NEW YORK, September 7. /Dunyo IA/.  A meeting dedicated to the “Marco Polo Drive” initiative, organized by the renowned economist, Columbia University professor and President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) Jeffrey Sachs, was held in New York, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event was attended by the President of the “Forum for World Education” Cheng Yan Davis, Dr. Sonia Sachs, as well as the Permanent Representatives to the UN of China, Slovenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

“Marco Polo Drive” initiative was a 43-day journey spanning approximately 15,000 kilometres along the route of the Silk Road. The trip covered countries across Europe and Asia, including Uzbekistan. The core themes of the initiative included strengthening intercultural ties, fostering cooperation between nations, sustainable development, technological interaction and expanding connections between East and West.

Speaking about the cities visited along the Silk Road itinerary, Professor Jeffrey Sachs specifically highlighted Samarkand, highly praising its historical and cultural heritage as well as its contemporary development. He described Samarkand as “the most beautiful place on the planet”, emphasizing the unique combination of its historical significance and modern dynamics.

Expert also noted the dynamic development of Uzbekistan and the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects. According to his assessment, the growing participation of investors and partners from East and West contributes to strengthening economic and infrastructural ties, expanding trade, and creating new opportunities for interaction between regions.

He paid special attention to Nukus and Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art Named after Igor Savitsky, which left an exceptionally strong impression on him. Describing the museum, Professor Sachs called it the “Louvre in the desert”, emphasizing the uniqueness of its location and cultural significance.

According to the economist, it was in Nukus that Igor Savitsky managed to assemble true “pearls” of the avant-garde – works of outstanding artists. He noted the exceptional value of the museum's collection and emphasized that Igor Savitsky's assembly represents a unique cultural heritage of global significance.

According to Jeffrey Sachs, the history of the museum's creation and the preservation of artworks in Nukus demonstrates how cultural values are capable of overcoming geographical, political and historical boundaries, uniting people and civilizations.