Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva was born in 1978 in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in International Law from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent, and later received a doctorate degree in Psychology from Tashkent State University.

In her current role as Uzbekistan’s envoy to UNESCO, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is focusing on promoting the centuries-old cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan, the goal primarily aimed at advancing a better understanding between civilizations and respect for their values.

The “You are Not Alone” Foundation was set up by Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva in 2002 to provide assistance to orphanages and children left without parental care in Uzbekistan. Two years later, in 2004, Mrs Karimova-Tillyaeva founded the National Centre for the Social Adaptation of Children, a charitable organization which provides medical and educational assistance to children with disabilities.

Mrs Karimova-Tillyaeva heads two major charitable organizations in Uzbekistan and is renowned for her key role in promoting education and sports as well as championing the rights of orphaned children and children with disabilities in Uzbekistan.

She is married to Timur Tillyaev and they have three children: two daughters and a son.

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has always adhered firmly to her belief that education, culture and sports are key factors in promoting peace and tolerance, and function as a bridge between civilizations, helping to overcome ignorance and stereotypes.

Mrs Karimova-Tillyaeva has been instrumental in launching reforms to improve the situation in orphanages in Uzbekistan, which resulted in many orphaned children being offered better opportunities for their development.

In December 2010 the General Assembly of the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) elected Mrs Karimova-Tillyaeva the AGU’s Honorary President in recognition of her contribution to the development and promotion of gymnastics in the Asian continent.

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s Foundation has initiated and implemented several large-scale projects, constructing, renovating and refurbishing a number of Mercy Homes in Uzbekistan. As a result, these orphanages have been provided with top notch facilities as well as all conditions children need to live, grow and receive a solid education.

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has been the president of Uzbekistan’s Gymnastics Federation since it was founded in 2005.

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has always adhered firmly to her belief that education, culture and sports are key factors in promoting peace and tolerance, and function as a bridge between civilizations, helping to overcome ignorance and stereotypes.