An Inspirational Hero of Tajikistan

Tajikistan. It has a tumultuous history that stretches back 1,000 years. Connected to the region and the rest of the ancient world through the Great Silk Road, Tajikistan has seen the imprint of many cultures that include the Arabs, the Persians, the Mongols, the Turks and lastly, the Russians before the nation came into possession of its own sovereignty in 1991. But its birth was not a smooth transition and Tajikistan was rocked by civil strife for the next few years.

Officials involved in the peace process in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria can draw lessons from some aspects of the Tajik peace experience, which was recognized by UN resolutions as a model for conflict settlement.

It took the charisma, courage and ingenuity of one man to bring order to the chaos that was devastating the national economy.

His Excellency Emomali Rahmon took over as Head of State in November 1992 and spent the next few years putting things in order. The year 1997 was historic as a peace accord was signed with rebel forces, signalling a new era of harmony that has contributed to build a stronger Tajikistan. It was also the year that His Excellency was wounded in a grenade attack. Yet, he chose the path of peace and reconciliation pardoning all opposition leaders in exile. In 1999, the Parliament of Tajikistan awarded him the title, Hero of Tajikistan.

A leader committed to economic transformation

Since then, he has focused his attention on building the economy of Tajikistan, visiting nations around the world to join in his quest to transform the nation.

Over the coming years we plan to speed up the development of industry, energy, transport and communications and agriculture as well as stimulate the private sector and increase state revenues to fund social programmes.

Over the past seven years the GDP of Tajikistan grew steadily by 1.5 times and now a new National Development Strategy to map out the nation’s growth till 2030 is being stitched together. Focus is on weaning dependence on agriculture so they can move to the next phase of adding value to their natural resources and venturing into new sectors related to industrialization and services.

His excellency Emomali is also investing billions of Tajikistan funds into education to ensure the nation has the skills and knowledge to manage the challenges of a fast-changing world ascending into a new era of technology and globalization.

A new Tajikistan is emerging as it shakes off the remnants of a regime that had controlled its destiny for so many decades. At the centre of managing this change is His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.

Some would say he holds Tajikistan in the palm of his hand but it would be more accurate to say he carries the nation lovingly within the hidden chambers of his heart.

For the passion, commitment and dedication with which he is engaged in building the new Tajikistan, the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology feels privileged and honoured to bestow upon His Excellency Emmomali Rahmon the Honorary Doctorate of Leadership this day 24 June 2014.