Useful information

Useful Information for Participants

43rd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO
Samarkand, Uzbekistan | 30 October – 13 November 2025

General Note

In accordance with 42 C/Resolution 82 and 221 EX/Decision 24.II, the 43rd session of the General Conference of UNESCO (hereinafter "the Conference") will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 30 October to 13 November 2025.

This page provides essential information on logistics, technical support, protocol, venue access, accommodation, transport, health, and tourism infrastructure to facilitate participants’ preparation and attendance. Further updates will be made available on the official UNESCO page:
 https://www.unesco.org/en/general-conference/43

Contact Points of the Host Country

Venue & Side Event Booking
SUE “InterForum” – unesco_samarkand@interforum.uz

Technical Support (Ministry of Digital Technologies & affiliated organizations):

General Coordination: Mr. Fayzulla Aripjanov

Technical Infrastructure: Mr. Oybek Otabekov (RTMC)

LED & Telecommunication: Mr. Mardon Berdiklichev, Mr. Miraziz Axmedov (Uztelecom)

Simultaneous Translation & Audio: Mr. Mirkomil Mirnasirov, Mr. Rustam Rakhmonov (RSCA)

IT Equipment (Printers/Computers): Mr. Saidmumin Nasrullaev, Mr. Mirzoxid G‘opporov (BFKQD)

For catering inquiries:
unesco_samarkand@interforum.uz
+998 55 705 55 55
www.silkroad-samarkand.com

Venue

Silk Road Samarkand Conference Center
Rowing Canal, Konigil Massif, Samarkand, 140319, Uzbekistan

Status of Participants

The privileges and immunities of UNESCO representatives and participants are governed by the Agreement between the Government of Uzbekistan and UNESCO. The Host Country will ensure free entry, stay, and departure rights to all accredited participants in accordance with the UN Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of Specialized Agencies.

Registration & Accreditation

Participants designated by Member States or institutions must register via the Indico.UN platform (linked through the official UNESCO Conference website).

Upon confirmation, participants will receive official badges granting access to the Conference zones (Blue Zone).
Separate registration will be required for side events not included in the main UNESCO program, with distinct access badges (website TBC).

Entry Formalities

Passport

Passports must:

Be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry

Contain sufficient blank pages

Be officially recognized and valid for return

Visa

Only registered participants may apply for a visa.

UNESCO cannot influence visa decisions made by the Government of Uzbekistan.

Required documents: passport copy and a photo (3.5x4.5 cm), to be submitted by the country’s Permanent Delegation to the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Paris.

Visa Issuance Procedures

Visas processed in 3 business days

Status: https://visa.mfa.uz

If no embassy/consulate exists in the participant’s country, visas will be issued on arrival at Uzbek airports, upon prior coordination with the Uzbek Embassy in France.

General visa info and exemptions:
https://gov.uz/en/mfa/activity_page/o-zbekiston-respublikasi-vizasi

Passport Types

Diplomatic/Official passport holders: may be exempt (check link above)

UNLP holders (“blue” passports): visa required

e-Visa: https://e-visa.gov.uz

Transportation to Samarkand

Details on arrival logistics, airport reception, and transport from Tashkent to Samarkand will be shared separately. Transfers to/from Samarkand International Airport and hotels will be organized.

Entry to venue will require valid accreditation badges.
Reception and transfer services will be coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and Samarkand Regional Government.

Accommodation

Special arrangements have been made with designated hotels offering preferential rates for Conference participants.

A full list of hotels, rates, booking deadlines, and contact details will be available in Annex 1.

Coordination by Samarkand Tourism Center.

Local Transportation

Daily shuttle service from designated hotels to the Conference venue

Public transport and taxi options available

Details on parking and venue access conditions will be published in due course

Accessibility

Facilities at the venue are equipped to support persons with reduced mobility.

Detailed info on entrance access, restrooms, and on-site assistance will be provided.

Contact details of the responsible agency will be listed in the final version.

On-Site Services

Catering & Restaurants:

Cafeterias, restaurants, and refreshment points available at the Conference and Expo Centers

Menu options, hours of operation, and reservation details will be shared in Appendix 3 & 4

Wi-Fi Access:

Free high-speed Wi-Fi will be provided throughout the venue

Login credentials will be provided upon arrival

General Practical Information

Time Zone: Uzbekistan Standard Time (UTC+5)

Climate in October–November: Mild autumn, 10–20°C

Currency: Uzbekistani Som (UZS)

Credit Cards: Widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants

Electricity: 220V, Europlug (Type C/F)

Telecom: International dialing code +998, mobile coverage is strong

Health Services: Medical teams and first aid available on-site

Emergency numbers and nearby hospitals listed in Appendix 2

Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for all participants

Maps & Annexes

Venue Map – Location of meeting rooms, entrances, services

City Map – Key locations in Samarkand (hotels, restaurants, landmarks)

Uzbekistan Map – For general orientation

All maps and annexes will be available for download closer to the event date.