Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On November 13, the plenary of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference was held in Samarkand. This session marked the successful conclusion of the largest international forum held outside the Organization’s headquarters for the first time in the past 40 years.

According to the outcomes of the meeting, the General Conference adopted the official document titled “Expression of Gratitude to the People and Government of Uzbekistan” by consensus.

The document expresses deep appreciation to the President of Uzbekistan for his exceptional support, high attention, and personal participation in organizing and conducting the General Conference, as well as sincere gratitude to the people of Uzbekistan for their hospitality and high-level initiative in conducting the session.

The resolution highlights that Uzbekistan, as a country with an ancient civilization and rich cultural heritage, provided a source of inspiration for all participants and made a significant contribution to strengthening international solidarity, mutual understanding, and trust.

This resolution, adopted for the first time in UNESCO’s history, signifies international recognition of Uzbekistan’s important contribution to promoting the Organization’s ideas, developing intercultural dialogue, and reinforcing principles of unity, tolerance, and peace worldwide.

Khondker Talha, Chair of the 43rd session, expressed gratitude to the leadership of Uzbekistan for the initiative to hold the session in Samarkand and for organizing it at the highest level.

Vera Khoury, Chair of the UNESCO Executive Board, Xing Qu, First Deputy Director-General, and other high-level delegates thanked the leadership of Uzbekistan for their hospitality, emphasizing that participation in the session in Samarkand provided a “unique experience not only diplomatically but also spiritually.”

It was emphasized that the Samarkand session opened a new chapter in UNESCO’s history and will remain in the memory of all member states as one of the most inspiring and successful meetings. Confidence was expressed that the “Spirit of Samarkand,” embodying openness, trust, and mutual understanding among peoples, will continue to guide UNESCO’s work and be reflected in its future meetings and initiatives.

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VOTE OF THANKS TO THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF UZBEKISTAN

The General Conference, Meeting at its 43rd session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 30 October to 13 November 2025, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 
Expressing its profound gratitude to the people and Government of Uzbekistan for their exceptionally warm welcome and generous hospitality, and for all the arrangements made to ensure that the deliberations of this Conference could take place in the best possible conditions, most conducive to their successful conclusion, 
1.  Expresses its great satisfaction at having been able to hold its 43rd session in the magnificent city of Samarkand;
2.  Commends the efforts of the Government of Uzbekistan to ensure full participation of all Member States, Associate Members and observers; 
3.  Expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to the people and authorities of Uzbekistan, and most particularly to His Excellency Mr Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for their invaluable support, gracious presence and attention to the needs of the General Conference;
4.  Thanks all Uzbek services and staff for their remarkable dedication and efficiency in ensuring the smooth and harmonious conduct of this session;
Emphasizing, lastly, that the cultural treasures of Uzbekistan, a country of ancient civilization and rich heritage, have made a significant contribution to promoting a spirit of mutual understanding and concord among delegations, 
5.  Addresses to the people and Government of Uzbekistan a message of friendship, shared trust and confidence in the future of international cooperation with UNESCO.