Uzbek First Lady Chairs Landmark UN Forum on Childhood Cancer in New York

As part of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly, a high-level international forum is being held in New York, chaired by First Lady of Uzbekistan Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Themed “Global Movement to Increase Survival and Reduce Suffering of Children with Cancer and Other Life-Threatening Diseases,” the forum marks a historic first for Uzbekistan - the first time the country has hosted a major global health event under its own name on the UN stage, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s growing leadership in advancing global healthcare priorities.

The event convenes a broad coalition of international stakeholders, including government officials, global health organizations, and medical experts, all united in the goal of improving outcomes for children suffering from cancer and other severe illnesses - especially in low- and middle-income countries where survival rates remain critically low.

In her keynote address, First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva is expected to call on the global community to take urgent, coordinated action to boost survival rates and expand access to life-saving treatment for children. Her appeal is aimed at galvanizing both political will and international cooperation in fighting pediatric cancer - a leading cause of death among children worldwide.

The forum has also drawn high-level participation from First Ladies representing countries across nearly every continent, including the spouses of the Presidents of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Angola, Vietnam, Guatemala, Serbia, and others. Their presence underscores the broad international commitment to prioritizing childhood cancer on the global health agenda.

The event reflects growing momentum within the UN community to address non-communicable diseases affecting children and emphasizes the importance of global partnerships in transforming pediatric healthcare systems.