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

The foundation of environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan was the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection, signed on September 11, 2008 in Baku. Currently, a draft of a new Intergovernmental Agreement is being developed, which will expand the legal framework and allow for the transition to the systematic implementation of joint initiatives.

Over the past few years, there has been an active exchange of experience at international conferences, including within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This cooperation is reinforced by high-level ministerial meetings, exchanges of delegations and joint participation in significant international forums.

In 2023–2024, representatives of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan took part in a number of key climate events. Participation in the 28th and 29th sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28 and COP29) was of particular importance. During COP29, held in November 2024 in Baku, the first meeting of the environment ministers of the Organization of Turkic States took place. The initiative for the meeting was proposed within the framework of the informal summit of the Organization in Shusha, and its outcome was the signing of the Declaration of Intent to Strengthen Coordination in the Sphere of Ecology.
In addition, within the framework of COP29, the Asian Development Bank, with the support of the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, launched the regional program “Glaciers to Farms”, envisaging investments of $3.5 billion for sustainable water and agricultural development.  

An important area of cooperation has also been the support of youth and educational initiatives. In 2023–2024, young eco-activists from Azerbaijan participated in the International Environmental Camp in Samarkand. The event was held under the auspices of the Zamin Foundation, with the participation of ministries and international organizations (UNICEF, UNDP, FAO), promoting intercultural exchange and fostering environmental awareness among the new generation.

Also significant was the visit of the Azerbaijani delegation led by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, I. Ibragimova, in September 2024. As part of the First Uzbek-Azerbaijani Media Forum, the guests became acquainted with the work of the Information Service of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and exchanged experiences on handling environmental information and combating misinformation.

The participation of the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Change at the Samarkand Climate Forum marked a significant milestone in advancing the climate dialogue between the two countries.

To further strengthen bilateral cooperation, several forward-looking areas have been identified, including the development of green urbanization, the exchange of scientific research through specialized academic institutions, joint management of protected natural areas, the institutionalization of the partnership through a new intergovernmental agreement, and the creation of a dedicated working group.

The growing partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the fields of ecology and climate change is becoming a key driver of sustainable development, not only for the two countries but for the entire region. Their joint efforts in climate diplomacy, scientific collaboration, environmental education, and international engagement are laying a strong foundation for long-term cooperation aimed at protecting the natural world and ensuring ecological security for future generations.