The session was attended by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Akyl Toktobayev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bahodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan; Nuri Jumashev, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Shattyk Tastemirova, Head of the Climate Change Adaptation Unit of the Climate Policy Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Marcos Neto, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support at UNDP.

The event served as an important platform for discussing joint approaches to preserving Central Asia’s unique natural heritage and strengthening regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Participants noted that Central Asia is home to valuable transboundary ecosystems and globally significant wildlife species, including the snow leopard, argali, and saiga antelope. The region’s mountain ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining ecological stability, safeguarding water resources and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. At the same time, climate change, land degradation, habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict require coordinated regional responses.

During the discussions, participants examined current biodiversity conservation challenges, presented national initiatives, and exchanged views on opportunities for strengthening regional cooperation. A key outcome of the event was the signing of a Joint Expression of Interest by the countries of Central Asia, aimed at advancing coordinated regional efforts for the sustainable management of mountain ecosystems.

Particular attention was given to opportunities under the ninth replenishment cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9), which is expected to expand investments in wildlife conservation, ecological connectivity, sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities and improved monitoring and knowledge-sharing systems across the region.

Participants underscored the importance of maintaining transboundary ecological corridors, strengthening environmental institutions, and fostering partnerships that balance nature conservation objectives with socio-economic development priorities.

At the conclusion of the event, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening regional cooperation, mobilizing resources, and implementing joint initiatives aimed at conserving biodiversity, advancing global environmental goals and promoting the sustainable development of Central Asian countries.

The opening part of the side event concluded with signing of the Joint Expression of interest by Central Asian countries to advance coordinated regional efforts for the sustainable management of mountain ecosystems in Central Asia.