Uzbekistan, ICCROM Forge New Pact to Protect Cultural Heritage

A high-level meeting held in Paris, France has resulted in the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cultural Heritage Agency of Uzbekistan and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).

The meeting brought together Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation; Bahodir Abdikarimov, Director of the Cultural Heritage Agency of Uzbekistan; and Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Director-General of ICCROM, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for deeper collaboration in preserving Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage and aligns with international standards and practices in conservation.

The agreement identifies four key areas of cooperation:

Sustainable management of UNESCO World Heritage sites

Modernization of conservation techniques for architectural monuments

Development of the museum sector and scientific literacy

Enhancement of regional cooperation in Central Asia, with a focus on protecting intangible cultural heritage

Officials hailed the agreement as a major step toward integrating Uzbekistan more fully into global heritage preservation efforts while also fostering regional partnerships across Central Asia.