Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 23 May 2022, the presentation of the "Cultural Heritage and Creativity Platform" was held at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage. 

The event was opened by the director of the Cultural Heritage Agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Shahriyor Nurulloev. The presentation was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, the leadership of the UNESCO office in Uzbekistan.

The event was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan and the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO.

Cultural heritage and the creative industries represent one of the fastest growing sectors of the world economy. Investing in culture and creativity has proven to be a great way to revitalize urban economies. Today, many cities use cultural heritage, cultural events and institutions to enhance their image, stimulate urban development and attract visitors and investment.

Uzbekistan is known as a country with a rich cultural and natural heritage and diverse creativity. As a multi-ethnic society located on the historic Silk Road, culture has flourished here for centuries. The authorities of Uzbekistan recognize the primary contribution of culture to the sustainable development of the country. In addition, the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is a source of national identity and pride, and its protection and promotion receive attention from the state.

The purpose of the Cultural Heritage and Creativity Platform is to ensure the protection of cultural and natural heritage and the promotion of creativity, the development of sustainable tourism in Uzbekistan. In addition, facilitating the implementation of cultural programs and initiatives, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026.

The purpose of the Platform is also to strengthen the protection of cultural and natural heritage, the development of cultural and creative industries and the development of sustainable tourism in Uzbekistan.

The objectives of the platform are as follows:

- Identification and mapping on an ongoing basis of cultural programs / projects / initiatives implemented in Uzbekistan by all interested parties;

- Increasing the value of ongoing activities/projects by ensuring synergy; 

- Directing all culture-related work based on current policies and strategies, identified needs, etc., in a coordinated manner, avoiding an ad hoc approach;

- Strengthening international cooperation, communication and assistance in the field of cultural heritage based on the results of mapped work, providing a space for interaction, exchange of ideas and experience between local and international institutions and all stakeholders.

The meeting on the Platform for Cultural Heritage and Creativity was held in the format of a round table.

All national and international stakeholders among UN agencies, embassies, international organizations, line ministries and donor agencies working in the field of culture have come together to identify and map cultural events, as well as to discuss cooperation and joint initiatives in this field. The purpose of this cooperation is the planning and implementation of activities in the field of culture, tourism and creativity.