The UNESCO Executive Board, during its 225th session in Paris, endorsed holding an international symposium in Khiva in 2027 titled “Preserving Cultural Heritage in the Context of Globalization and Climate Change.” The decision was announced on the international organization’s website. The event is intended to expand expert dialogue on protecting tangible and intangible heritage from climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanization and socio-economic pressures. It is expected to bring together leading specialists, international organizations, research institutes and representatives of the expert community.
Key Takeaways: The symposium is scheduled for 2027 in Khiva, following a decision at UNESCO’s 225th Executive Board session. The draft resolution was co-sponsored by 54 member states. The initiative was proposed by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 30 October 2025 at the opening of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.
Khiva is one of Uzbekistan’s ancient cities and is known for cultural heritage sites such as Ichan-Kala. Climate change, natural disasters, urban development and socio-economic shifts are placing growing pressure on historic monuments and traditional knowledge. UNESCO’s decision reflects a broader effort to strengthen international cooperation, exchange experience and develop science-based approaches to heritage protection and management.
According to the document, participants will discuss preventing threats to cultural heritage sites, applying modern technologies, preserving traditional knowledge and improving the professional skills of specialists. The symposium’s outcomes are expected to include recommendations for improving methods of heritage protection and management. The agenda also emphasizes the need to safeguard material and intangible cultural heritage from the effects of climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanization and social and economic change.
The item on holding the symposium in Khiva was included in the UNESCO Executive Board decision titled “Improving the Effectiveness of Measures to Preserve Cultural Heritage in the Context of Globalization and Climate Change.” The board invited the UNESCO Director-General to facilitate experience exchange and continue helping countries identify and prevent climate threats to heritage. According to the Dunyo news agency, the resolution is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in protecting material and intangible cultural heritage.
Next steps will involve preparing the 2027 symposium’s scientific program and shaping the international participant list. The Khiva meeting is expected to produce practical recommendations for adapting heritage protection and management to a changing climate. Uzbekistan has expressed readiness to host the event and support broad international expert dialogue.
Source: www.gazeta.uz