Web Desk; Uzbekistan has achieved a major diplomatic milestone as UNESCO has selected the ancient city of Samarkand to host the 43rd session of its General Conference in 2025.
This decision, adopted at the conclusion of the 42nd UNESCO session in Paris, marks the first time in four decades that the prestigious conference will be held outside the French capital.
Supported unanimously by all 194 member states, the resolution reflects the international community’s recognition of Uzbekistan’s dynamic reforms in education, science, and culture. It also underscores the country’s growing influence in promoting intercultural dialogue and preserving global heritage.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed deep gratitude to all international partners for supporting this historic decision, noting that Uzbekistan will utilize every resource to ensure the successful organization of the conference. An Organizing Committee has been formed to coordinate preparations, which include logistics, cultural programs, and cooperation with UNESCO on event arrangements.
More than 5,000 participants from across the world are expected to attend. Alongside the main conference, the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum and the 12th Interregional Meeting of National Commissions will also take place in Samarkand. Key topics will include the use of artificial intelligence in museums, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
Samarkand’s selection as host city is symbolically significant. Once a vital crossroads of the Silk Road, it represents the meeting point of civilizations. Its architectural treasures, such as Registan Square and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, continue to inspire global admiration.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has lauded Uzbekistan’s progress and thanked its leadership for the ongoing preparations. The upcoming event will further strengthen cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO, as both parties plan new initiatives in cultural heritage protection, AI ethics, and education.
Uzbekistan’s engagement with UNESCO spans over three decades, with several heritage sites and traditions already listed in UNESCO registers, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Recently, Uzbekistan has also submitted nominations for “Tashkent Modernism Architecture” and “The Great Silk Road: Fergana-Syrdarya Route.”
The 2025 UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand will not only reaffirm Uzbekistan’s pivotal role in cultural diplomacy but will also stand as a global platform to celebrate diversity, foster peace, and strengthen cooperation in education, science, and heritage preservation.
