Saida Mirziyoyeva delivers a speech at World Influencers Congress (video)

On August 23, I World Influencers Congress kicked off in Tashkent. The event was attended by Saida Mirziyoyeva, the Deputy Director of the Agency for Information and Mass Communications. She delivered a welcome speech and posted her performance on her Instagram page.

"Dear participants,
 
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Government, Diplomatic Corps, Colleagues, Friends!
 
Hi and welcome to Uzbekistan!" Saida Mirziyoyeva said.
 
"It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you all today to the inaugural World Influencers Congress. Before we begin, I would like to say a few words about this extraordinary event. Seated in front of me, is a young, beautiful and talented crowd representing more than 40 countries around the globe.
 
At this moment, social media, social capital and our shared social networks are the most innovative change in marketing the world has seen. Everyone sitting in front of me today will reach a majority of the globally connected world of lifestyle, travel and entertainment. This Congress is a clear example of the value of a strong internet as a powerful form of communication in Uzbekistan as well. I’m truly delighted to see this, and I expect this pattern to continue. 
  
I think your fascinating lives are the envy of many! Travelling, beauty, photography, great food, healthy and luxury lifestyles – you are the true global trend-setters for the millions of young people around the world. While we are working our boring office jobs, you are crisscrossing the most amazing places in the world, and actually getting paid for it! What a cool way to mix your passions with business!

Let me speak about my country, which I love beyond words. Uzbekistan today is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world, which you will find is really cool to be visiting.
 
You’ve embarked on a truly awesome, thrilling, memorable and fun journey at the heart of the Ancient Silk Road! Our country has much to offer and I think each of you will find your niche.   
You will be experiencing the beauty of our nature, warmth and hospitality of our people, breathtaking architecture, and our delicious food. Uzbekistan in August has such a pleasant, velvet weather, and markets are in abundance of the best seasonal fruits and vegetables our land has on offer, and probably some of the freshest produce you’ve tried. 

Today, we are witnessing the rapid emergence of a whole generation of bloggers and vloggers in our country that have embraced the phenomenon of digital marketing, and social media influencing, covering a wide-range of topics in social, economic and political spheres. This event is an opportunity for you all to mingle with your world-renowned colleagues, share experiences, visions, and best practices. 
You hold the great power of influencing the greater public. The impact of blogs on shaping and reshaping public opinion is undoubtedly enormous, especially when it’s aimed at bringing common good and greater societal value. 

It’s not a secret that in the current stage of globalization and interconnectedness, that digital marketing plays a pivotal role in attracting tourism, investment and increasing the prominence of any country. We are well aware of this and taking necessary steps by putting Uzbekistan on the world stage and demonstrating our true potential. We understand the importance of a strong online presence and what it means for an open society.
 
Millions of people learn about new, exciting destinations through your travel experiences, and I think you are the leading ambassadors of global connectivity and expanding the horizons and unearthing new travel destinations for your followers.
 
At the same time, you have a very serious and important societal role to share truthful independent opinions and direct, first-hand experiences to your followers. In addition, many of you have embraced social responsibility and use your platforms to help people in need.