The key facts
- On October 20, 2025, the UNESCO Executive Board unanimously approved a draft resolution proposed by Uzbekistan
- The initiative was put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 30, 2025, at the 43rd session of the General Conference in Samarkand
- The resolution was co-sponsored by 54 UNESCO member states; an international symposium will be held in Khiva in 2027
Unanimous approval at the Executive Board session
On October 20, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, within the framework of the organization's 225th Executive Board session, the draft resolution proposed by Uzbekistan, 'Enhancing the effectiveness of measures to preserve cultural heritage in the context of globalization and climate change,' was unanimously approved. The initiative was put forward by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 30, 2025, at the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.
Content of the adopted resolution
The document is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in protecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage from modern global challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanization, and socio-economic transformations. The resolution provides for expanding interaction between UNESCO member states, international organizations, and the scientific community, improving mechanisms for risk prevention and management, as well as exchanging best practices and practical methods of heritage preservation.
International symposium in Khiva in 2027
One of the key provisions of the resolution was the endorsement of another initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, announced at the 43rd session of the General Conference in Samarkand — to hold in 2027 in Khiva an International Symposium on the preservation of cultural heritage in the context of globalization and climate change, in cooperation with UNESCO. The event will bring together international experts, representatives of research institutions, and specialized organizations from different regions of the world. The main focus is planned to be on the resilience of heritage to modern threats, the application of innovative technologies, the preservation of traditional knowledge, and the strengthening of international cooperation. Following the symposium, practical recommendations are expected to be developed for improving approaches to heritage protection.
International support
The draft resolution was co-sponsored by 54 UNESCO member states from various regions of the world. During the discussion, representatives of the states supported Uzbekistan's proposal, emphasizing its timeliness, relevance, and alignment with the organization's priorities; particular note was made of the importance of uniting international efforts to counter growing threats to cultural heritage. 'The unanimous approval of the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan testifies to the broad international recognition of the approaches proposed by the country to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening multilateral cooperation,' the press release states. According to the source, holding the symposium in Khiva will be a practical step in implementing the initiative and will help strengthen Uzbekistan's role in the international dialogue on the preservation of cultural heritage.
