PARIS, May 21. /Dunyo IA/. On May 19, the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, Kamol Mukhtarov met with the Director General of UNESCO’s advisory body, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Céline Noguès-Weber, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The meeting was also attended by the Director of the ICOMOS Evaluation Unit Gwenaëlle Bourdin, Head of the International Projects Department Kristina Biceva, and the Director of Advisory and Monitoring Unit Regina Durighello.

During the talks, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and ICOMOS, as well as new proposals and initiatives aimed at further developing and expanding collaboration.

Director General Céline Noguès-Weber noted that significant progress has been achieved in strengthening the partnership between Uzbekistan and ICOMOS in recent years. She emphasized that this progress has been facilitated by the comprehensive measures undertaken by Uzbekistan to preserve World Heritage sites, as well as by the country’s constructive and open approach to cooperation with international expert institutions.

ICOMOS representatives highlighted the positive experience of the dialogue process concerning the UNESCO World Heritage site the Historic Centre of Shakhrisabz. It was noted that systematic and effective cooperation enables States Parties to develop initiatives and documents consistent with the provisions of the World Heritage Convention and other international standards.

In this regard, ICOMOS representatives confirmed their readiness to launch a new dialogue process with Uzbekistan in the near future, covering all UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the country.

The ICOMOS leadership also welcomed Uzbekistan’s preparation of a comprehensive master plan for the World Heritage site the Historic Centre of Bukhara. It was noted that the development of the document in line with international standards demonstrates the country’s responsible approach to implementing the decisions of the World Heritage Committee and the recommendations of ICOMOS. Uzbekistan’s plans to develop master plans for Samarkand, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz in cooperation with the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS were also highly appreciated.

During the meeting, ICOMOS representatives were informed about Uzbekistan’s plans to implement restoration projects at the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa Palace in Bukhara and the Khudoyar Khan Palace in Kokand. It was noted that the Uzbek side intends to carry out the work in accordance with international standards and in cooperation with ICOMOS and UNESCO. ICOMOS representatives welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to consider proposals for establishing cooperation on the implementation of these projects.

The parties also discussed preparations for the Climate Literacy Training for Heritage Professionals in Central Asia, which will be held in Samarkand on July 1–3, 2026, with the support of ICOMOS, the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, and the international foundation ALIPH. The importance of the program was emphasized in light of the growing vulnerability of heritage sites to climate change and the high level of regional interest in the topic, as evidenced by more than 70 applications submitted by experts from across Central Asia to participate in the training program.

It was emphasized that the training topic fully aligns with the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, put forward at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand in October 2025, including the proposal to hold an international symposium in Khiva on the preservation of cultural heritage in the context of globalization and climate change. ICOMOS expressed its readiness to engage in close cooperation in the development of the concept and the organization of the symposium.

Representatives of ICOMOS also supported Uzbekistan’s intention to establish a National Committee of ICOMOS in the country. It was noted that national committees play a key role in providing expert support, preparing recommendations for nominations, monitoring World Heritage sites, and developing professional capacity. ICOMOS confirmed its readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in the implementation of this initiative.

Following the talks, the parties reached an agreement to develop and sign a Memorandum on the expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and ICOMOS, which will formalize the parties’ intentions to implement the discussed initiatives and further deepen collaboration.