Siena and Bukhara: talks launched on collaboration between UNESCO

Siena opens dialogue with Bukhara (Uzbekistan)

On 15 April 2026, an institutional meeting was held at Palazzo Pubblico between city officials from Siena and a delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting aimed to initiate a collaboration between the two historic centres, both inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Participants included the mayor of Siena, the councillor for cooperation and international relations, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Italy and the Honorary Consul. A draft cooperation agreement was presented to the ambassador for preliminary review.

• Participants: mayor of Siena, councillor for cooperation, Uzbek ambassador, honorary consul.
• Purpose: explore a cooperation agreement between UNESCO-listed historic centres.
• Immediate outcome: handover of the draft agreement and the opening of a working dialogue.

The Siena administration described the meeting as an initial step toward building international relations focused on cultural exchange, institutional initiatives and potential economic collaboration linked to heritage enhancement. In the coming months the agreement should be refined and technical visits and joint projects scheduled.

Next steps:

• Formal review of the draft cooperation agreement by Uzbek authorities;
• Detailed definition of content and timeline in subsequent months;
• Operational proposals: cultural exchanges, heritage protection programs, joint events.