The 43rd session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference has opened in Samarkand, bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries.
The forum, held from 30 October to 13 November 2025, aims to strengthen global dialogue on education, science and culture while shaping UNESCO’s strategy for the coming years.
This is the first time in more than forty years that the organisation’s main assembly has convened outside its Paris headquarters.
The decision to host the conference in Samarkand, one of the oldest cities on the Silk Road, symbolises a bridge between civilisations and reflects Uzbekistan’s growing role in international cultural diplomacy.
The conference will adopt UNESCO’s programme and budget through 2027 and elect members to its governing bodies.
Delegates are expected to discuss the role of digital technologies in education, the protection of cultural heritage, and new approaches to sustainable development.
UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, noted that the Samarkand session is taking place at a time of rapid change and global uncertainty, emphasising the need for collective efforts to safeguard humanity’s shared legacy.
In his opening address, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined Uzbekistan’s vision for inclusive and innovative development. He proposed establishing a School of Artificial Intelligence, a UNESCO Academy for Women’s Leadership, and an International Institute of Digital Heritage.
Other initiatives include designating 19 November as the International Day of Documentary Heritage and launching a Green Capital programme that links environmental protection with cultural preservation.
The opening ceremony was also attended by President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia and President Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia as honorary guests. More than 2,800 participants from 190 countries are taking part in the event, including heads of state, ministers and experts.
The conference comes at a complex time for UNESCO, as global tensions and technological disruption reshape international cooperation. Delegates are tasked with agreeing on new funding and policy frameworks to ensure the organisation’s continued relevance.
The session is seen as a moment of renewal, reaffirming the importance of education, science and culture in building understanding across nations.
Bolivian President-elect Rodrigo Paz was sworn in as the country's new President on Saturday ending almost 20 years of one-party rule....
A tornado accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck the southern Brazilian state of Parana, killing six people, the state government said on S...
Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan broke down, although a ceasefire continues between the South Asian neighbours, a Taliban spokesperson sai...
UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes after a deadly crash at UPS's Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky, ...
Six people have died with one other injured, after a fire broke out in a perfume warehouse in the Dilovasi district of Türkiye on Saturday....
Bolivian President-elect Rodrigo Paz was sworn in as the country's new President on Saturday ending almost 20 years of one-party rule.
A tornado accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck the southern Brazilian state of Parana, killing six people, the state government said on Saturday.
Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan broke down, although a ceasefire continues between the South Asian neighbours, a Taliban spokesperson said on Saturday.
UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes after a deadly crash at UPS's Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky, which killed 14 people, including three pilots. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga lead the 2026 Grammy nominations, while K-Pop enters the Song of the Year category for the first time in the award’s history.
Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon after ordering evacuations, accusing Hezbollah of rebuilding its forces despite a year-old ceasefire, as Lebanon and the United Nations warned of renewed border tensions.
U.S. Senate Republicans have blocked a resolution that would have barred President Donald Trump from launching military action against Venezuela without congressional approval, despite growing concern over recent U.S. strikes in the southern Caribbean.
Despite promises of recovery from the new government, Germany’s economy continues to stagnate, with no signs of renewed momentum. According to the latest report from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the country still lacks the drive needed for a genuine economic rebound.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk won shareholder approval on Thursday for the largest corporate pay package in history as investors endorsed his vision of morphing the electric vehicle (EV) maker into an artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics juggernaut.
Azerbaijan marked the fifth anniversary of its victory in the Second Karabakh War with a grand military parade at Azadliq Square in Baku today.
Azerbaijan marks its fifth Victory Day on 8 November, celebrating the liberation of occupied territories and the restoration of sovereignty, a milestone that reshaped the South Caucasus and ushered in a new era of reconstruction and regional stability.
Uzbekistan and the United States have signed strategic agreements worth more than hundred billion dollars, with agreements including relaxed visa rules for citizens of both countries.
Some of Yemen’s most vital roads have reopened as the country’s long-stalled peace process shows renewed signs of progress, supported by a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and an overall cooling in the regional climate.
Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani Prime Minister arrived at the Heydar Aliyev international airport on Friday 7th November to a guard of honour prepared specially to recognise him.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment