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

The Assembly will focus on developing solutions to accelerate progress toward global environmental goals. The agenda will include discussions on climate change and resilience, biodiversity conservation, combating land degradation and desertification, water resource management, and reducing environmental pollution. Special emphasis will be placed on the GEF’s new financial framework for 2026–2030 (GEF-9), which is designed to promote an integrated approach linking nature, climate, and pollution challenges.

The Assembly’s program features a wide range of formats that will enable participants not only to exchange views but also to develop practical solutions. High-level plenary sessions are expected to result in key decisions, alongside ministerial and thematic roundtables, civil society forums, side events and project presentations. In addition, meetings of the GEF Council will take place to review projects and financial initiatives.

Beyond serving as a platform for dialogue, the Assembly is a critical decision-making mechanism. Participating countries will endorse the GEF’s strategic directions, approve the allocation of financial resources, present and advance environmental projects and establish new international partnerships. For Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region, hosting the Assembly offers additional opportunities to attract investment, strengthen cooperation, and promote the regional environmental agenda at the global level.

Traditionally, the Assembly brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government delegations, international organizations, donors and financial institutions, private sector representatives, as well as environmental activists and non-governmental organizations. This makes it one of the key global platforms for aligning environmental policy and mobilizing resources.

In this context, the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand will serve as an important milestone in shaping the global environmental agenda for the coming years, contributing to enhanced international cooperation on climate, biodiversity and sustainable development.

Registration for participation is available at the following link: https://assembly.thegef.org/event/2026/register

The registration deadline is April 30.