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

What is COP?

COP (Conference of the Parties) is the supreme governing body of an international convention. It is a treaty-based assembly of member states and accredited observers, aimed at reviewing the implementation of the convention and making decisions to facilitate its effective execution.

Which environmental conventions does COP govern?

COP operates within several key international environmental conventions, including:

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – focused on combating global climate change.
• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) – prevents land degradation and promotes sustainable development.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – ensures the conservation of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) – protects migratory animals and their habitats.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – regulates trade in rare and endangered species.
• Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) – focuses on the preservation of wetland ecosystems.
• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
• Rotterdam Convention – regulates international trade in hazardous chemicals.
• Stockholm Convention – aims to eliminate persistent organic pollutants.
• Aarhus Convention – ensures access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice on environmental matters.

COP in Uzbekistan

Aiming to become an environmental hub of Central Asia, Uzbekistan actively participates in international environmental initiatives. In 2023–2024, the country hosted significant events, including:

–CMS COP14 – the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
–CRIC-21 – the 21st session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (a subsidiary body of COP).

Additionally, from November 24 to December 5, 2025, Uzbekistan will host CITES COP20 – the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Uzbekistan’s Participation in International COPs

Over the past year, Uzbekistan has actively taken part in major international environmental conferences:

•COP16 in Riyadh – the 16th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
•COP29 in Baku – the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
•CBD COP16 in Cali – the 16th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

These events highlight Uzbekistan’s growing role in addressing global environmental challenges and its commitment to international cooperation in sustainable development and environmental protection.