Today, in the ancient city of Samarkand—long a crossroads of cultures and civilizations—the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference officially opens.
This historic event is being held outside UNESCO Headquarters in Paris for the first time in 40 years, and for the first time ever – in Central Asia. Hosting such a large-scale forum in Uzbekistan underscores the country’s growing role in international cultural and humanitarian cooperation and symbolizes its ongoing contributions to the preservation and promotion of the world’s heritage.
Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of UNESCO’s founding, this session is set to become one of the largest international forums in the history of the region. The session bringing together more than 2,800 participants from 190 member states and international organizations, including around 70 high-level dignitaries.
President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini, who are visiting Uzbekistan, will take part in the opening ceremony as honored guests.
Samarkand session will feature over 150 events, including more than 20 initiatives proposed by Uzbekistan.
At the same time, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will attend and deliver a keynote address at the opening ceremony.
On the sidelines of the forum, President will hold bilateral meetings with President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
More than 500 journalists from leading international and national media outlets will cover the proceedings of the 43rd General Conference. Necessary facilities have been created in Samarkand to ensure their effective work.
Hosting the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand represents not only a diplomatic achievement but also a symbolic milestone in Uzbekistan’s growing recognition on the global stage. Once a center of Eastern scholarship, arts, and education, the city is once again emerging as a global platform for dialogue between cultures and ideas. This reflects the spirit of the Third Renaissance and underscores the country’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation for a sustainable future for humanity.