Ministry of Ecology, environmental protection and climate change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

For reference: Stella Seung Yeon Lee was appointed as the head of GGGI's regional office in Uzbekistan in January this year. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Seoul National University (SNU), a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning.

During the meeting, the minister presented key environmental initiatives put forward by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, including the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Environmental Protection and "Green" Economy," the establishment of the Climate Council and the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy, the nationwide "Yashil Makon" (Green Space) project, afforestation efforts covering 2 million hectares on the dried-up seabed of the Aral Sea  and other major initiatives.

The agenda of the meeting focused on bilateral cooperation with GGGI, including discussions on improving Uzbekistan’s ranking in the Green Growth Index, enhancing institutional capacity for financial mechanisms, attracting international investments for sustainable projects, and supporting programs such as "Eco-Active Citizen" and "Environmental Insurance."

Additionally, the Uzbek side invited GGGI representatives to several major environmental events in 2025, including the 20th Conference of the Parties to the CITES Convention (November 24 – December 5), the International Conference on "Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity" (April 4–5), and the International Exhibition of Environmental Technologies, Eco Expo Central Asia (June 3–5).

The meeting resulted in an agreement to further expand cooperation between the Ministry and GGGI. The parties will continue working together to enhance the investment appeal of environmental projects, develop green financing mechanisms  and implement cutting-edge solutions in sustainable development.