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

The Congress, which brought together more than 10,000 participants — representatives of governments, the scientific community, youth, civil society and business — became one of the world’s largest platforms for discussing nature conservation and sustainable development. Participants jointly outlined collective steps toward a “nature-positive” future — a world in which people and nature develop in harmony.

At the Assembly of IUCN Members the “Abu Dhabi Call to Action” was adopted, confirming countries’ commitment to accelerating efforts to protect the planet and conserve biodiversity. Delegates also re-elected Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak as IUCN President and elected a new composition of the Union’s governing bodies.

The Congress placed special emphasis on inclusivity, innovation and scientific advancement. The inaugural World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature convened for the first time in history; the Union admitted over 100 new members, including six states. Important scientific updates were presented, notably the updated IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, new data on pollinators and the World Heritage Outlook report. The Congress also set an example of sustainable event organisation, receiving certification under the ISO 20121:2024 standard.

As a result of the Assembly’s proceedings, more than 150 motions were adopted, seven of which were developed with the participation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. These motions cover a broad range of topics — from combating crimes against the environment and illegal wildlife trade to advancing the One Health concept and strengthening the IUCN Green List of protected and conserved areas.

Documents developed with Uzbek participation include:

–Advancing the IUCN Green List of protected and conserved areas to enhance effective and equitable in situ conservation;
–Crimes that Affect the Environment (CAE);
–Addressing wildlife trafficking and the management of seized or confiscated live wild animals;
–Advancing the One Health approach for biodiversity, health and global cooperation;
–Implementation of the One Health approach, from global to local;
–Development of IUCN guidelines to effectively control the commercial pet trade in terrestrial wildlife;
–IUCN Red List solvency and private-sector initiatives.

A distinct achievement for Uzbekistan was the international recognition of the country’s rangers. At the Congress, Lazizbek Khasanov, an inspector of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was honoured with the prestigious International Ranger Award for his outstanding contribution to the protection of natural areas and the conservation of the country’s biodiversity.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the world’s largest conservation forum constituted an important step in strengthening international cooperation, exchanging best practices and advancing national nature-conservation initiatives on the global stage.