PARIS, June 18. /Dunyo IA/. Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to UNESCO Kamol Mukhtarov, met with the newly appointed Assistant Director-General for Education of UNESCO, Professor Qian Tang, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Uzbek side congratulated Professor Qian Tang on his appointment to this high post and wished him success in fulfilling the important mission of the UNESCO Education Sector. It was emphasized that education is one of the key pillars of the organization's activities and holds particular significance for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, developing human capital, preparing youth for modern challenges, and strengthening international cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO in the field of education.

Particular attention was paid to the new dynamics of Uzbekistan's interaction with UNESCO following the successful hosting of the 43^rd session of the organization's General Conference in Samarkand. It was emphasized that the Agreement on Cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO, signed on April 8^th, 2026, alongside the “Roadmap” for 2026–2027, establishes a practical foundation for transitioning toward the implementation of concrete joint projects.

It was separately noted that in recent years, under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, large-scale reforms have been implemented in the country across the fields of preschool, school, professional, and higher education. Special importance is attached to expanding access to quality education, developing human capital, preparing youth for the modern labor market, and enhancing the international openness of the national education system.

UNESCO representative noted the ongoing educational reforms in Uzbekistan, as well as the high and constructive level of cooperation with the Republic. It was stated that the dynamics of transformations in preschool, school, professional, and higher education establish a solid foundation for the further expansion of interaction with UNESCO.

Assistant Director-General Qian Tang expressed readiness to further develop the strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, support promising initiatives, and work jointly toward achieving practical results.

During the meeting, the parties also reviewed matters regarding the preparation for the Global Summit on Vocational Education and Skills in Tashkent. The Uzbek side noted that this summit could become one of the central joint projects between Uzbekistan and UNESCO for the upcoming period.

Furthermore, the initiative to establish, with the assistance of UNESCO, an Inclusive Education Development Platform for children with special educational needs was discussed.

Particular attention was paid to the “Artificial Intelligence – School” project, which is considered part of a broader effort to prepare youth for the conditions of digital transformation. It was emphasized that this initiative could be aligned with UNESCO's approaches in the areas of digital competencies, the ethics of artificial intelligence, teacher training, and the safe utilization of emerging technologies in the educational environment.

The significance of the UNESCO Category 2 Center for Early Childhood Care and Education established in Tashkent was noted. It was highlighted that the creation of this center has become an important foundation for elevating Uzbekistan's interaction with UNESCO in the field of preschool education to a new stage and forming new practical dimensions of cooperation.

The parties also exchanged views on the possibility of promoting joint initiatives to develop youth skills in the fields of creative arts, craftsmanship, traditional trades and creative entrepreneurship. Given Uzbekistan's rich traditions of craftsmanship, this dimension could unite education, culture, youth employment, regional development, tourism, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in maintaining a close working dialogue between UNESCO and the Republic of Uzbekistan with a view to consistently implementing joint educational initiatives and achieving practical results from the cooperation.