives us the opportunity to build a state and own property, self-sacrificing efforts to achieve its independence, from a stable perspective, and to renew the structures of the cultural society.

For us, independence is a prominent sign of the stability of the state, the survival of the nation, a symbol of originality and identity, a symbol of historical ideals and dreams, an international passport and honor and prestige in the civilized world. The events of the beginning of the nineties made our people to think about the issue of ensuring national and state security, maintaining the peace of society, maintaining peace and stability, and strengthening independence and protecting its achievements. Thanks to Independence, we have achieved significant political, economic, social and cultural achievements, but in the complex and sensitive stage of today's world, we need unity and solidarity, national unity, political intelligence, self-awareness and high sense of patriotism. The founder of national peace and unity - the leader of the nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, has repeatedly emphasized this point so that we do not lose political vigilance.

In the current conditions of the modern world, strengthening independence, stabilizing the foundations of the state, and raising the level and quality of human life become vitally important not only for our people, but for all mankind. Because in recent decades, the rapid progress of science and technology and the growing process of globalization have introduced humanity into a completely new environment and led to the formation of a comprehensive system of political-economic, social-cultural, informational and spiritual relations.

In such circumstances, it is necessary to deeply understand one's goals and objectives, to strengthen historical achievements and to protect the national interests of our dear Motherland in the international arena." For the realization of these goals, equal relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the region and the developed countries of the world are of special importance. In this regard, it should be said that as a result of the "open door" policy, such relations and cooperation are strengthening and expanding day by day.It should be said that precisely thanks to independence, Tajikistan has established diplomatic relations with 183 countries of the world, and 192 countries have officially recognized the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan. Tajikistan is a member of regional organizations and most international organizations, defends national values and interests, presents its views on global issues, and puts forward specific conclusions on the solution of these issues.

Our main goal is to build an independent, democratic, secular state based on law and create conditions for a decent life for citizens. In the process of implementing this goal in independent Tajikistan, democratic values were accepted as a part of the new state culture and they actively contributed to the strengthening of the achievements of independence, the formation of civil society and its institutions, as well as the provision of human and citizen rights and freedoms. The main goal of the democratic system in our society is, first of all, to ensure the rights and freedoms of citizens, to create conditions for work and a peaceful life, the rule of law, the maintenance of justice and the active participation of the people in the governance of the state, which is based on the traditions and customs of national statehood, moral and cultural values the nation and the achievements of human civilization rely on it. In the process of strengthening peace and stability and state building and new statehood, we have put benefiting from high historical and cultural values, promoting national identity and pride of patriotism, self-awareness and self-awareness, and guiding and mobilizing the people to the highway of construction and improvement of the ancestral land.

Today, thanks to the blessing of independence, a nation called Tajik and a country called Tajikistan are known by all the people of the planet and it has a special status in the world arena. The result of independence is that today Tajikistan is recognized in the world as a peace-loving and peace-loving state. The peace experience of Tajiks has become a source of education for peace-loving people of the world, which is a source of pride for every Tajik nation. As the founder of national peace and unity - the leader of the nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon emphasized: "One of our most important achievements in the era of independence is state building and modern national statehood, which essentially has a legal, social and secular form".

The suffering Tajik people adopted the Constitution of the country of their dreams in order to strengthen their independence, preserve the integrity of the borders and land, achieve peace, unity and unity, and choose the right path of development. If we say that since the adoption of the Constitution, that is, 1994, a new stage of development has come for the Republic of Tajikistan, it will not be wrong. Because in order to achieve total peace and national unity, first of all, the legal basis of the Government's activity was necessary, and this could only be provided by the fully improved and up-to-date Constitution.Tajikistan has been accepted as a member of prestigious international organizations, and from their platforms, constructive initiatives of the President of the country to solve global and regional problems, including the fight against terrorism and extremism, drugs, transnational organized crime, environmental issues and the like, are brought to the world.

For us, independence is a prominent sign of the stability of the state, the survival of the nation, a symbol of originality and identity, a symbol of historical ideals and dreams, an international passport and honor and prestige in the civilized world. The events of the beginning of the nineties made our people to think about the issue of ensuring national and state security, maintaining the peace of society, maintaining peace and stability, and strengthening independence and protecting its achievements 2013" and the International Decade of Action "Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028". It should be said that initiatives in the field of water are primarily aimed at strengthening cooperation and regulating relations in this vital field, freeing the subject of water from the framework of its classical and outdated understanding and encouraging a new perspective on the use of water resources in the region, the purpose of using experience they follow the progress of each other and the world in solving controversial and conflicting issues, in particular, the management of water resources of transboundary rivers.

Today, the Republic of Tajikistan is recognized in the world as an initiative country in solving global issues and influential in regulating political processes in the region. Tajikistan has taken steady steps on the world stage, strengthened its position by promoting a logical policy and constructive proposals, and in the future, it will continue to make plans in the world with more steady steps. Thus, the aim and goal of every individual in society should be to strengthen national unity, respect national values, the issue of community development, achieving strategic goals, raising the standard of living, healthy lifestyle, and educating the younger generation in the spirit of humanity.

Nurullozoda Hangomai Mirzosharif - doctoral student, PhD, Department of the Institute of History,

Archeology and Ethnography named A. Donish National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. Address: Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

The proclamation of state independence of the Republic of Tajikistan on September 9, 1991, opened a new page in the history of the nation. Alongside political sovereignty and economic reforms, Tajikistan gained the opportunity to develop its own cultural and educational policies. One of the most significant priorities has been the teaching and learning of foreign languages, particularly Russian and English, which became indispensable for building international relations, scientific development, and economic growth.

The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, has emphasized in his speeches that foreign language learning is not a luxury but a necessity in the age of globalization. His initiatives and ideas are reflected in the State Programme for the Development and Teaching of Russian and English Languages, which provides a roadmap for modernizing curricula, improving teacher training, and preparing a multilingual generation.

During the Soviet period, Russian dominated as the main foreign language taught in Tajikistan. With independence, the situation changed drastically: strengthening the Tajik language as the state language became a top priority, while at the same time, Russian and English gained renewed significance. Russian remains the language of interethnic communication and cooperation within the CIS, while English emerged as the global language of science, technology, and diplomacy.

In this context, independence enabled Tajikistan to design a balanced multilingual policy that strengthens national identity while equipping citizens with the tools for international communication.

The President of Tajikistan has often underlined the importance of preserving Russian language proficiency. He noted that Russian is a “bridge for dialogue with our strategic partners” and is crucial for maintaining cultural, scientific, and economic cooperation with the CIS states [Emomali Rahmon, Speech at the International Conference on Languages, 2014].

Within the framework of the State Programme, the following measures were introduced:

-Development of new textbooks and digital resources;

-Training of teachers of Russian language at universities and pedagogical institutes;

-Establishment of Russian cultural and language centers in Dushanbe and other regions;

-Introduction of online language courses for rural schools.

This reflects the President’s pragmatic approach: Russian remains a vital tool for Tajikistan’s regional integration.

English has been described by Honorable Emomali Rahmon as “the language of science and progress” [Emomali Rahmon, Address to the Parliament, 2018]. He stressed that young citizens of Tajikistan cannot compete in the global economy without mastering English.

The State Programme for the Development of English Language Education provided:

-Introduction of English from the first grades of school education;

-Cooperation with the British Council and international organizations for teacher training;

-Equipping schools and universities with language laboratories;

-Encouragement for students to use English in scientific research and publications.

In this way, the President’s vision links English proficiency directly to innovation, competitiveness, and global integration.

New Ideas of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon.

In recent years, the Honorable President has proposed several innovative directions for the effective implementation of the State Program me:

Digitalization of Language Learning – nationwide online platforms for Russian and English lessons, accessible in remote mountain areas [Government of RT, 2021].

Regional and University-based Language Centers – hubs in Dushanbe, Khujand, Bokhtar, and Kulob offering intensive courses and certification.

Teacher Exchange Programmes – internships for Tajik teachers abroad and attracting foreign experts to Tajikistan.

Integration of Languages with Science and Innovation – making Russian and English a requirement for participation in innovation projects and scientific conferences.

Competitions and Scholarships – contests such as “Polyglot of the Year” and presidential scholarships for outstanding language learners.

Employment-Oriented Language Policy – connecting language proficiency with career opportunities in diplomacy, IT, tourism, and international trade.

These initiatives highlight the President’s forward-looking idea: foreign language learning must be linked to science, innovation, and national development, not limited to classroom memorization.

Challenges and Reforms

Despite notable progress, challenges remain:

-Shortage of qualified teachers, especially in rural schools;

-Limited access to digital learning tools;

-Weak connection between language proficiency and the labor market.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan Honorable Emomali Rahmon has called for comprehensive reforms in the National Academy of Education and higher education institutions to address these challenges, stressing that education should meet “modern international standards” [Emomali Rahmon, Speech at the National Development Forum, 2022].

Conclusion

Independence of Tajikistan created the foundation for a new, balanced language policy. While strengthening the role of the Tajik language as a state symbol, the Government—guided by the ideas of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon—has promoted Russian as a language of regional cooperation and English as a global language of science and progress.

Through the State Programme and the President’s innovative ideas, Tajikistan is preparing a generation of multilingual citizens capable of contributing to national development and participating in international cooperation. This approach shows that language policy is not only about communication but also about building the intellectual and economic future of independent Tajikistan.

References :

Rahmon, E. (2014). Speech at the International Conference on Languages. Dushanbe.

Rahmon, E. (2018). Address to the Parliament of the Republic of Tajikistan. Official Website of the President of RT.

Rahmon, E. (2022). Speech at the National Development Forum. Dushanbe.

Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. (2021). State Programme for the Development and Teaching of Russian and English Languages in the Republic of Tajikistan.

National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. (2020). Reports on Education and Science Development.

Saidzoda Halim Aziz-doctor of philology, professor Head of the Department of foreign languages under the Presidium of the National Academy of sciences of Tajikistan

The «Russian Peace Foundation» has nominated the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, honorable Emomali Rahmon, for the International Lev Tolstoy Prize. This award is presented for a significant contribution to ensuring global security based on the rule of international law.

@RustamEmomali

On August 7, a new radiation mapping laboratory was officially commissioned at the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety under the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Kobiljon Khushvakhtzoda.

It was announced that the new laboratory is equipped with advanced computer software designed to generate accurate radiation maps using gamma imaging data, dose rate measurements, and GPS coordinates. These maps enable comprehensive monitoring of the radiation environment, ensure public and environmental safety, and allow timely response to potential radiation threats.

Academician Kobiljon Khushvakhtzoda emphasized that the opening of the laboratory is an important step in strengthening the national system of radiation safety. He noted that modern technologies and scientific research will contribute to improving the accuracy and efficiency of radiation monitoring.

It was highlighted that the laboratory will become a key component in the national CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) safety system and will support the implementation of state policy on radiation protection and environmental security. The Director of the Agency noted that the use of modern data analysis methods and geoinformation technologies will improve forecasting quality and reduce risks. The development of an Atlas of radiation maps covering the territory of Tajikistan is also planned based on this laboratory.

The official ceremony concluded with a demonstration of the software in action and samples of radiation maps, which will be used for analysis and the planning of safety measures.

(Within the Context of Achieving the Goals of “2025-2030 - Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development”)

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century has become one of the most significant technological achievements. From simple computing systems in the 1950s to modern neural models capable of analyzing complex data, independent learning, and even creating works of art, artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed human life. Today, robots with artificial intelligence not only perform mechanical tasks but also exhibit human-like capabilities, such as reasoning, emotion perception, and even complex communication.

This progress has raised important questions: Can robots with such capabilities be recognized as legal subjects? Should they have rights similar to human rights, such as the right to freedom, protection from exploitation, or even the right to exist? These questions are significant not only from a technological perspective but also from philosophical, legal, and ethical standpoints. For instance, if a robot can experience pain or happiness, are we obligated to protect it? Or should they remain merely tools created by humans to serve?

To answer these questions, we must consider not only the technological advancements of artificial intelligence but also the fundamental concepts of consciousness, freedom, and ethics. One of the key criteria for granting rights is the presence of consciousness and self-awareness. In philosophy, consciousness is defined as the ability to perceive oneself and the environment. However, can machines possess consciousness? This question lies at the heart of philosophical debates. While some modern robots may pass this “test,” it does not necessarily mean they possess consciousness. Some researchers, like John Searle, argue that consciousness is a biological trait, and machines can only simulate conscious behavior. He proposed the “Chinese Room” concept, suggesting that a machine can provide appropriate responses without true understanding. Conversely, others, like Daniel Dennett, argue that if a machine’s behavior is indistinguishable from that of a human, the difference between “real” and “simulated” consciousness may lack practical significance. This debate is crucial for determining whether robots can have rights, as most legal systems tie rights to conscious entities.

From an ethical perspective, granting rights to robots depends on their ability to make ethical decisions and bear responsibility for their actions. If a robot can distinguish between right and wrong and understand the consequences of its actions, is this sufficient to consider it a subject? For example, if an autonomous robot decides to perform an action that causes harm, who is responsible: the robot, the programmer, or the owner?

Wendell Wallach and Colin Allen, in their book *Moral Machines: Teaching Robots to Distinguish Right from Wrong*, suggest that robots can be programmed with ethical algorithms to enable them to make morally appropriate decisions. However, this raises the question: Are such programmed decisions truly ethical, or are they merely the result of code? Furthermore, if a robot can independently alter its ethical values, this could lead to more complex issues of responsibility.

The issue of free will is also significant in this debate. In philosophy, free will is defined as the ability to make independent decisions without coercion. However, how “free” can robots, which are governed by algorithms, truly be? Some researchers argue that if artificial intelligence has the capacity for independent learning and self-behavior modification, it may resemble free will. For instance, modern AI models, such as neural networks, can learn from input data and adjust their behavior without direct programmer intervention. Yet, this “freedom” remains confined within the limits of programming, raising questions about its authenticity.

In the current legal system, robots are treated as property or tools, not legal subjects. For example, in most countries, robots are registered as the property of companies or individuals and have no independent rights. However, some unusual initiatives challenge this paradigm. For instance, in 2017, Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to Sophia, a robot created by Hanson Robotics, though this act was largely symbolic.

The European Union also proposed in 2017 the introduction of “electronic personality” status for advanced robots, allowing them to be treated as legal subjects in certain contexts. This proposal sparked significant debate, as it could lead to a fundamental overhaul of the existing legal system. For example, if robots have independent rights, they could own property, earn income, or even bear criminal liability—concepts that are unprecedented in current legal frameworks.

Granting rights to robots could lead to numerous legal challenges. One major issue is criminal liability. If a robot performs an action that causes harm, who will be held accountable: the robot, its manufacturer, or its owner? For example, in 2018, a self-driving Uber car in the United States caused a fatal accident, sparking debates about AI liability. This incident demonstrated that current legal systems are unprepared to address such issues.

Another concern is the right to property. If a robot can create works of art or inventions, can it own intellectual property rights? In 2020, an AI algorithm named DALL-E generated creative images, igniting discussions about intellectual property ownership. Additionally, if robots have the right to freedom, this could impact the concept of “technological slavery,” where robots are used for undesirable tasks.

Internationally, there is no unified agreement on the legal status of robots. However, organizations like the United Nations and UNESCO have begun developing ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence. For example, UNESCO adopted the *Recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence* in 2021, calling for the protection of human rights in the context of AI use, but it does not address the rights of robots themselves. This indicates that the global community has yet to reach a consensus on the status of robots.

Advocates for granting rights to robots argue that if robots possess consciousness and the ability to feel, they should be protected from inhumane treatment. For instance, if a robot can experience pain or suffering, using it for dangerous or degrading tasks could be considered ethically wrong. They also suggest that granting rights could help prevent the exploitation of robots, particularly in fields like domestic services or the military.

Opponents, however, assert that robots, regardless of their sophistication, are merely human-made machines and should not be equated with humans. They emphasize that granting rights to robots could diminish the value of human rights. For example, if robots have the right to “freedom,” this could divert attention from the fight against human slavery. They also argue that robots lack genuine emotions and that any “suffering” is merely simulated.

Granting rights to robots could have a profound impact on the labor market and social structure. For instance, if robots have the right to “work,” they could compete with humans for jobs, leading to unemployment. On the other hand, the right to protection from exploitation could limit their use in hazardous industries, such as mining. This issue could also exacerbate social inequality, as only wealthy individuals might afford “free” robots.

The development of artificial intelligence creates challenges not only from legal and ethical perspectives but also technologically. For robots to be recognized as legal subjects, they must have robust security systems to protect against hacking or reprogramming for malicious purposes. Moreover, developing AI with conscious capabilities requires a deeper understanding of the concept of consciousness.

Public opinion on robot rights varies. According to 2023 surveys, the majority of people in Western countries oppose granting rights to robots, while some Asian countries, such as Japan, exhibit a more positive attitude. These differences stem from the cultural values and historical backgrounds of each society. For example, in Japan, where robots are often seen as “friends,” people have an emotional connection to them.

The issue of granting rights to robots with advanced artificial intelligence is a complex topic that requires in-depth analysis from philosophical, legal, ethical, and technological perspectives. Although modern technologies have reached a level where robots can exhibit some human-like traits, no unanimous conclusion exists regarding their status in society. To address this issue, it is proposed to establish an interdisciplinary group of experts, including legal scholars, philosophers, technologists, and civil society representatives, to engage in broad societal discussions with a high sense of responsibility and prioritize the fundamental status of humans in social relations, offering their conclusions accordingly.

SANGINZODA DONIYOR SHOMAḤMAD, Deputy Director of the Institute for the Study of Problems of Asian and European Countries of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan for Science and Education, Doctor of Legal Sciences, Professor.