LONDON, 4 November. /Dunyo IA/.   UNESCO Executive Board has unanimously approved a draft decision proposed by Uzbekistan entitled “Enhancing the Effectiveness of Measures to Preserve Cultural Heritage in the Face of Globalization and Climate Change”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with the British news portal “London Post”.

Decision was adopted at the 225^th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, which is being held at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris. The initiative was put forward by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 30^th last year at the opening of the 43^rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.

Adopted document is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage against contemporary global challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanization and socio-economic transformations.

Measures envisaged include strengthening cooperation among UNESCO Member States, international organizations and the scientific community; improving mechanisms for risk prevention and management; and expanding the exchange of scientific knowledge and best practices.

An important outcome of the consideration of the initiative was the approval of Uzbekistan’s proposal to hold the International Symposium on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Context of Globalization and Climate Change in Khiva in 2027, in cooperation with UNESCO.

Event is expected to bring together leading specialists from various countries, representatives of international organisations and research institutions, as well as members of the expert community. The focus will be on preventing threats to cultural heritage sites, applying modern technologies, preserving traditional knowledge and strengthening the professional capacity of specialists.

Symposium is expected to conclude with the development of practical recommendations for improving methods of safeguarding and managing cultural heritage, taking into account national specificities and international experience.

Draft decision proposed by Uzbekistan received the support of 54 UNESCO Member States, which joined as co-sponsors. These included China, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and other countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Representatives of the participating states emphasized the relevance of the initiative and its alignment with UNESCO’s priorities. In their view, the threats posed by climate change and globalization affect countries regardless of their geographical location or level of economic development, underscoring the need for coordinated international action.