Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — UNESCO’s Executive Board has unanimously approved a draft decision proposed by Uzbekistan to improve the effectiveness of cultural heritage protection measures amid globalisation and climate change. The decision was adopted during the board’s 225th session at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Dunyo news agency reported.
The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation to protect tangible and intangible cultural heritage from the effects of climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanisation and socio-economic transformation.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the proposal on 30 October 2025 at the opening of UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand.
The adopted decision calls for stronger cooperation among UNESCO member states, international organisations and the scientific community. Priorities include improving risk prevention and management mechanisms and expanding the exchange of scientific knowledge and best practices in the protection of cultural sites.
A key element is the approval of Uzbekistan’s proposal to hold an international symposium on cultural heritage protection amid globalisation and climate change in Khiva in 2027, in cooperation with UNESCO.
The event is expected to bring together specialists from different countries, representatives of international organisations and research institutions, and experts. Participants will discuss ways to protect cultural sites from contemporary threats, apply new technologies, preserve traditional knowledge and improve specialists’ skills.
The symposium is expected to produce practical recommendations for improving cultural heritage conservation and management methods, taking into account national characteristics and international experience.
The draft decision was co-sponsored by 54 UNESCO member states, including China, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.
Representatives of the participating countries highlighted the initiative’s relevance and its alignment with UNESCO’s priorities. They noted that threats associated with climate change and globalisation affect countries regardless of their geographical location or level of economic development, requiring coordinated international efforts.
The delegations also welcomed Uzbekistan’s offer to host the symposium in Khiva, one of the historic and cultural centres of the Silk Road.
The event is expected to build on the work begun at UNESCO’s General Conference session in Samarkand and provide a platform for sharing experience and developing practical approaches to cultural heritage protection in the face of global challenges.
