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

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, reading out a message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the Assembly participants.

In his address, the Head of State emphasized the symbolism of holding the forum in Samarkand—a city that for centuries has connected East and West, diverse cultures and civilizations, science, and practical knowledge. The President also noted the special significance of the Assembly taking place on the eve of World Environment Day.

The message noted that today, humanity faces unprecedented environmental challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. A special role in overcoming these problems belongs to the Global Environment Facility, which over the years of its operation has mobilized more than $170 billion for the implementation of environmental projects worldwide.

Special attention was given to the environmental threats facing Central Asia. The President noted that climate change, desertification, land degradation, melting glaciers, and water scarcity remain key challenges for the region. According to the World Bank, about 37 million people in Central Asia already live in conditions of acute water scarcity, and by 2050, this figure could reach 75 million.

The address emphasized that New Uzbekistan views environmental transformation as a new model of development. The country is implementing five national projects covering air protection, biodiversity, waste management, greening, environmental education, and culture.

Among the key goals for the period up to 2030 are the expansion of protected natural areas to 21 percent of the country's territory, the reduction of harmful atmospheric emissions by 10.5 percent, and the creation of dendrological and botanical gardens in all regions of the republic.

The development of waste recycling infrastructure was also highlighted. This year, Uzbekistan plans to launch two waste-to-energy plants, with nine more facilities to follow in the next two years. They are expected to process up to 5.5 million tons of waste annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 million tons.

The President separately touched upon the development of environmental education and science. Ten scientific research institutes and centers, as well as 14 "green" technical colleges, have been consolidated under the umbrella of Green University. A process has begun in the country to enhance the environmental literacy of nearly two million young people.

An important part of the speech was the topic of restoring the Aral Sea region. It was emphasized that Uzbekistan is implementing large-scale measures to transform the region into a space of revival, science, and innovation, including the restoration of over two million hectares of degraded land.

During his address, the President put forward a number of international initiatives. In particular, it was proposed to declare Samarkand the "Green Investment and Innovation Capital of Central Asia," and to establish the Ulugbek Scientific Research Institute for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, as well as a National Center for Climate Change and Hydrometeorology.

Furthermore, an initiative was announced to create the interstate "Clean Air" consortium, an agreement on which was previously reached with the President of Kazakhstan.

The consortium will be aimed at advancing environmental monitoring, conducting scientific research, and attracting "green" financing.

The President also announced Uzbekistan's readiness to join the ranks of donor countries to the Global Environment Facility, emphasizing the nation's intent to actively support joint regional environmental initiatives.

Also delivering remarks during the opening ceremony were Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP); Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions; and Claude Gascon, CEO and Director of Strategy and Operations of the GEF.

The participants of the ceremony underscored the critical importance of strengthening international cooperation, consolidating scientific potential, and expanding climate financing to mount an effective response to global environmental challenges.

The Eighth GEF Assembly will continue its proceedings in Samarkand with a series of plenary sessions, thematic forums, and international events dedicated to the issues of sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity, and the "green" economy.