UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called the moment 'historic', noting that Samarkand is often described in literature as one of the world's most luminous cultural crossroads.

Samarkand

UNESCO convened its General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, drawing over 2,800 delegates from 190 countries and marking the organization's 80th anniversary. This event was notable as the first time in four decades that the conference was held outside Paris and the first ever in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan's President Shabkat Mirziyoyev presented a reform agenda that included proposals for a global platform on inclusive education, a pilot school for artificial intelligence, an institute for digital heritage, and a UNESCO Academy on Women's Leadership. The conference also featured participation from the presidents of Serbia and Slovakia, underscoring the forum's significance for international cooperation in culture and education.

Uzbekistan unveils education and AI initiatives at UNESCO conference

For the first time in 40 years, UNESCO brings its General Conference outside Paris, and for the first time ever, to Central Asia. More than 2,800 delegates from 190 countries gather in the historic city of Samarkand, in Uzbekistan, as UNESCO marks its 80th anniversary and opens one of the largest international forums ever held in the region. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azouli called it a historic moment, thanking Uzbekistan for opening the doors of a city that writers once described as the most beautiful face turned toward the sun. President of Uzbekistan Shabkat Mirziyoyev set out a reform-driven agenda, from inclusive education and AI in schools, to safeguarding intangible heritage and supporting women's leadership. We welcome the initiative of the UNESCO General Conference held in Uzbekistan, which is the largest forum ever held in our country, and the strong statement of the high level of work carried out by the free states in the organization. Uzbekistan proposed a global platform on inclusive education, a pilot school of artificial intelligence, an international institute for digital heritage, and a UNESCO Academy on Women's Leadership. Samarkand was chosen not only as a Silk Road crossroads, but as a modern center of knowledge, where ancient heritage and innovation meet. The presidents of Serbia and Slovakia attended as honored guests, as the forum opened a new chapter in international cultural and educational cooperation, with Samarkand once again standing at the heart of global dialogue. www.unsc.org

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