On August 26, 1995, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between Uzbekistan and UNESCO.
UNESCO is a United Nations specialized agency for education, science, and culture, established on November 16, 1945. Its main goal is to promote the strengthening of peace and security throughout the world through the development of international cooperation in such important areas as education, science, culture, communications, and tourism. The structure is unofficially called the "UN Intelligence Laboratory". Jawaharlal Nehru once called UNESCO "the conscience of humanity".
Today, about 200 countries are members of this organization. Uzbekistan was adopted on October 26, 1993.
Over the past period, effective cooperation has been established with UNESCO in such areas as the protection of cultural heritage, improving the quality of education, developing science, and ensuring inclusiveness in society.
Our historical monuments in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, while Navruz, Shashmaqom, kokpar, and pilaf are included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. With the support of UNESCO, many historical monuments have been restored in Uzbekistan, and scientific expeditions have been conducted.
This year, the 43rd session of UNESCO will be held for the first time in the ancient city of Samarkand. This is an important international event not only for our country, but also for all of Central Asia.