One of the key events of the program was the opening of a new UN Tourism office, which will become an important international platform for promoting sustainable tourism in the Silk Road area, coordinating joint projects, developing cross-border tourist routes and strengthening regional cooperation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shaikha Al-Novais emphasized the symbolism of the office's location in Samarkand. According to her, this ancient city has been a place of intersection of trade, ideas, culture and trust for centuries, and today retains a unique role as one of the centers uniting countries and peoples.
She also noted that Uzbekistan's initiative to locate a thematic office in Samarkand has received the support of the organization's member states. According to her, this was the result of the strategic vision and consistent policy of the country's leadership aimed at developing tourism, expanding international cooperation and strengthening Uzbekistan's role in the Silk Road space.
The UN Secretary-General for Tourism has expressed the organization's full support for the activities of the new office. While reviewing his work, she separately noted the historical appearance of the building and highly appreciated the art collection presented in the interiors.
In continuation of the program, Shaikha Al-Novais took part in the ceremony of awarding certificates to graduates of the International Academy of Tourism.
Addressing the graduates, she stressed that education is the foundation of professional and personal growth, recalling the Arabic proverb: "Knowledge is light." According to her, it is knowledge that helps a person to better see opportunities and challenges and confidently move forward.
In her speech, she also noted the special role of Samarkand as one of the great historical centers of knowledge and culture, where the spirit of enlightenment, openness and striving for development are still alive today.
Special attention in the speech was paid to the support of youth and education by the President of Uzbekistan. Shaikha Al-Novais stressed that the head of state pays special attention to the younger generation, and the development of education is central to the strategic vision of the country's future.
