UNESCO Backs Uzbekistan’s Initiative to Protect Cultural Heritage
Uzbekistan
UNESCO’s Executive Board has unanimously approved Uzbekistan’s initiative to strengthen the protection of cultural heritage amid globalisation and climate change. The decision was adopted in Paris on 20 October 2026 during the Board’s 225th session. It also endorses a UNESCO-partnered international symposium in Khiva in 2027.
The initiative was put forward by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 30 October 2025, at the opening of the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand.
The document identifies climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanisation and socio-economic transformations among the key threats. It calls for stronger cooperation between UNESCO Member States, international organisations and the scientific community. It also envisages improving risk prevention and management mechanisms and expanding the exchange of scientific knowledge and practical methods for safeguarding cultural heritage.
A key provision endorses Uzbekistan’s proposal to host the International Symposium on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Face of Globalisation and Climate Change in Khiva in 2027, in cooperation with UNESCO. The event is expected to bring together experts, research institutions and specialised organisations.
Participants will address ways to make heritage sites more resilient to contemporary threats, the use of innovative technologies, the preservation of traditional knowledge and professional cooperation. The symposium is expected to produce practical recommendations for improving approaches to heritage protection.
The draft decision was co-sponsored by 54 UNESCO Member States. Delegations highlighted its relevance and alignment with UNESCO priorities, stressing the need for international action.
The unanimous approval demonstrates broad international support for Uzbekistan’s proposal. The 2027 symposium in Khiva will advance international dialogue on protecting humanity’s cultural heritage. It will bring experts and research bodies worldwide to exchange experience and develop practical approaches to heritage conservation in Khiva.
The document identifies climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanisation and socio-economic transformations among the key threats. It calls for stronger cooperation between UNESCO Member States, international organisations and the scientific community. It also envisages improving risk prevention and management mechanisms and expanding the exchange of scientific knowledge and practical methods for safeguarding cultural heritage.
A key provision endorses Uzbekistan’s proposal to host the International Symposium on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Face of Globalisation and Climate Change in Khiva in 2027, in cooperation with UNESCO. The event is expected to bring together experts, research institutions and specialised organisations.
Participants will address ways to make heritage sites more resilient to contemporary threats, the use of innovative technologies, the preservation of traditional knowledge and professional cooperation. The symposium is expected to produce practical recommendations for improving approaches to heritage protection.
The draft decision was co-sponsored by 54 UNESCO Member States. Delegations highlighted its relevance and alignment with UNESCO priorities, stressing the need for international action.
The unanimous approval demonstrates broad international support for Uzbekistan’s proposal. The 2027 symposium in Khiva will advance international dialogue on protecting humanity’s cultural heritage. It will bring experts and research bodies worldwide to exchange experience and develop practical approaches to heritage conservation in Khiva.
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