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

The side event featured contributions from leading figures across the GEF partnership, including Chizuru Aoki, Head of the Conventions and Funds Division, Jonathan Caldicott, Head of Operations and Policy, and Mohamed Bakarr, Head of Integration and Knowledge. Executive Secretaries of key multilateral environmental agreements — Rolph Payet (Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions) and Monika Stankiewicz (Minamata Convention on Mercury) — also shared their perspectives. Ministers from The Gambia and Barbados further highlighted national priorities and expectations for strengthening GEF support in the coming cycle. 

Representing Uzbekistan, Mr. Alisher Salomov, Advisor to the Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of equitable access to climate and biodiversity financing for developing countries. He stressed that Uzbekistan considers the GEF a strategic partner in scaling up climate resilience, preventing biodiversity loss and advancing sustainable development. 

Mr. Salomov highlighted that Uzbekistan will host the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand from 31 May to 6 June 2026, noting that the event will create new opportunities for Central Asian countries, LDCs and SIDS to strengthen cooperation and mobilize resources for environmental priorities. He underlined that Samarkand — recognized by UN Tourism as the World Capital of Cultural Tourism — has already demonstrated its capacity as an international venue by successfully hosting major global conferences, including the UN Tourism General Assembly, UNCCD CRIC21, CMS COP14, the UNESCO General Assembly and CITES CoP20. All of these events were held at the state-of-the-art Samarkand Silk Road Congress Center, where the GEF Assembly will also take place. 

He additionally informed participants about Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, which will be organized in parallel with the Assembly, serving as a regional platform connecting providers and recipients of sustainable, innovative solutions supported by international financial institutions. 

Uzbekistan’s engagement in this GEF side event reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and contributing to global environmental governance. The discussions in Nairobi reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to play an active role in shaping the future direction of environmental financing and to welcome the international community to Samarkand in 2026.