Oman
Begins Participation in Global Summit on Investing in Children’s Wellbeing

Samarkand,
21 Oct 2026 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman began today its participation in
the proceedings of the Global Summit on Investing in Children’s Wellbeing: A
Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations,”
hosted by the city of Samarkand in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The
opening ceremony of the two-day summit was held under the auspices of Ziroat
Mirziyoyeva, Spouse of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Zamin International Public
Foundation. This was in the presence of representatives from the United
Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Society of Paediatric
Oncology, the European School of Oncology, and other international
organizations.

The
opening session of the summit was attended by Sayyida Wafaa Jabr Al Busaidi,
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and a number
of officials from the Ministry of Social Development.

President
Dr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, called for expanding the
scope of international cooperation in the field of early diagnosis and
treatment of severe childhood diseases, particularly cancer. He also called for
establishing safe educational and digital environments, and combating
cyberbullying and the misuse of children’s personal information.

He
proposed the establishment of the “Samarkand Platform” as a mechanism
for exchanging expertise, developing joint projects, and evaluating the results
of cooperation in the field of childcare.

For
her part, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, Spouse of the President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Zamin International
Public Foundation, affirmed that every investment in children is an investment
in the future of society, sustainable development, and the future of all
humanity. However, sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring
the wellbeing of children, which requires shared responsibility, tireless
efforts, and strong political will.

Speakers
at the opening session of the summit emphasized the necessity of protecting
children, developing social services, and enhancing international cooperation
to ensure the future of new generations. The conference will primarily focus on
enhancing investment in children’s health, education, social protection, and
safety.

They
also affirmed the importance of investing in children today as a fundamental
pillar for the sustainable and equitable development of future generations.

Over
the course of two days, participants will exchange expertise, discuss current
challenges, and explore practical approaches to providing better opportunities
and a safer, healthier, and more inclusive environment for children.

The
sessions on the first day focused on mechanisms for integrating fragmented childcare
support systems, reviewing research evidence to develop social protection, and
discussing the World Health Organization’s strategy for child and adolescent
health (2026–2030).

Representatives
from more than 100 countries are participating in the summit, along with a
group of senior healthcare sector officials from various countries, scientists,
international experts, specialists, and civil society representatives.

—Ends/AG