Skopje, 4 November 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov is heading a Macedonian delegation at the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held Oct 30 – Nov 13 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

On Wednesday, Ljutkov will address the debate dedicated to the general policies of the Organization, which will be attended by ministers and representatives from UNESCO member states.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism noted that representatives from over 200 countries and international organizations will participate in the General Conference.

During the two-week session, important documents will be adopted that define UNESCO's budget and work program for the upcoming period, and member states will also elect members of the Executive Board. A new Director of the Organization is also expected to be appointed during the Conference. The hosting of the Conference in Samarkand is of particular significance, as it marks the first time in over four decades that UNESCO’s General Conference is being held outside the Organization’s headquarters in Paris.

“Participating in this international gathering, of which the Republic of Macedonia has been a full-fledged member since June 28, 1993, affirms the country’s continued commitment to the aims and values of UNESCO, and represents an opportunity to promote the visibility of Macedonian culture globally,” the Ministry said.

MIA file photo