Lidia Brito: Uzbekistan is open, inclusive, and science-driven — a nation embracing cooperation, innovation, and shared responsibility

Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO, shared her views with the Dunyo Information Agency correspondent on the significance of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which opened on 30 October in Samarkand:

 After forty years, we finally held our General Conference outside Paris — our beautiful headquarters. This time, we gathered in Samarkand, a truly symbolic location. Samarkand is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage and lies along the ancient Silk Road, a route that has always stood for dialogue, cultural exchange, and cooperation among civilizations.

Being here has been deeply meaningful. You can feel the richness of history and culture in every corner, and we have been warmly received. For the younger participants of the Youth Forum, it has been an extraordinary experience — a chance to witness the living heritage of the Silk Road and to engage with its spirit of openness and unity.

As always, organizing the UNESCO Youth Forum ahead of the General Conference is of great importance. It ensures that young people’s voices, ideas, and actions are heard directly by Member States. This year’s forum, like the ones before, has been crucial — addressing the pressing theme of climate change and its social impact on youth.

We were truly inspired by the energy and creativity of the 150 young participants from 140 countries. Their recommendations and calls for action will now be presented at the General Conference, bringing authentic, diverse perspectives to the global stage. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Uzbekistan and to the young people of this country, who opened their arms to welcome delegates from across the world. Uzbekistan is a nation where nearly 60% of the population is under 30 — a powerful example of how youth can shape national and global futures. The country’s forward-looking youth policies, shared during the forum, have inspired many of us.

Let me also speak about an area close to my heart — science diplomacy. Today, more than ever, we need scientific cooperation to build peace. UNESCO has always championed this mission: using science as a bridge between nations. Uzbekistan is actively contributing to UNESCO’s Science Diplomacy Initiative, especially through two major regional projects on glacier preservation and mapping. This year marks the International Year of Glacier Preservation, as well as the UN Decade for Action on Cryosphere Science, both led or co-led by UNESCO.

Uzbekistan’s participation in these programs is vital — studying glaciers and their impact on regional water systems, including the Aral Sea Basin, reflects how environmental science can strengthen regional collaboration and peace.

In one word, I would describe Uzbekistan’s approach as ’open, inclusive, and science-driven.’ The country is embracing cooperation, innovation, and shared scientific responsibility. We are very satisfied with the organization of this conference and with the remarkable hospitality we have experienced. I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow — bringing new examples of how science and youth can unite for peace.

Thank you very much — and thank you, Uzbekistan, for your openness, your youth, and your friendship.