Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- One of the key events of the fourth day of the 25th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Samarkand was the Global Forum on Education.

UNWTO presented the strategy and role of educational programs in shaping the future of the tourism industry, as well as the goals, vision, and work accomplished in this field.

The event was opened by the Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Government of Uzbekistan for the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Rector of the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage “Silk Road” Aziz Abdukhakimov.

“Education in the field of tourism in Uzbekistan is developing rapidly. Within the last three years, the number of specialist higher education institutions has increased from 16 to 30, and the number of students has increased from 4,100 to 11,500. The number of researchers and academic staff has also increased dynamically,” said A. Abdukhakimov. 

"It is worth noting that on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage 'Silk Road' was established in Samarkand in 2018, which has become one of the leading tourism educational institutions in our country. Significantly, in Samarkand, an International Tourism Academy is being jointly established with UNWTO. Its goal is to form a class of qualified professionals who will contribute to the development of the tourism industry and the economy sector",- noted the rector.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The opening speech at the forum was made by Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). He highlighted the current issues in educational tourism and discussed potential solutions to address them.

“The Education Forum is dedicated to the current issues we face in tourism education,- said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UNWTO.-Education methods and practices are changing. New technologies, including artificial intelligence, offer numerous opportunities while also presenting many challenges. To address them properly, we need to hear the opinions of governments, businesses, and the youth who will represent the next generation of tourism"-said the Secretary General.                                                                         

During the forum, an interactive discussion took place, involving tourism ministers from pioneering countries in tourism education. They discussed policy issues related to fostering innovation and education for the current and future generations in the tourism industry. The discussion explored opportunities for establishing new rules, effective tools, and global cooperation to support inclusive and sustainable tourism development, as well as addressing the shortage of skilled professionals and creating job opportunities.

The first main presentation, titled "Education, Investing in the Future," examined the opportunities and challenges associated with investing in education. The speakers drew parallels with innovative advancements in the sector and emphasized the importance of investing in tourism education.

The second keynote speech focused on "Unleashing the Power of Tomorrow: Transforming Technology, Innovation, and Education for Boundless Futures." This presentation highlighted the latest technologies and trends serving education and capacity development.

One of the significant events of the day was a special presentation on the Tourism Academy in Uzbekistan, highlighting the country's commitment to investing in tourism education and its partnership with the World Tourism Organization.

The forum will conclude with the UNWTO "Ulysses" Awards Ceremony. The 16th laureate of the Ulysses Award will be announced, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field of education. The award is given to individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made exceptional contributions to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in tourism. It aims to promote innovation, research, and knowledge exchange for the development and sustainable growth of the tourism sector. The award serves as a global platform to honor and recognize those who have made significant contributions to the knowledge base of tourism, contributing to its growth and global impact.