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

One of the key meetings was held with Grethel Aguilar, Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The parties discussed the development of partnerships in biodiversity conservation, the promotion of Nature-based Solutions, the improvement of protected natural area management, and the advancement of ecotourism.

Special attention was given to the preparation of the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the creation of a Regional Red List for Central Asia, and the development of transboundary protected areas in the region. The Uzbek side proposed to intensify cooperation with the IUCN regional office in Tashkent and to jointly prepare projects under the new cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9). The meeting also addressed the development of Green University as a regional platform for environmental education and science, including collaboration with the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law and the implementation of international educational practices.

During a meeting with Fatou Haidara, Deputy Director General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the parties discussed issues of "green" industrialisation, the integration of environmentally friendly technologies, and industrial modernization.

Aziz Abdukhakimov noted that the environmental agenda has become a top priority of state policy in Uzbekistan, and the transformation of the Ministry of Ecology into the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change reflects a new institutional approach to sustainable development issues.

During the negotiations, key national initiatives were presented, including projects on greening, biodiversity protection, waste management, air quality improvement, and the development of environmental education. Special focus was placed on cooperation with UNIDO to develop a regulatory framework for the implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT), the promotion of climate innovations, and the development of startups under the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP). The parties also discussed the prospects for implementing the "Climate Technology Innovation for Climate Resilience in Uzbekistan" project, aimed at advancing climate analytics, early warning systems, and adaptation financing.

Another significant meeting involved talks with Dr. Ian Miller, Chief Science and Innovation Officer at the National Geographic Society. The conversation centered on promoting the natural heritage of Uzbekistan and Central Asia on the international stage, as well as expanding cooperation in scientific research, environmental education, and documentary filmmaking. The Uzbek side presented natural territories of international importance, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Western Tien Shan and the "Cold Winter Deserts of Turan," alongside wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention. Aziz Abdukhakimov proposed in developing joint scientific expeditions to the Aral Sea region, mountain and desert ecosystems, as well as producing documentaries, photo projects, and digital content aimed at raising global awareness of Central Asia's natural wealth.

Also within the framework of the exhibition, a meeting was held with Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, President of the Environment Authority of Oman.

The parties discussed prospects for practical cooperation in the fields of combating desertification, water resources management, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Uzbekistan proposed conducting joint research on drought-resistant vegetation and sand fixation technologies at the Regional Research Center for Combating Desertification and Desert Economy Development, based at Green University.

Furthermore, initiatives were reviewed regarding the exchange of expertise in managing specially protected natural areas, organizing educational programs, and launching academic exchanges between the universities of the two countries.

The meetings held reaffirmed Uzbekistan's growing role as a regional hub for environmental diplomacy and international cooperation in the spheres of sustainable development, the "green" economy, and the global climate agenda.