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

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov, Javokhir Abdukhalikov, Head of Department at the Committee on Ecology, Bakhrom Kholkhujaev, Head of Department at the Committee on Ecology, Rector of Green University Professor Bakhtiyor Pulatov, employees of the Committee and affiliated organizations, representatives of regional departments, as well as members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Jusipbek Kazbekov noted that Uzbekistan is once again becoming a platform for major international environmental events, during which particular attention will be paid to pressing environmental issues. In particular, discussions are expected to focus on strengthening resilience to climate change and its impacts, biodiversity conservation, combating land degradation and desertification, water resource management, and reducing environmental pollution. He also separately highlighted the activities of Green University — the only specialized environmental university in Central Asia — as well as the “green” technical colleges being established under its framework. It was emphasized that these technical colleges will train highly qualified environmental specialists, which will play an important role in ensuring environmental sustainability not only in Uzbekistan, but across the entire region.

In turn, Javokhir Abdukhalikov provided information about the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Assembly is expected to include nine high-level roundtables, more than 50 side events, the announcement of several international initiatives and the launch of new environmental projects. It was noted that the Assembly is expected to facilitate the attraction of grants and investments for green projects, expand cooperation with international financial institutions, support climate adaptation initiatives, promote ecosystem restoration programs in the Aral Sea region, advance biodiversity conservation, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture projects, and launch joint cross-border initiatives. In addition, the event is expected to contribute to an increase in the number of foreign delegations and experts visiting the country, foster business tourism and create additional jobs in the services and logistics sectors.

During his remarks, Bakhrom Kholkhujaev separately focused on the international environmental exhibition Eco Expo Central Asia 2026. He noted that the event will bring together representatives from more than 100 countries, heads of international organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, investors, manufacturers of environmentally friendly products, eco-innovators, as well as representatives of government agencies and the expert community. More than 68 pavilions dedicated to environmental products and services will be organized as part of the exhibition.

The exhibition, organized by the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change jointly with Business Congress Management (BCM), will feature leading international organizations, including the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), among others. In addition, major international companies — including Vision Invest (Saudi Arabia), SUEZ (France), Cevia Environment (China), KOMOTO (Japan), EPSOY (Finland), Siberian Wellness (Russia), Bell Energy (UAE), and Oizom Instruments (India) — will present their corporate pavilions, alongside leading domestic enterprises such as Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, AKFA, Jizzakh Battery Plant and JSC “Uzkimyosanoat”.

To showcase innovative developments by eco-innovators, an additional 20 pavilions will be organized for startup projects from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. Furthermore, all regions of the country have prepared specific project proposals aimed at climate adaptation, the rational use of natural resources, and ensuring environmental sustainability. These initiatives will be presented to international donors and investors. The exhibition will also host side events, thematic forums, presentations, and dialogue platforms dedicated to green energy, waste recycling, water resource management, climate adaptation and sustainable development.

Information was also provided regarding the international Cat X exhibition, which will be held from May 29 to 31 at High Town City Mall in Tashkent. Cat X is the only professional cat exhibition in Uzbekistan aimed at promoting responsible treatment of animals, supporting animal shelters, and advancing felinology in the country. The exhibition is being held in Uzbekistan for the seventh time and, this year, will be organized for the first time with international status under the auspices of the World Cat Federation (Germany). In 2025, the event featured 80 animals from Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and other countries, while the number of visitors reached 7,000. This year, experts and guests from Germany, China, Hungary, Latvia, Croatia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine are expected to participate. More than 12,000 visitors are anticipated.

In his speech, Rector of Green University Bakhtiyor Pulatov paid particular attention to the university’s activities and the establishment of “green” technical colleges across all regions of the republic. According to him, the quality of education at the university complies with European ESG standards and is aimed at training globally competitive and socially responsible environmental specialists. Currently, the university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in sustainable development, green economy, environmental law, circular economy, sustainable finance, environmental sciences and environmental protection.

For reference: in accordance with Resolution No. 110 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 25, 2026, 14 “green” technical colleges will be established under Green University as part of the nationwide “Eco-Culture” project. Based on this decision, an integrated model of continuous education has been introduced, under which specialized subjects taught at the university will be incorporated into the second-year curricula of the “green” technical colleges. Graduates who successfully complete the colleges and possess English language proficiency at a minimum B2 level will be eligible to continue their studies from the second year of Green University’s bachelor’s degree programs based on their academic performance (GPA).

Bakhtiyor Pulatov also noted that the establishment of “green” technical colleges in all regions of the republic will make it possible to train specialists who possess in-depth knowledge of the climatic and environmental characteristics of their respective territories and relevant professional specialization.

During the press conference, specialists provided detailed answers to all questions raised by representatives of the media.