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

Uzbekistan is also actively engaged in the global climate agenda and is consistently pursuing a strategy of sustainable development. Speaking at the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana on 22 April this year, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that systematic measures are being implemented in the country to strengthen environmental sustainability and adapt to climate change. At Uzbekistan’s initiative, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution “Decade of Action on Afforestation and Reforestation,” which became an important international recognition of the country’s environmental efforts.

One of the key priorities of state policy remains the development of green energy. In recent years, solar and wind energy sectors in Uzbekistan have been developing at an accelerated pace, while major infrastructure projects are being implemented with the participation of international investors. At the same time, consistent efforts are underway to reduce dependence on traditional carbon-intensive energy sources. Today, the share of green energy in the country’s total generating capacity has reached 30 percent and by 2030 this figure is expected to exceed 50 percent.

At the same time, Uzbekistan is implementing a large-scale programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and modernizing industry. The introduction of modern technologies is contributing to lower energy consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the development of a sustainable economy. Particular attention is being given to methane emissions reduction, the development of green financing mechanisms and the improvement of carbon regulation systems.

An important element of climate policy is the modernization of the waste management system. In the coming years, coverage of solid household waste management services is expected to reach 95 percent of the population, while part of the waste will be utilized for energy generation. In addition, environmentally friendly transport is being actively promoted across the country, the use of electric vehicles is expanding and green urban corridors are being developed to reduce harmful emissions and improve the quality of the urban environment.

Significant attention is also being paid to strengthening the regulatory and legal framework in the field of climate change. Uzbekistan is developing a modern system for accounting, monitoring, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, advancing national climate infrastructure and introducing international environmental management standards.

Another important area of focus remains ecosystem restoration and addressing the consequences of the environmental crisis in the Aral Sea region. Large-scale afforestation projects are being implemented in the region to stabilize the environmental situation and mitigate the negative effects of the drying of the Aral Sea. Under the nationwide “Yashil Makon” initiative, reforestation efforts are being carried out across 6.1 million hectares, including 2.3 million hectares in the Aral Sea region, alongside the planting of one billion trees. These projects have already been recognized as among the largest environmental initiatives in the region.

The expansion of clean energy and the development of green industry are contributing not only to reducing pressure on the environment, but also to creating new jobs, improving living standards, and fostering a more comfortable urban environment. For residents of vulnerable regions, these reforms are of particular importance, as they help strengthen resilience to droughts, water scarcity, and other climate-related risks.

The international community highly appreciates Uzbekistan’s efforts in the field of climate policy. International organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme have noted the country’s steady progress in transitioning to a green economy and creating favourable conditions for attracting environmental investments. An important confirmation of international recognition was the letter of appreciation from Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Simon Stiell in connection with Uzbekistan’s submission of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement.

Under its new commitments, Uzbekistan intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 50 percent by 2035 compared to 2010 levels and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2055. These goals reflect the country’s determination not only to fulfil its international obligations, but also to build a long-term model of sustainable and low-carbon development.

Today, Uzbekistan demonstrates an active and responsible approach to combating climate change. The country’s consistent environmental policy, large-scale reforms, and international cooperation confirm its readiness to make a meaningful contribution to ensuring environmental security and a sustainable future for generations to come.