The key facts

  • The UNESCO Executive Board approved holding an international symposium in Khiva in 2027
  • The theme is preserving cultural heritage in the context of globalization and climate change
  • President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the initiative at the 43rd session of the General Conference in Samarkand on 30 October 2025

Decision of the Executive Board

The UNESCO Executive Board, at its 225th session held in Paris, supported holding an international symposium in Khiva in 2027 on the theme 'Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Context of Globalization and Climate Change.' The provision on holding the symposium in Khiva was included in the Board's decision 'On enhancing the effectiveness of measures to preserve cultural heritage in the context of globalization and climate change.' According to the Dunyo news agency, the draft decision was co-sponsored by 54 UNESCO member states, and the document itself is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in protecting tangible and intangible heritage from the consequences of climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanization and socio-economic changes.

What participants will discuss

The event is expected to bring together leading experts from various countries, representatives of international organizations, research institutes and expert communities. Participants will discuss preventing threats to cultural heritage sites, the application of modern technologies, the preservation of traditional knowledge and the development of professional skills of specialists. Following the symposium, it is planned to develop recommendations for improving methods of protecting and managing cultural heritage.

Origin of the initiative

The idea of developing a resolution on this topic was proposed by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on 30 October 2025 at the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. At the same time, he announced Uzbekistan's readiness to host the symposium in Khiva. The Board also proposed that the UNESCO Director-General continue to facilitate the exchange of experience and assist states in identifying and preventing climate threats to cultural heritage.