Uzbekistan and the GEF Strengthen Cooperation Ahead of the VIII GEF Assembly
2026-04-02 17:15:00 / News

During the discussion, the parties comprehensively reviewed the organizational aspects of preparations for the 8th GEF Assembly, which will be held in Samarkand.
The parties also agreed on a number of important elements of the Assembly’s business and cultural programme, including the organization of cultural events at the “Eternal City” complex, as well as a youth art exhibition.
During the meeting, readiness was expressed to sign an agreement on the implementation of a seconders programme, providing for the placement of specialists from Uzbekistan at the GEF for professional exchange and capacity building.
It was also announced that approval has been granted for the allocation of USD 5.4 million for the implementation of the regional project “Mountain Ecosystems of Central Asia,” which will be carried out with the participation of the World Bank. The GEF also invited Uzbekistan to consider becoming a donor country to the Facility. This status would enable the Republic to participate in the decision-making process regarding the allocation of the organization’s financial resources.
In addition, an agreement was reached to hold a high-level roundtable dedicated to the launch of the regional programme “Central Asia Water and Land Nexus (CAWLN),” with a total budget of USD 26 million. The GEF also expressed its support for Uzbekistan’s initiative to develop a regional project aimed at conserving populations of large cats in Central Asia.
The meeting reaffirmed the high level of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the GEF, as well as the mutual commitment to advancing sustainable development and addressing pressing environmental challenges at the regional level.
Registration for participation is available at the following link: https://assembly.thegef.org/event/2026/register
The registration deadline is April 30.




