Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In Paris, at the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference, Deputy Prime Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov spoke at a general political debate.

The event was attended by the leadership of UNESCO, the General Conference and the Executive Board, delegations from all Member States.

The Uzbek side, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, congratulated the Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay on his re-election for a second term. The participants were provided with detailed information on the ongoing efforts to develop the areas within the mandate of UNESCO.

Separately, such aspects as the expansion of funding for the sectors of culture, education, science and information, the launch of the introduction of modern digital technologies to create three-dimensional copies of World Heritage sites, the implementation of large-scale Presidential programs "New Uzbekistan" in the field of education and "Third Renaissance" in the field of science were noted.

During the event, the issues of relations between Uzbekistan and UNESCO, which have acquired a deep character in recent years, were touched upon. The commitment of the Government of Uzbekistan to further expand cooperation with UNESCO and member countries was expressed, including within the framework of promoting the republic’s initiatives to launch the Khiva Process platform, hold the Global Forum in the field of preschool education and celebrate the 1050th anniversary of Abu Rayhon Beruni within the framework of UNESCO.

Regarding the upcoming plans to intensify interaction with UNESCO, attention is drawn to such areas as increasing the participation of Uzbekistan in the work of the Executive Council and the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, for whose membership the republic has nominated itself, the inclusion of the Art of Bakhshi and the Zarafshan-Kairakkum corridor Silk Road ”to the relevant lists, the organization of a global conference to celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, and the promotion of biodiversity and Geoparks.

Heads of delegations, including the ministers of foreign affairs, education, culture, science and sports of about 50 states, made presentations at the general political debates. During their speeches, the delegates touched upon various aspects of UNESCO’s activities.

The current state and prospects for the development of cooperation between the member countries and the Organization were considered. Proposals were voiced to improve the effectiveness of UNESCO’s work to promote key areas within its competence.