21/10/2026
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21/10/2026
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SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Oct 21: The Global Summit on Investing in Children’s Well-being opened in Samarkand on Wednesday, bringing together more than 600 participants from over 100 countries, including political leaders, ministers, experts, representatives of international organizations, civil society groups, the private sector, and children and adolescents.
Held under the theme “Investing in Children’s Well-being: A Path Towards Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations,” the two-day summit focuses on strengthening international efforts to protect children’s rights and promote their well-being as a foundation for sustainable and equitable development.
The main sessions address key challenges facing children worldwide, including strengthening social protection systems for vulnerable children and families, reducing poverty, and developing integrated child protection services.
Discussions also cover improving healthcare and early childhood development from birth, expanding access to inclusive education for children with special needs, and promoting their integration into society. Participants are exchanging experiences and best practices in supporting children and families.
Uzbekistan is hosting the summit through the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, and the Zamin International Public Foundation.
The summit is supported by a global advisory committee comprising the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank.
The proceedings are taking place at the Silk Road Complex in Samarkand, with participants also scheduled to visit social facilities in Uzbekistan to learn about local experiences in supporting children and families.
Running concurrently with the summit is the Second International Conference on Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, bringing together several First Ladies, including Emine Erdoğan of Türkiye, Aygül Japarova of Kyrgyzstan, Tamara Vučić of Serbia, and Nemat Aoun of Lebanon.
The conference aims to launch joint medical initiatives supporting childhood cancer treatment worldwide and facilitate the exchange of expertise in diagnosis and treatment.
The summit will conclude with the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration on Investing in Children’s Well-being, intended to provide a practical roadmap for sustainable policies that safeguard children’s rights and translate international commitments into concrete action for future generations.
