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

During the event, a presentation was delivered by Gayrat Mukhamedov, Director General of the State Environmental Expertise Centre under the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change. In his remarks, he outlined the current environmental regulatory system in Uzbekistan, highlighting its strengths as well as its existing limitations.

In addition, participants were introduced to Uzbekistan’s approach to the implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT) as part of the ongoing enhancement of environmental governance in the country.

As noted, Uzbekistan has established and effectively operates a system based on environmental standard-setting, environmental impact assessment, and state environmental expertise. At the same time, contemporary environmental challenges call for its technological reinforcement: alongside limiting pollution, increasing emphasis is being placed on preventive mechanisms.

In this context, Uzbekistan proposed a phased and adaptive, so-called hybrid model for the implementation of BAT. At the initial stage, priority will be given to sectors with a high environmental footprint, including energy, cement production, the chemical industry, as well as mining and metallurgy.

This approach envisages the preservation of the existing regulatory framework, while simultaneously introducing modern environmentally efficient technologies into industry.

Participants of the side event positively assessed the approach proposed by Uzbekistan, noting its practicality and strong potential as a pathway for modernising environmental regulation in the region.

The forum also addressed prospects for further expanding cooperation with international organisations, including technical assistance and the exchange of experience in the implementation of BAT.