Mirziyoyev meets with UNESCO Director-General

Paris, March 12 – President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as part of his state visit to France. The meeting was reported by the President’s press service.  

Discussions focused on further developing effective cooperation with UNESCO and practical preparations for the 43rd session of the organization's General Conference, set to take place this fall in Samarkand.  

"The high level of Uzbekistan-UNESCO partnership was noted with satisfaction. At Uzbekistan’s initiative, resolutions on information access and children's education have been adopted. The country has also become a member of the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage. Additionally, Bukhara has joined UNESCO’s "Network of Creative Cities," and a UNESCO department has been established at the Silk Road University in Samarkand. Last year, seven new projects were launched in education, culture, digitalization, and innovative technologies," the report stated.

Several cultural and historical assets from Uzbekistan have been included in UNESCO’s Special Lists, such as the Turanian steppes, the Zarafshan-Karakum corridor, silk weaving, pottery, the traditions of playing the rubab and iftar, as well as historical documents and photo collections, including the "Archive of the Divankhana of the Emir of Bukhara," the "Album of Turkestan," and the "Photo Album of Khudoybergan Devonov."  

"The upcoming 43rd session of the General Conference in Samarkand will mark the first time in 40 years that the event is held outside UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. It also coincides with the organization's 80th anniversary. Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised the productive cooperation with Uzbekistan and expressed gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for the extensive preparations for the conference," the report stated.  

Both sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation, expanding joint programs, and organizing forums and events within the framework of the General Conference.  

Earlier today, President Mirziyoyev arrived in Paris on a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He was welcomed upon arrival by French Minister of National Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, along with Commander of the Paris Military District General Loïc Mizon and other officials.