IV International Sculptors’ Symposium “Samarkand – 2025” Underway as Part of CITES CoP20

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Samarkand, the IV International Sculptors’ Symposium “Samarkand – 2025” is taking place within the framework of the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20).

For four consecutive years, this creative event has served as an important platform to promote environmental awareness, foster international cooperation in ecology and the arts, exchange experiences with foreign masters, and enrich the cultural landscape of cities through artworks dedicated to nature.

This year, the symposium is held under the motto “Our Planet — Our Home!” Around 20 renowned sculptors from Uzbekistan and countries including Oman, Iran, Turkey, China, India, the United Kingdom, Georgia, and Japan are participating. The artists are creating marble works themed around the interaction of nature and art.

Chairman of the Union of Artists of Uzbekistan, Ibrokhim Valikhodjaev, highlighted the high level of interest in the symposium: “This year, more than 150 sculptors from 73 countries submitted over 300 sketches for participation. The jury selected the 17 best projects, whose authors were invited to Uzbekistan. They have been provided with the necessary materials and large marble blocks, and today they are creating unique works of art.”

The Samarkand “Jannat Makon” Park has been equipped with all the necessary facilities to ensure the symposium is conducted at a high standard. Participants are provided with comfortable creative spaces, fostering productive work and experience exchange with local artists.

Completed sculptures will be installed in parks and squares of Samarkand and Tashkent, becoming part of the urban cultural environment.

Until 7 December, the symposium will also feature creative meetings and master classes at the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage “Silk Road” and the Tourism Academy. Additionally, CITES CoP20 participants will be introduced to the process of sculpture creation and the exhibition of completed works.

Concurrently, an exhibition of visual artworks focused on endangered wildlife and plant species is being held at the International Tourism Center in Samarkand.

The event is part of the cultural program of CITES CoP20 and aims to draw attention to biodiversity conservation issues.