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President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, participated in the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Samarkand. Welcoming delegates to the historic city, the president expressed gratitude to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, heads of state including Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic and Slovakia’s Peter Pellegrini, and representatives of international organizations for attending the conference. He highlighted that this session is the first in 40 years to be held outside UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. “Hosting this representative forum in Samarkand reflects the high level of trust that UNESCO member states place in the reforms being implemented in New Uzbekistan,” President Mirziyoyev said. The president emphasized UNESCO’s pivotal role over the past 80 years in promoting international cooperation in education, science, culture, and information, as well as in strengthening solidarity among nations. He underscored the organization’s importance in preserving national identities, safeguarding cultural heritage, and fostering dialogue among religions. Highlighting Samarkand’s legacy as a center of knowledge, science, and intercivilizational exchange, the President referenced the Mirzo Ulugbek observatory, whose star tables influenced the work of Copernicus and Kepler. He invited participants to explore the city’s rich history as a hub of learning and cultural exchange along the Great Silk Road. President Mirziyoyev noted global challenges, including conflicts threatening cultural heritage and inequalities in access to knowledge and digital technologies. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to UNESCO’s goals and its readiness to serve as a bridge between regions, offering an open platform for cooperation. Uzbekistan is implementing a five-year cooperation program with UNESCO through 2027. The country has commemorated anniversaries of prominent figures such as Abu Rayhan Beruniy, Ahmad Fergani, Amir Temur, and Kamoliddin Behzod, while celebrating institutions like the Mamun Academy of Khorezm and literary monuments including the epic Alpomish. New World Heritage sites have been added along the Zarafshan–Karakum Corridor, and natural areas in the Western Tien Shan and Turan Deserts reflect the region’s biodiversity. The president highlighted that nearly twenty elements of Uzbekistan’s intangible heritage, including Shashmaqom, Katta Ashula, the Lazgi dance, and the Navruz holiday, are recognized by UNESCO. Festivals such as Sharq Taronalari and events dedicated to folk crafts, maqom, and ethnosport continue to thrive under UNESCO’s auspices. During the conference, President Mirziyoyev announced multiple initiatives to advance UNESCO’s work. Key proposals include: Inclusive Education & AI Integration: Creation of a UNESCO Platform for Inclusive Education, a World Summit on Vocational Education, the pilot project “Artificial Intelligence – School,” and an International Forum on AI Ethics.Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Strengthening the Memory of the World Program, declaring November 19 as International Documentary Heritage Day, and establishing an International Institute of Digital Heritage.Promotion of Arts and Crafts: Hosting an International Congress on Crafts and Folk Arts in Bukhara in 2027 within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.Gender Equality & Leadership: Establishing a UNESCO Academy for Women’s Leadership and organizing a Global Forum on Women in Education, Culture, and Science.Climate Action & Heritage Protection: Launching the “UNESCO Eco-Capital” initiative and holding an international symposium on climate change and cultural heritage in Khiva.Media Literacy & Interfaith Dialogue: Organizing an International Festival of Children’s Cultural Content, developing a UNESCO media literacy strategy, and promoting interfaith harmony and tolerance. The president also proposed leveraging Uzbekistan’s unique projects, including the Center of Islamic Civilization and research centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, Imam Termizi, and Bahauddin Naqshband. Concluding his address, President Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the session would strengthen international cooperation, foster global partnerships, and promote sustainable development. He described the “Spirit of Samarkand” as a symbol of peace, friendship, and mutual understanding.
