The Sultanate of Oman has begun its participation in the Global Summit on “Investing in Child Well-being: A Path Towards Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations”, hosted by Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, over two days.

Representatives from more than 100 countries are participating in the summit, alongside senior healthcare officials from various countries, scientists, international experts, specialists and civil society representatives.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, First Lady of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Zamin International Public Foundation. Representatives of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, the European School of Oncology and other international organisations attended the ceremony.

The opening session was attended by AlSayyida Wafa Albusaidi, Oman’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, along with a number of officials from the Ministry of Social Development.

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

He proposed establishing the “Samarkand Platform” as a mechanism for exchanging expertise, developing joint projects and assessing the outcomes of cooperation in child care.

Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, First Lady of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Zamin International Public Foundation, stated that every investment in children is an investment in the future of society, sustainable development and the future of humanity as a whole. She added that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring children’s well-being, which requires shared responsibility, sustained efforts and strong political will.

Speakers at the summit’s opening session stressed the need to protect children, develop social services and strengthen international cooperation to ensure a better future for younger generations. The summit will focus primarily on increasing investment in children’s health, education, social protection and safety.

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

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

The opening session also saw the launch of a joint international initiative led by first ladies to strengthen international cooperation, promote early detection and facilitate the exchange of expertise in the treatment of paediatric tumours and cancer. The initiative coincided with the Second International Conference on Childhood Cancer.

The summit is also addressing the fight against digital violence and bullying, including the establishment of strict frameworks to combat cyberbullying, protect children’s personal data and provide a safe digital learning environment.