Agreement Signed on a Sustainable Urban Development Project in Central Asia
2026-06-04 14:45:00 / News
The event was organized by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) with the support of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The platform brought together representatives of environmental agencies from the region's countries, international organizations, and experts to discuss joint initiatives in the areas of climate-resilient development, climate risk management, and sustainable land use.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov noted that the signing ceremony reflects not only a formal agreement but also the shared aspiration of the region's countries to turn climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable development, stronger regional cooperation, and enhanced climate change resilience. He emphasized that the current cooperation portfolio between Uzbekistan and GIZ comprises 11 projects with a total value of approximately 125 million euros, 9 of which are currently being implemented. Furthermore, a new regional initiative valued at around 264 million euros is being developed.
It was noted that Central Asia faces mounting environmental challenges, including water scarcity, land degradation, desertification, biodiversity loss, and extreme climate events. In this regard, integrated approaches to developing green infrastructure, climate-resilient urban planning, early warning systems, and the rational management of natural resources are acquiring particular significance.
The following projects were presented during the event:
– "Sustainable and Climate-Sensitive Urban Development in Central Asia";
– "Climate Risk Management in Central Asia";
– "Integrated and Climate-Resilient Land Use in Central Asia".
GIZ experts presented the current results of initiatives implemented in Central Asian countries, as well as plans for expanding regional interaction and attracting climate financing, including the preparation of a new initiative for the Green Climate Fund.
Following the event, a signing ceremony for an amendment to the implementation agreement for the regional project "Sustainable and Climate-Sensitive Urban Development in Central Asia" was held between GIZ and the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The document outlines an increase in project funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to 6 million euros, as well as the extension of the current project phase until April 30, 2029. The project covers Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan and is aimed at promoting climate-resilient and eco-oriented urban development in the region.
The parties emphasized that the further strengthening of this partnership will allow for the scaling of practical solutions in the fields of climate change adaptation, ecosystem conservation, sustainable land and water resource management, and enhancing the environmental security of Central Asian countries.
