Samarkand – At the Crossroads of World Heritage: UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference as a Historic Turning Point

Located at the heart of the Great Silk Road, the ancient city of Samarkand, which for centuries served as a crossroads of civilizations, is now witnessing yet another historic event. For the first time in history, the 43rd session of UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) General Conference is being hosted outside its headquarters in Paris — in Samarkand. This is not only a great honor for Uzbekistan but also a vivid example of international recognition for the entire Central Asian region.

Traditionally, UNESCO’s General Conferences have always been held at the organization’s headquarters in Paris. Thus, hosting this session in Samarkand marks an unprecedented event in UNESCO’s history, signifying a renewed acknowledgment on the global stage of Uzbekistan’s invaluable contribution to world civilization, science, and culture. It also reflects UNESCO’s high appreciation of the East’s rich heritage and modern Uzbekistan’s policy of openness and international cooperation.

Samarkand’s selection as the host city is no coincidence. It is the land that gave the world such great thinkers, scholars, and statesmen as Imam al-Bukhari, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Amir Temur (Tamerlane), and Mirzo Ulugbek. Their discoveries and works in the fields of science, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, literature, and the arts have had an immense influence on the progress of world civilization. Notably, the observatory built by Mirzo Ulugbek in Samarkand and his astronomical catalogue “Zij-i Gurgani” served as a fundamental source for Eastern and Western astronomers for centuries.

Uzbekistan and particularly its cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shahrisabz has long been among the greatest centers of learning, culture, and enlightenment in human history. The foundations of the Islamic Golden Age were laid here. This land has long been distinguished by religious tolerance, a thirst for knowledge, and a deep respect for the arts.

Today, Uzbekistan continues to strengthen cooperation with the global community and is taking significant steps toward preserving cultural heritage and advancing education and science. Within the framework of its partnership with UNESCO, numerous projects have been implemented, many cultural sites have been restored, and efforts continue to pass this priceless legacy on to future generations.

The 43rd session in Samarkand will serve as a platform for discussing pressing global issues including the development of education, dissemination of scientific achievements, preservation of cultural diversity, and the application of information and communication technologies for the benefit of humanity.

This conference will not only reinforce cooperation among international organizations and states but also further enhance Samarkand’s prestige on the world stage. Through this remarkable event, the world will once again witness Uzbekistan’s rich history, vibrant culture, and its impressive pace of modern development.