Honouring Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage and the Legacy of Khudaibergan Devanov

As the countdown begins toward the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference, the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, in partnership with the Art and Culture Development Foundation, hosted a compelling cultural event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

As the world looks ahead to the 43rd General Conference foreseen in Samarkand later this year, today’s event set a deeply symbolic tone: one of remembrance, pride, and the shared responsibility to preserve the stories that define us.

The exhibition, “Uzbekistan: A Beautiful World,” opened its doors on April 1st with a vibrant celebration of history, memory, and resilience through the photographic legacy of Khudaibergan Devanov—widely considered the father of Central Asian cinema.

The inauguration was marked by a stirring address from H.E. Ambassador Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO. Speaking before dignitaries, cultural leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, H.E. Ambassador Miculescu paid tribute to Devanov’s legacy, describing him as “a master of light, a guardian of memory.”

“Like all of you, I am delighted to begin our journey to Samarkand through the visionary lens of Khudaibergan Devanov. His camera did not merely capture motion—it rescued worlds from forgetfulness” - H.E. Ambassador Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO

H.E. Ambassador Miculescu emphasized the importance of cultural preservation, calling Devanov’s work a vital reminder of how culture, in all its forms, must be protected, shared, and transmitted. “This photographic journey invites us to remember: culture is fragile. Documentary heritage makes it endure. And this is what UNESCO stands for—to protect, to inspire.”

She warmly congratulated H.E. Kamol Mukhtarov, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, and the organizers for curating an exhibition that offers “a profound and subtle initiation into the spirit of Uzbekistan and of its people.”

The event, held in Ségur Hall and followed by a reception in Pas Perdus Hall, welcomed delegates, cultural envoys, and guests for an immersive visual experience that connects the past with the present. With Devanov’s pioneering photographs at its heart, the exhibition celebrates Uzbekistan’s rich cultural landscape and its enduring place on the global heritage map.

The Sands of Time: National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan

To further enrich the occasion, the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan delivered a breathtaking concert in the UNESCO Headquarters’ main hall. Titled The Sands of Time, the performance brought to life musical interpretations of the poetic works of Navoi, Babur, Omar Khayyam, and Nodira. Conducted by Alibek Kabdurakhmanov and featuring the Richter Trio alongside Honored Artists of Uzbekistan, the concert served as an audible tribute to Uzbekistan’s cultural spirit—an orchestral dialogue between the country’s timeless heritage and its modern creative voice.

Capping off the day’s events, a host country agreement was signed between the Government of Uzbekistan and UNESCO to host the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference. 

Read the President’s speech here