Georgian Foreign Minister addressed the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, highlighting that “even today, parts of Georgia remain under Russian occupation, and the people living in those regions are deprived of access to education in their native language, of freedom of movement, and of the ability to preserve and celebrate their cultural identity”.

“It is a great honour for me to address this 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, here in the wonderful and historic city of Samarkand. Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and to the Government for their warm welcome and exceptional hospitality in this beautiful city, a place long renowned for its historic role as a meeting point of diverse cultures and intellectual traditions.

I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Madame Audrey Azoulay for her outstanding leadership during her two mandates as Director-General of UNESCO.

We deeply value her tireless efforts in advancing the Organization’s mission and in strengthening its global impact. Culture is what distinguishes us from one another and shapes our identity. Yet its greatest strength lies in its remarkable ability to connect and unite us. Throughout the centuries of its rich and vibrant history, Georgia has created and preserved a priceless cultural heritage - a legacy that continues to inspire and enrich humanity.

The cultural heritage of Georgia reflects both our distinct identity and the diversity that lies at the heart of our nation. We take great pride in our centuries-old tradition of qvevri winemaking and our unique polyphonic singing, both recognized by UNESCO as masterpieces of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. You are warmly invited to visit the Georgian Pavilion, showcasing our qvevri winemaking, and to join us this evening at the reception celebrating our polyphonic singing.

We are firmly convinced that protecting and promoting cultural heritage is vital not only for our own people, but for humanity as a whole - for it fosters understanding across borders, counters forces of division, and strengthens our shared sense of belonging. The principles that guide UNESCO - peace, mutual respect, and cooperation - are deeply meaningful for my country”, - said Maka Botchorishvili.