President of Uzbekistan and Director General of UNESCO discuss new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Audrey Azoulay on November 15 as part of the World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in Tashkent.

Practical aspects of expanding constructive and productive cooperation between Uzbekistan and this authoritative UN agency were discussed.

We noted with satisfaction the current level of fruitful partnership. Joint programs and projects are underway in line with the Country Program and the adopted road map.

Our country for the first time was elected a member of the International Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The art of "Bakhshi" and the dance of "Lazgi" are included in the list of intangible cultural heritage.

An International Advisory Committee for the Protection of Historical Heritage Sites in Uzbekistan and the Khiva Process on Regional Humanitarian Cooperation have been launched. UNESCO also provides technical assistance to the development of vocational education system in rural areas of the country.

In addition, there are regular joint activities in priority areas of cooperation. During the meeting, Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised and noted as the most successful in international comparison the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in the field of youth support, upbringing and education of children.

She has congratulated on successful carrying out of the Tashkent international conference on development of preschool education.

Particular attention was paid to practical implementation of the new Country Program. An agreement was reached to open a regional UNESCO Center in Tashkent, as well as to prepare and adopt an updated road map to promote joint initiatives and breakthrough projects for fruitful cooperation.