Uzbekistan officially opened the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2026), becoming the first country in Central Asia to host one of the world's largest chemistry competitions.
Uzbekistan officially opened the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2026), becoming the first country in Central Asia to host one of the world's largest chemistry competitions.
The competition will run until July 19 and has gathered talented schoolchildren from over 90 countries. Representatives of the joint venture Uzkimyosanoat participated in the opening ceremony. Participants will demonstrate their theoretical knowledge, practical skills in chemistry, analytical thinking, and scientific potential.
The International Chemistry Olympiad is considered one of the most prestigious subject contests in the world and a major international platform for STEM education. Its goal is to support gifted young people, promote scientific cooperation, and find promising young scientists.
Speakers at the ceremony emphasized Uzbekistan's efforts in developing science and education, improving the quality of youth upbringing, and expanding international cooperation. They noted that hosting an Olympiad of this scale will help strengthen the country's international authority in the field of science and education.
During the ceremony, participants recalled that at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad, held in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, Uzbekistan achieved its best result in history, winning two gold and two silver medals and ranking sixth among 95 participating countries.
According to the organizers, hosting IChO 2026 in Uzbekistan reflects the country's ongoing reforms in science, innovation, and support for talented youth, marking an important step in strengthening its position in the global scientific community.