World Summit opens in Samarkand focusing on children's well-being

The opening ceremony of the World Summit began in Samarkand under the theme "Investing in children's well-being: towards sustainable and equitable development for future generations." A greeting from President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to participants was read by his press secretary, Sh. Asadov.

Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, also spoke at the ceremony. He thanked Uzbekistan's leadership for initiating the summit and for the high level of organisation of the event. A message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was read by Sabine Mahl, the UN's permanent representative in Uzbekistan. First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, chair of the board of trustees of the international public foundation Zamin, also addressed the summit and wished participants productive work.

The two-day summit will also host the second International Congress on Pediatric Oncology. The events are organised on Uzbekistan's initiative in cooperation with the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children, UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the World Bank. Representatives of more than 100 countries and international organisations, foreign and domestic experts, and public figures are taking part.