On October 30, Samarkand hosted the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, held outside Paris for the first time in more than 40 years. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that organizing such a major forum in Samarkand reflects the international community’s trust in Uzbekistan’s reforms and growing global standing, Daryo.uz reports.
The president welcomed delegations from over 190 countries and expressed gratitude to the leadership of UNESCO and foreign guests for their participation. He highlighted that UNESCO, throughout its 80-year history, has become an influential global institution fostering cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication, while strengthening trust and solidarity among nations.
Mirziyoyev noted that it was symbolic for the session to take place in Samarkand — a city of great cultural heritage and inter-civilizational dialogue, home to brilliant scholars such as Mirzo Ulugbek. The president reminded attendees that Ulugbek’s observatory produced the famous star catalogue, which later influenced the discoveries of Copernicus and Kepler.
He stressed that geopolitical instability and military conflicts continue to harm cultural monuments, while digital inequality deepens global divides. In such a context, solidarity and humanistic values become crucial. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a bridge between East and West, offering an open platform for dialogue and cooperation.
The president recalled that Uzbekistan is implementing a five-year cooperation program with UNESCO (2023–2027). As part of this program, the country has organized events dedicated to great thinkers such as Al-Biruni, Ahmad al-Farghani, Amir Temur, Ali Kushchi, and Kamoliddin Behzod. New heritage sites have been added along the Zarafshan–Karakum corridor, while the natural areas of the Western Tien Shan and Turan deserts have been recognized for their biodiversity.
Around 20 elements of Uzbekistan’s intangible cultural heritage are now inscribed on UNESCO’s list, including Shashmaqom, the Lazgi dance, the Navruz celebration, the art of Askiya, and traditional silk weaving. Under UNESCO’s auspices, Uzbekistan hosts major festivals such as Sharq Taronalari, the Art of Maqam, Bakhshi, and Folk Crafts Festivals.
Among the key initiatives led by Uzbekistan are the “Khiva Process,” “Tashkent Declaration on Early Childhood Education,” and the “Tashkent Declaration on Access to Information.” UNESCO partner schools operate in Tashkent and Fergana, and hundreds of cultural monuments have been restored using international standards.
Mirziyoyev also announced several new proposals, including the creation of a UNESCO Platform for Inclusive Education Development, a World Summit on Vocational Education, and an International Forum on Artificial Intelligence Ethics.
In the cultural sphere, Uzbekistan proposed establishing an International Institute for Digital Heritage and declaring November 19 as the International Day of Documentary Heritage. In 2027, the country plans to host a World Congress on Crafts and Folk Art in Bukhara.
The president paid special attention to gender equality, suggesting the creation of a UNESCO Academy for Women’s Leadership and organizing a Global Forum for Women in Education, Science, and Culture in Samarkand.
Concluding his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the global community to unite in combating climate change and to preserve cultural heritage as a foundation for humanity’s sustainable future.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
31 октября 2025 года