{"id":84348,"date":"2025-10-31T08:48:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T08:48:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thediplomat.com.pk\/?p=84348"},"modified":"2025-11-03T08:49:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T08:49:42","slug":"samarkand-makes-history-as-unesco-holds-43rd-general-conference-outside-paris-for-the-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thediplomat.com.pk\/index.php\/2025\/10\/31\/samarkand-makes-history-as-unesco-holds-43rd-general-conference-outside-paris-for-the-first-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Samarkand makes history as UNESCO holds 43rd General Conference outside Paris for the first time"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UZBEKISTAN\u2019S CULTURAL REVIVAL AND LEADERSHIP IN GLOBAL HERITAGE, EDUCATION, AND SCIENCE TAKE CENTER STAGE<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

SAMARKAND, Friday, October 31, 2025 : The ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand has made history by hosting the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) \u2014 the first time in the organization\u2019s 40-year history that its highest governing body convenes outside its Paris headquarters.<\/p>\n

The landmark event is widely seen as international recognition of New Uzbekistan\u2019s growing global stature, its leadership in preserving humanity\u2019s shared cultural heritage, and its expanding role in fostering intercultural and humanitarian cooperation.<\/p>\n

Described as a \u201ccrossroads of civilizations,\u201d Samarkand\u2019s selection as host city embodies UNESCO\u2019s founding ideals of dialogue, tolerance, and diversity.<\/p>\n

THE SETTING ALSO MIRRORS UZBEKISTAN\u2019S DOMESTIC VISION \u2014 A \u201cTHIRD RENAISSANCE\u201d MOVEMENT PROMOTED BY PRESIDENT SHAVKAT MIRZIYOYEV, FOCUSED ON ADVANCING EDUCATION, SCIENCE, AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Since joining UNESCO in 1993, Uzbekistan has emerged as one of the organization\u2019s most active members. The UNESCO Office in Tashkent, established in 1996, has served as a hub for collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. Frequent exchanges between Uzbekistan\u2019s leadership and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay have further strengthened this partnership in recent years.<\/p>\n

Uzbekistan has twice served on UNESCO\u2019s Executive Board (1997\u20132001 and 2009\u20132013) and currently holds a seat on the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022\u20132026). A new four-year cooperation framework (2022\u20132026) is now being implemented to advance projects in key sectors.<\/p>\n

Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural legacy features prominently in UNESCO\u2019s heritage initiatives. Seven sites in the country \u2014 including the Historic Centre of Bukhara, Itchan Kala, and Samarkand: Crossroads of Cultures \u2014 are inscribed on the World Heritage List.<\/p>\n

Equally significant is Uzbekistan\u2019s success in safeguarding its living traditions. Sixteen elements, from Shashmaqam music and Bakhshi storytelling to plov cuisine and Navruz celebrations, are recognized on UNESCO\u2019s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.<\/p>\n

Uzbekistan\u2019s dynamic cultural diplomacy has also taken shape through major festivals jointly organized with UNESCO, such as Sharq Taronalari (Melodies of the East), the Maqom Art Forum, Atlas Bayrami, and the Lazgi Dance Festival in Khiva \u2014 establishing the nation as a vibrant center of cultural dialogue across Eurasia.<\/p>\n

Education and science have become new frontiers in the Uzbekistan\u2013UNESCO collaboration. The country now hosts eight UNESCO Chairs and 24 Associated Schools, with Tashkent and Fergana joining the Global Network of Learning Cities. A new UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Historical Tourism was established in 2024 at the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage \u201cSilk Road\u201d in Samarkand.<\/p>\n

Uzbekistan also plays an active role in UNESCO\u2019s scientific programs, particularly in environmental conservation and water diplomacy. Its Chatkal and Lower Amu Darya biosphere reserves form part of UNESCO\u2019s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.<\/p>\n

A major milestone in 2024 was the launch of the UNESCO\u2013Uzbekistan Abu Rayhan Beruni International Prize for research in Artificial Intelligence Ethics, with the first award ceremony scheduled during this year\u2019s General Conference in Samarkand.<\/p>\n

Uzbekistan has been instrumental in advancing several key UNESCO resolutions, including the \u201cKhiva Process: Promoting International Cooperation in Central Asia\u201d and the \u201cTashkent Declaration on Universal Access to Information.\u201d These initiatives highlight the country\u2019s role as a bridge between cultures and regions.<\/p>\n

As representatives from nearly 200 countries gather in Samarkand, the city \u2014 once a radiant center of learning, science, and art \u2014 has reclaimed its historic place as a meeting point of civilizations. The 43rd UNESCO General Conference not only celebrates humanity\u2019s shared heritage but also charts a collective vision for the future \u2014 one that echoes both the spirit of UNESCO and Uzbekistan\u2019s enduring pursuit of a global renaissance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n