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

For information: earlier, the program for the preparation of the G2F regional project was approved with a total budget of 1.5 million US dollars allocated by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Within the framework of this program, detailed studies and assessments of climate risks for the Naryn River in the Ferghana Valley will be carried out.

"Support and cooperation with ADB, as well as deepening regional cooperation, are key factors for increasing the importance of Central Asia and addressing climate change and security issues in the interests of the region. Nature knows no boundaries. Five countries — one vote, one agenda. This is not just a statement! We are all experiencing the negative impacts of climate change, including climate migration, water scarcity, low yields, and low income. Our joint actions, projects, and programs will contribute to strengthening the atmosphere of mutual trust and respect, giving concrete content to close international cooperation", said A. Abdukhakimov.

ADB's G2F project will focus on the sustainable development of high-altitude villages, which have the potential to develop tourism and other sectors of the economy. ADB noted that climate migration is closely linked to the risks of dangerous phenomena, and a project is currently being considered jointly with the National Agency for Social Protection, affecting more than 9,500 mahallas throughout the republic.

During the meeting, ADB highly appreciated the country's ongoing climate change reforms, in particular the creation of the Climate Council under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Central Asian University of Environmental studies and Climate Change (Green University), the international expo hub of climate technologies in the Aral Sea region, as well as the results achieved within the framework of the rating project environmental sustainability of Uzbekistan's cities (Uzbekistan's Green Cities Rating).

It was emphasized that an important issue is the training of qualified specialists capable of solving environmental, socio-economic, scientific, and technical problems not only in Uzbekistan but also in the whole region. The opening of the Green University in Uzbekistan highlights the importance of education in addressing environmental issues.

ADB expressed its readiness to assist in the exchange of experience in the framework of developing a course on climate change and attracting experts to the established climate residence at Green University.