Shavkat Mirziyoyev Receives UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay During State Visit to France
Paris, The Gulf Observer: As part of his state visit to France, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on March 12. The meeting centered on enhancing productive cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with a particular focus on the preparations for the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, set to take place in Samarkand this autumn.
During the discussions, both parties acknowledged the high level of multifaceted partnership between Uzbekistan and UNESCO, expressing satisfaction with the current state of cooperation. Notable achievements in this collaboration include the adoption of resolutions on access to information and children’s education at Uzbekistan’s initiative, as well as the country’s membership in the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
Bukhara’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the establishment of a UNESCO Chair at the “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand were also highlighted. Furthermore, last year, Uzbekistan initiated seven new projects in the fields of education, culture, digital, and innovative technologies. These projects include the recognition of significant cultural and historical elements, such as the Deserts of Turan, the Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, and various artistic traditions, as well as the inclusion of notable works like the “Turkestan Album” and “Photo Album of Khudoybergan Devonov” in UNESCO’s special lists.
The meeting also underscored the importance of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which will be hosted in Samarkand later this year. This event will mark the first time in 40 years that the session will be held outside UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris and will coincide with the organization’s 80th anniversary. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to ensure the successful hosting of this landmark event and expressed gratitude for the country’s extensive preparations.
In conclusion, both parties agreed to continue expanding practical cooperation programs and further strengthen their collaboration in organizing forums and events on the sidelines of the upcoming UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.
