PARIS, July 18. /Dunyo IA/. A series of working meetings dedicated to preparations for the international presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the contribution of the region's great scholars and thinkers to the development of world civilization was held in Paris with the support of the Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The presentation is an initiative of the President of Uzbekistan aimed at introducing the international community to the country's rich scientific and cultural heritage, the activities of its specialized research institutions, and the religious and educational reforms being implemented nationwide.

During meetings with representatives of UNESCO, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Uzbek delegation presented the concept for an international conference and exhibition planned to be held at UNESCO Headquarters. The events are expected to bring together UNESCO Member States, international organizations, scholars, and experts.

Mariagrazia Squicciarini, Head of UNESCO's Executive Office, welcomed the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, emphasizing its importance in strengthening dialogue among nations. She highly praised the country's efforts to study and promote the legacy of its outstanding scholars and thinkers, underscoring the unifying role of education, science, and culture, and reaffirmed the readiness of UNESCO's relevant departments to contribute to the preparation of the event.

Mehrdad Shabahang, Head of UNESCO's Silk Roads Programme, highlighted the historic role of Uzbekistan and Central Asia in the transmission of knowledge and the development of cultural ties between East and West. He also expressed the programme's readiness to provide relevant materials to support preparations for the conference and exhibition.

Salima Delibey, Representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to UNESCO, highly commended Uzbekistan's reforms in the field of religious enlightenment, as well as the work of the Center of Islamic Civilization and the country's international research centers. She confirmed the OIC's readiness to support the forthcoming events.

Soumia Jakta, Permanent Observer of ICESCO to UNESCO, stressed the significance of Uzbekistan's scientific and cultural heritage for the international community and reaffirmed the organization's willingness to participate in preparations for the conference and exhibition.

Following the meetings, representatives of UNESCO, the OIC, and ICESCO reaffirmed their support for Uzbekistan's initiative and expressed their readiness to assist in organizing the events at a high international level.

The international presentation is intended to showcase Uzbekistan's scientific and cultural heritage as an integral part of world civilization and to serve as a platform for strengthening dialogue among nations through education, science, and culture.