Sara Noshadi: Samarkand Surpasses Paris in Organizing UNESCO Forum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has become the first country in the past forty years to boldly host a UNESCO General Conference outside Paris, UNESCO’s country representative Sara Noshadi said, emphasizing that the decision to hold the 43rd session in Samarkand was historic.

“Why Uzbekistan? Because it was not afraid to dream,” Noshadi noted. For a long time, holding UNESCO’s main forum outside the French capital seemed impossible, but thanks to the initiative and determination of Tashkent, it became a reality.

She added that the organization and level of preparation for the event in Samarkand left a strong impression on international guests. “All my colleagues from Paris say one word—‘wow.’ One could even say that the coordination here surpassed Paris,” the head of the UNESCO office emphasized.

The General Conference is UNESCO’s key forum, bringing together all member states once every two years.

At the same time, the UNESCO Youth Forum is taking place in Samarkand, where young delegates from around the world discuss the development of education, culture, science, and communications.

Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UNESCO spans more than three decades. Since 2017, following the start of large-scale reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the partnership with the organization has reached a new level. In 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Paris between the head of state and UNESCO, opening new prospects for joint initiatives.

Today, one of UNESCO’s largest educational programs is being implemented in Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education. Special attention is given to training teaching staff, establishing professional skill centers, and developing the TVET system.

In addition, active work is underway to preserve and promote cultural heritage. Uzbekistan ranks among the leading countries in the region in terms of funding for cultural projects, which, according to Noshadi, reflects the country’s “deep understanding of the value of its history and identity.”

“Samarkand has become not only a symbol of cultural greatness but also a platform where the future and traditions meet in harmony. This forum is proof that Uzbekistan is capable of inspiring the world,” the UNESCO representative concluded.