Samarkand hosted the final plenary meeting of the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference, marking the end of a large-scale international forum held outside Paris for the first time in 4 decades.

According to the Uzbekistan MFA, the delegates unanimously approved the document “Expression of gratitude to the people and Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan”. The participants thanked the President of Uzbekistan for his support and personal contribution to the forum, and also expressed gratitude to the people of Uzbekistan for their hospitality and high level of organization.

The decision emphasizes that the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan inspired the conference participants and strengthened international trust and solidarity. It was noted that this document, the first of its kind in UNESCO’s history, reflects international recognition of the country’s contributions to promoting the organization’s values, developing intercultural dialogue, and strengthening the principles of peace and mutual understanding.

The delegates thanked Uzbekistan for the warm welcome, stressing that participation in the Samarkand Session became “not only a diplomatic, but also a spiritual experience”.

Following the event, it was noted that this meeting would become an essential milestone in UNESCO’s history, and that the emerging “Samarkand spirit” – a symbol of openness and mutual trust – would continue to influence the organization’s future activities and initiatives.

Aziza Alimova, UzA