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

During the meeting, participants comprehensively reviewed the legal and organizational framework for establishing the Aarhus Centre, its key areas of activity, and ways to expand public access to environmental information. It was noted that the Aarhus Centre is intended to ensure free public access to information on the state of the environment, strengthen public participation in environmentally significant decision-making processes and enhance access to environmental justice.

During the discussion, members of the Public Council put forward a number of proposals and recommendations aimed at ensuring the effective organization of the Centre’s activities, providing the public with timely and reliable environmental information, further promoting environmental education and public awareness, and strengthening cooperation between government institutions and civil society organizations.

In addition, the agenda included the consideration of candidates for the position of Head of the Aarhus Centre. Participants discussed the candidates’ professional qualifications, experience in the fields of ecology and environmental protection, managerial competencies and their proposals for the future development of the Centre. Following the discussion, appropriate conclusions were reached, taking into account the views and recommendations expressed by the members of the Public Council.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to intensify the organizational work required to establish the Aarhus Centre, strengthen cooperation with the Public Council and implement practical measures to ensure that the Centre's activities are organized in accordance with modern standards.

It was emphasized that the implementation of this initiative will contribute to greater openness and transparency in the environmental sector, the realization of citizens’ environmental rights, broader public participation in environmentally significant decision-making and the further advancement of the principles of sustainable development in Uzbekistan.