First CITES CoP20 Press Conference Held in Samarkand
2025-12-04 14:45:00 / Press conferences
The speakers at the press conference were Advisor to the Minister of Ecology of Uzbekistan Alisher Salomov, CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero, and Advisor to the Minister of Ecology on Information Policy Lola Rakhmanbaeva. They presented the key areas of work of CoP20 and underscored the importance of holding the Conference in Uzbekistan – a country that in recent years has been actively advancing initiatives in the field of environmental protection.
Alisher Salomov noted that the sustainable use of wildlife resources is one of the priorities of Uzbekistan’s environmental policy:
“Designating 2025 as the Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy in Uzbekistan reflects our strategic commitment to environmental sustainability and the transition to a green, resource-efficient development model. Uzbekistan is steadily becoming one of the leading countries in the region and in the world in addressing environmental challenges.”
Opening the first plenary session of the Conference, CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero invited participants to join the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Convention’s entry into force. She emphasized the profound symbolism of holding the anniversary session in Samarkand:
“Samarkand, a city that for centuries has been a crossroads of cultures, ideas and trade, is a symbol of connection, dialogue and cooperation — the very values on which CITES is founded. We are also celebrating five decades of tireless work by the Parties to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. This principle is just as relevant today as it was in 1975 — and perhaps even more so.”
During the event, the Secretary-General also announced the winners and finalists of the global photo competition dedicated to the 50th anniversary of CITES. The entries were presented in four thematic categories, reflecting the spirit of the Convention through images of wild animals, plants, partnerships and the perspectives of young people.
The first press conference set the tone for substantive discussions on biodiversity conservation, strengthening international cooperation and developing global approaches to the sustainable management of wildlife. For Uzbekistan, hosting CITES CoP20 has become an important step in consolidating the country’s role as an active participant in the international environmental process and as an initiator of significant transboundary conservation projects.
The CITES CoP20 Conference in Samarkand brings together more than 3,000 delegates, including representatives of governments, international organizations, the scientific community and civil society.
CITES was signed on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. Today it has 185 Parties (184 countries and the European Union) and remains one of the most effective international instruments for the conservation of wildlife.
CITES regulates international trade in more than 40,900 species of animals and plants, seeking to ensure that such trade is sustainable, legal and traceable. The Convention also contributes to improving the well-being of local communities and supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.