National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Opening the meeting, the Minister warmly welcomed the GEF delegation and expressed appreciation for the high level of cooperation. A. Abdukhakimov emphasized that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to its partnership with the GEF, which supports key environmental protection and sustainability initiatives in the country and the region. He confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to host the Assembly at the highest level and noted that the event will make a significant contribution to advancing the global environmental agenda. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening regional partnership in Central Asia, exchanging experience in combating air pollution and dust storms and promoting green technologies.

It was noted that Uzbekistan has extensive experience in hosting major international events: the UNWTO General Assembly in 2023, CMS COP14 in 2024 and the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, which the GEF mission was able to visit during its trip.

In turn, Peter Lallas expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the high level of organization of the mission, noting his impression of Samarkand’s nature, cultural heritage and dynamic development. He stressed that the GEF highly values Uzbekistan’s efforts to advance the environmental agenda and is ready to further strengthen the partnership.

The parties discussed signing an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the GEF Secretariat on hosting the 8th Assembly. The document is planned to be signed on the margins of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Visa facilitation, security, medical support, logistics, operation of the press center, protocol events and the cultural programme were considered as separate items.

The meeting examined in detail the expansion of air links, reception of delegations at airports and railway stations, and the development of the official Assembly website and an international PR campaign. Particular attention was paid to ensuring transport corridors, technical support, staff training and the organisation of volunteer activities.

It was proposed to complement the Assembly programme with accompanying events: a symposium for painters and sculptors, the production of a photo album showcasing GEF projects in Uzbekistan, and field excursions to project sites in Kashkadarya Region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The proposal also included creating an animated logo for the Assembly and forming a working group with appointed persons responsible for preparation.

A. Abdukhakimov underlined that hosting the 8th GEF Assembly will be a key regional event alongside CITES COP20 (24 November – 5 December 2025) and Eco Expo Central Asia – 2026. Together, these events reinforce Uzbekistan’s position as a center of environmental diplomacy in Central Asia. The Minister invited Assembly participants to visit the Central Asian Green University in Tashkent and the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage on the Silk Road in Samarkand.

Following the discussion, the parties confirmed their commitment to close cooperation on all aspects of organizing the 8th GEF Assembly, which is expected to bring together more than 1,500 participants — representatives of governments, international organisations, business and the academic community.