The President of Uzbekistan and the UNESCO Director-General discuss new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation

On November 15, 2022, as part of the World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in Tashkent, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Audrey Azoulay.

The practical aspects of enhancing the constructive and productive interaction of Uzbekistan with UNESCO were discussed.

The current level of fruitful partnership was noted with satisfaction. Joint programs and projects are being implemented in accordance with the Country Program and the adopted roadmap.

Uzbekistan has been elected a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the first time. The art of “Bakhshi” and the dance “Lazgi” are included in the list of intangible cultural heritage.

The International Advisory Committee (IAC) on World Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan and the Khiva Process on regional humanitarian cooperation have been launched.

UNESCO is also providing technical assistance for the development of a vocational education system in rural areas of the country.

In addition, joint events are regularly held in priority areas of cooperation.

At the meeting, Director-General Audrey Azoulay highly appreciated and noted as the most successful in international comparison the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan in youth support, upbringing and education of children.

She congratulated on the successful holding of the Tashkent international conference on developing preschool education.

The main attention was paid to the practical implementation of the new Country Program. An agreement was reached on the opening of a regional UNESCO Center in the city of Tashkent, as well as the preparation and adoption of an updated roadmap to promote joint initiatives and breakthrough projects of fruitful cooperation.

UzA