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

In his remarks, Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, emphasized that climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution and water scarcity are shaping a new reality in which sustainable development is only achievable through coordinated efforts at both regional and global levels.

Particular attention was given to Uzbekistan’s environmental policy. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country is implementing a comprehensive green transformation strategy aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and adapting to climate change. Key initiatives include "Yashil Makon", Waste-Free Territory, Eco-Culture, Bioheritage and Clean Air, covering areas such as afforestation, waste management, environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation and air quality improvement.

It was noted that a significant number of SCO countries are located within the global dust belt, making desertification, dust and sandstorms and transboundary air pollution shared regional challenges.

In this context, priority areas for joint action between the SCO and UNEP were outlined. These include the development of regional early warning systems for dust and sandstorms and air quality deterioration, enhanced cooperation in combating land degradation, expanded partnerships in biodiversity conservation and the strengthening of pollution reduction mechanisms, including the management of plastic and hazardous waste.

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of deploying advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and satellite data, to enhance the effectiveness of environmental monitoring, enable the timely detection of negative trends and improve the accuracy of risk forecasting.

Participants expressed confidence that the synergy between the SCO’s role as a regional platform and UNEP’s technical and expert capacity will elevate environmental cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

At the conclusion of the session, a Plan of Action for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the SCO Secretariat and UNEP was signed, which will serve as a practical instrument for further strengthening cooperation.

The Uzbek side also invited international partners to take part in upcoming major environmental events in Uzbekistan, including the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility and the international exhibition Eco Expo Central Asia 2026.