The 7th Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions (AACC) is being held in Samarkand. More than 100 participants from 18 countries, including heads of constitutional and supreme courts, representatives of international organizations, and legal scholars, are taking part in the Congress. The main theme of the Congress is “Constitutional Justice in the Era of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.”

At the opening ceremony, a welcoming address from President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was delivered. The address emphasized that ensuring human rights and freedoms, strengthening judicial independence, and upholding the rule of law remain among the key priorities of judicial and legal reforms. In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the importance of constitutional justice, international experience, and legal cooperation is increasing.

The Congress focuses on strengthening constitutional oversight, judicial independence, human rights, and the rule of law amid digital transformation. Particular attention is being paid to the impact of artificial intelligence and digital solutions on the legal system, the protection of personal data, and the exercise of constitutional rights and freedoms in the digital environment.

The first plenary session, titled “Judicial Independence, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in the Context of Digital Transformation,” addressed these issues in greater detail.

Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, delivered a special address at the session. Representatives of India, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, and Spain shared their experience in the use of digital technologies, constitutional oversight, and the protection of human rights.

The discussions also covered the opportunities created by digital technologies and artificial intelligence for public administration, the judicial system, and citizens, as well as related challenges, including the protection of personal data, information security, and human rights. Participants exchanged views on updating legislation, applying international standards and best practices, and maintaining an appropriate balance between technological development and the protection of constitutional rights.

The Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions was established in July 2010 in Jakarta and brings together constitutional courts and equivalent institutions exercising constitutional jurisdiction in Asian countries. Its objectives include promoting democracy and the rule of law, protecting human rights and freedoms, strengthening judicial independence, and facilitating the exchange of experience and information.

Uzbekistan is a founding member of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions. The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan has held the chairmanship of the Association since November 2025 and will continue in this capacity through 2027. Holding the 7th Congress in Uzbekistan contributes to expanding international cooperation in the field of constitutional justice, strengthening professional dialogue, and developing common approaches to legal issues arising from digital transformation.

The first day of the Congress also included meetings of the Secretaries General and the Council of Members, a working meeting of the Association of Constitutional Review Bodies of Eurasia, as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings between the heads of delegations. These meetings provided an additional platform for exchanging experience, discussing current legal issues, and identifying areas for further cooperation.