​SAMARKAND, October 21. /Dunyo IA/.   World Summit dedicated to pressing issues concerning children's welfare, their health, social protection and a bright future has commenced its work in the city of Samarkand, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Solemn opening ceremony of the conference is attended by high-ranking guests, political leaders and representatives of international organizations.

At the joint opening ceremony of the Summit and the II International Congress on Pediatric Oncology, welcoming address of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the event participants was read out by Sherzod Asadov, Head of the Communications Department of the Presidential Administration of the President of Uzbekistan – Press Secretary to the President.

Furthermore, President of the 81^st session of the UN General Assembly, Khalilur-Rahman, addressed the opening session, while the welcoming message of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres was delivered by Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan.

Event is attended by First Lady of Uzbekistan Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed (via video message), Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children Najat Maalla M'jid and First Deputy Director of the National Social Protection Agency under the President of Uzbekistan Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva.

At this global forum, which brings together representatives from over one hundred countries, issues of children's health, social protection, education, safety and family support are being discussed as interconnected areas.

Summit was organized at the initiative of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children, UNICEF, World Health Organization and World Bank. Adoption of the Samarkand Declaration is expected within the framework of the event.