In order to implement the initiative put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan at the 75th UN General Assembly, the International Cultural Forum "Central Asia at the Crossroads of World Civilizations" was held on September 14-16, 2021 in Khiva under the auspices of UNESCO.
This forum was attended by representatives of international organizations UNESCO, SCO, ICOMOS, ICCROM, TURKSOY, ECO Cultural Institute, about 500 participants, experts from more than 50 CIS countries, the European Union, experts in the field of local cultural heritage, science, art and other areas, as well as mass media.
At the opening ceremony of the event, was announced the greeting of the President of Uzbekistan to the participants of the International Khiva Culture Forum.
In his message, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed special gratitude to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres for supporting the initiative of Uzbekistan to hold this forum, put forward at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, and to the Director-General of UNESCO, Mrs. Audrey Azoulay for the practical assistance provided in his joint organization.
It was noted that the world community is well aware and highly appreciates the important role in the development of relations between different peoples and civilizations, played by Central Asia, which for many centuries was at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road.
The appearance of the first cities and states in the region three thousand years ago laid the foundation for the active development of civilizational processes and philosophical views, science and knowledge, especially in the field of medicine, astronomy, geography, mathematics, geodesy and architecture, the formation of cultural and spiritual values.
Organization of the current international forum in one of the ancient and eternally young cities of the region - Khiva, the history of which includes 2,000 years old, has a special, symbolic meaning.
According to the Head of Uzbekistan, this forum will play an important role in the development of friendship and cooperation, good-neighborly relations between the states and peoples of Central Asia. At the same time, it will allow even deeper study and understanding of the enormous contribution of the peoples of the region to world civilization.
Holding in cooperation with UNESCO, within the framework of this international cultural forum, a meeting of the International Advisory Committee on Cultural Heritage, the next meeting of the ministers of culture of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) in Khiva, the international archaeological conference "Archeology and Tourism: Determining the Potential and Use of Heritage" and the II International the Bakhshi Art Festival in Nukus, the V International Congress of the World Society for the Preservation, Study and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in Tashkent are important practical steps in this direction.
"We will continue to implement large-scale projects that serve to ensure peace and stability in our region, the development of the cultural and humanitarian spheres. Such a noble goal can only be achieved by combining our efforts and cooperation. Historical and cultural interconnection of the countries of Central Asia, the common values of our peoples are a solid foundation for creating a prosperous future.
Today, in Uzbekistan, we are carrying out fundamental transformations in the field of science and culture, which are aimed at forming the foundation of a new Renaissance era - the Third Renaissance. In this regard, we are interested in further strengthening partnerships with the world scientific and cultural community, such prominent representatives as you.
I wish all the forum participants good health and new successes in the study and popularization of the unique culture and art, science, the unique tangible and intangible heritage of the peoples of Central Asia", the President of Uzbekistan said in his welcoming message.
In addition, within the framework of the forum, with cooperation UNESCO World Heritage Center was established an "International Advisory Committee on Cultural Heritage in Uzbekistan".
On September 15, 2021, in the city of Khiva, in cooperation with the UNESCO World Heritage Center was held the International Advisory Committee on Cultural Heritage in Uzbekistan. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Tourism and Sports Aziz Abdukhakimov, Deputy Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center Jyoti Hosograhar (online), Director General of the International Research Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (ICCROM) Webber Ndoro, UNESCO Representative in Uzbekistan Alexandros Makarigakis, cultural experts, as well as committee members.
It should be noted that the activities of the International Advisory Council are aimed at further developing relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and UNESCO in the field of protection, preservation, popularization and rational use of cultural heritage, preparation of proposals for the inclusion of the country's cultural heritage in the UNESCO heritage.
As a result of the forum, an International Declaration was adopted, in which the main theses and global issues discussed at the forum meetings were voiced. In particular, the launch of the Khiva Process as a political dialogue, in cooperation with UNESCO, which will regularly gather representatives of the region's policymakers on various topics to ensure the sustainability of the results and recommendations of the International Khiva Forum “Central Asia at the Crossroads of World Civilizations”.
Also, within the framework of the forum, a presentation of the documentary film "Lyazgi", shot jointly with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, took place. And in the museum-reserve "Ichan Kala" a concert program called "Khiva - the capital of the Turkic world" was organized.