At the end of October, Samarkand will host the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

This international forum holds historic significance, as it will be the first in 40 years to be held not at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, but in Samarkand, a city that bridges East and West. Another critical aspect of the 43rd session is that a new Director-General will be elected, as the current head of the organization’s mandate comes to an end. Preparations for the event are being actively carried out in Uzbekistan in cooperation with the UNESCO headquarters.

In accordance with the Presidential Resolution of March 15, 2024, the composition of the Organizing Committee has been approved, and working groups have been established.

“Together with the relevant organizations, work is being carried out to ensure security, provide medical assistance if necessary, organize transportation services, and address other issues”, said Rustam Kobilov, Deputy Hokim of Samarkand region. “Tourist programs along six routes have been developed for guests to explore the region in their free time outside the main events. Specific locations have also been designated where visitors can enjoy traditional Uzbek cuisine”.

Since September 22, the Headquarters for preparations for the international forum has been officially operating in Samarkand. Staff from ministries, agencies, and responsible organizations have been assigned to the Headquarters, and their daily activities are being monitored. The Headquarters is working in close cooperation with the UNESCO headquarters, and its activities are being coordinated accordingly.

According to officials, several issues related to logistics, cooperation with the media, preparation of informational materials, and creating comfortable conditions for participants and guests were resolved within the first few days.

The main events will take place at the Silk Road Samarkand International Tourism Center. Accommodation for session participants and guests will be arranged in 130 hotels across the city of Samarkand. The renovation and equipping of seven modern halls for panel sessions, with a total capacity to host 1,500 people simultaneously, are nearing completion. Spaces are also being prepared for 12 exhibition stands to showcase innovative projects and technologies. The event is expected to be attended by UNESCO leadership and secretariat in full, heads of state, leaders of international organizations, ministers and ambassadors, as well as more than 4,000 delegates from 193 UNESCO member states.

As part of the session, the UNESCO Youth Forum, a meeting of national commissions, will feature the presentation of the UNESCO-Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize, international exhibitions in museums, and concert programs with world-renowned performers.

G. Khasanov, UzA