From 30 October to 13 November 2025, Samarkand will host the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, bringing together representatives from 193 member states to shape UNESCO’s strategic direction in education, science, and culture. This event marks a historic milestone, as it will be the first time since 1985 that the General Conference has been held outside UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
Mirziyoyev
A legendary crossroads of civilisations along the historic Silk Road, Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage city that has, for millennia, served as a meeting point for cultures, scholars, and artists. Its rich heritage reflects UNESCO’s core mission to promote intercultural understanding, the exchange of knowledge, and global cooperation.By hosting the General Conference, Samarkand reaffirms its timeless role as a centre of dialogue and innovation, bridging past and future, East and West.
The event will take place at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Hall, a state-of-the-art venue chosen for its modern infrastructure and world-class facilities, ideally suited to hosting large-scale international gatherings.
Uzbekistan’s selection as the host country reflects its active engagement in international cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation. As an emerging force in cultural diplomacy, Uzbekistan is making substantial investments in infrastructure, restoration initiatives, and global exhibitions, aligning closely with UNESCO’s vision to advance education, science, and culture on a worldwide scale.
UNESCO World Heritage sites
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