International Forum Dedicated to the Future of Children Opens in Samarkand

On October 21, the World Summit on Children’s Well-Being began its work in Samarkand.

The major international event brought together more than 600 guests from over 100 countries, including heads of relevant ministries, representatives of the United Nations and other international organizations, members of civil society, as well as children and young people.

The important forum is being organized by the Government of Uzbekistan with close support from prominent organizations such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Office of the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children and the World Bank.

The main objective of the summit is to identify systematic approaches to protecting the interests of the younger generation amid such global challenges as climate change, economic difficulties, poverty and declining humanitarian assistance.

Participants paid particular attention to early childhood education, social support for children and access to education for children with disabilities.

Uzbekistan’s achievements in this area were highlighted in particular. The child poverty rate in the country decreased from 21.5% to 5.4%, while preschool education coverage increased from 27% to 78%.