UNESCO Samarkand Summit: Recognition of Uzbekistan's Role in Preserving World Heritage

Rarely do events within international organizations emerge that can truly symbolize a new era. The convening of the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the ancient city of Samarkand stands as one such landmark moment.

UNESCO Samarkand Summit: Recognizing Uzbekistan's Role in Preserving World Heritage

In the history of international organizations, events rarely emerge that can symbolize a new era. The holding of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in ancient Samarkand is one such event.

UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand: Key Figures and Milestones

Today, in the ancient city of Samarkand—long a crossroads of cultures and civilizations—the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference officially opens.

This historic event is being held outside UNESCO Headquarters in Paris for the first time in 40 years, and for the first time ever – in Central Asia. Hosting such a large-scale forum in Uzbekistan underscores the country’s growing role in international cultural and humanitarian cooperation and symbolizes its ongoing contributions to the preservation and promotion of the world’s heritage. 

The President of Uzbekistan to take part in the opening ceremony of the next UNESCO General Conference session

On October 30, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will take part in the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which will be held in the city of Samarkand.

The New Central Asia and Uzbekistan’s Role in Regional Transformation

This year, the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary — a symbolic milestone for the entire international system undergoing profound transformation. Amid escalating conflicts, global inequality, and widening technological divides, the UN platform is once again emerging as a space where states seek compromise and shape new rules of global engagement. For Uzbekistan, the anniversary session of the General Assembly was not merely a diplomatic event, but an opportunity to reaffirm its new international standing — that of an active participant and initiator of regional and global processes.

Uzbekistan–Qatar: sustainable development of multifaceted cooperation

In recent years, there has been a significant enhancement in the relations between Uzbekistan and Qatar. In particular, in 2024, relations between the two countries were elevated to the level of strategic partnership.

Uzbekistan and Finland: An Economic Partnership Built on Technology and Trust

Historical Background

The history of Uzbek - Finnish relations dates back to the early 1990s, when Finland became one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan - on 30 December 1991. Just two months later, on 26 February 1992, diplomatic relations were officially established, marking the beginning of a new chapter based on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to technological progress.

Uzbekistan and Serbia: Dynamics of Mutual Convergence and New Horizons of Partnership

Political Foundations and Diplomatic Context

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Serbia were established on January 18, 1995, following Belgrade’s recognition of Uzbekistan’s independence in late 1991. This laid the groundwork for a gradual development of political dialogue which, despite the geographical distance between the two nations, has been built upon mutual respect, support for sovereignty, and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

Strengthening сooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia: current trends and prospects

The European vector of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is aimed at expanding the geography of its partnerships and deepening cooperation across all mutually beneficial areas. In this context, relations with Serbia stand out for their consistency, mutual respect, and the sustained interest of both sides in strengthening collaboration.

A New Chapter in Uzbekistan–EU Relations: Why the EPCA Matters

By Eldor Tulyakov, 

Executive Director, Development Strategy Centre, Uzbekistan

On 24 October 2025, Uzbekistan and the European Union signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) — a comprehensive framework that culminates negotiations launched in February 2019 and initialled in July 2022. More than a ceremonial milestone, the EPCA codifies a strategic upgrade in our relationship with the EU. It is broad in scope — nine titles, 356 articles, and 14 annexes — and practical in ambition: to align our cooperation with the realities of a rapidly changing world economy while reinforcing the rule-of-law foundations of sustainable development at home.