Samarkand has now been officially designated as the venue for the 43rd session of the General Conference.

"It is a great honor and responsibility for us: for the first time in the last 40 years, this conference will not be held in Paris.

This is the result of the painstaking work of the creative industry, public diplomacy and agreements at the highest level. This is a keen interest on the part of the world community in the openness of our country, its vibrant traditions and cultural heritage, its rich history, music and literature.

We are promoting our country through culture and art, and we are becoming closer and more understandable. And these connections are always transformed into economics, into joint projects and common ideas.

Welcome, UNESCO! See you in Samarkand!" said Saida Mirziyoyeva, who took part in the ceremony.