Oman will participate in a two-day international summit on children’s wellbeing in Uzbekistan from Wednesday, joining representatives from more than 100 countries to discuss ways to improve child protection, healthcare, education and social welfare.

The summit, titled Investing in Children’s Wellbeing: A Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations, will be held in Samarkand, with Oman represented by officials from the Ministry of Social Development.

The event will bring together high-level representatives to exchange expertise and explore effective approaches to improving children’s quality of life, strengthening social protection systems and ensuring access to essential services.

Key topics will include child wellbeing, social protection, child protection, healthcare, early childhood development and inclusive education, with discussions focusing on policies and initiatives that can support children’s development and create more equitable opportunities for future generations.

Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Social Protection, said the summit offered an opportunity to unite efforts with international partners to advance children’s wellbeing.

Children account for around one-third of the world’s population, making their care, protection and development a shared international responsibility, she said.

Mirziyoyeva noted that countries have different experiences and approaches to supporting children, but every child has the right to care, protection and opportunities to realise their potential.

She added that bringing together representatives from more than 100 countries would provide an international platform for sharing expertise and discussing practical solutions to challenges affecting children’s wellbeing.

The summit is expected to encourage cooperation among participating countries and strengthen efforts to develop effective policies and services that help children grow up in safe, supportive and inclusive environments.