The Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility Officially Opens in Samarkand
2026-06-04 21:00:00 / Eco-active employee
The event brought together ministers, heads of international organizations, representatives of government institutions and business circles, scientists, members of civil society, youth representatives, and local residents from 186 countries around the world.
At the opening ceremony, Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, delivered remarks and read out President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s message to the participants of the Assembly.
In his address, the President emphasized the symbolic significance of holding the forum in Samarkand, a city that for centuries has served as a meeting point of East and West, diverse cultures and civilizations, as well as scientific and practical knowledge. It was also noted that the Assembly is taking place on the eve of World Environment Day.
The President drew attention to the unprecedented environmental challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. He highlighted the important role of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which has mobilized more than USD 170 billion for environmental projects around the world throughout its operations.
The address paid special attention to environmental threats facing Central Asia. Climate change, desertification, land degradation, glacier melting, and water scarcity remain the region’s key challenges. According to the World Bank, nearly 37 million people in Central Asia currently live under conditions of severe water scarcity, and this figure could reach 75 million by 2050.
The President stressed that New Uzbekistan views environmental transformation as a new model for development. Five national projects are currently being implemented in the country, focusing on air quality protection, biodiversity conservation, improvement of waste management systems, greening of territories, and the development of environmental education and culture.
Among the targets set for 2030 are expanding specially protected natural areas to 21 percent of the country’s territory, reducing harmful atmospheric emissions by 10.5 percent, and establishing dendrological and botanical gardens in all regions of the republic.
The address also highlighted the development of waste-processing infrastructure. This year, Uzbekistan plans to launch two waste-to-energy facilities, with an additional nine facilities expected to become operational over the next two years. These projects are expected to process up to 5.5 million tons of waste annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 million tons.
Particular attention was given to environmental education and science. Ten research institutes and centers, along with 14 “green” technical colleges, have been integrated under the Green University framework. Large-scale efforts have begun to improve the environmental literacy of nearly two million young people across the country.
A significant portion of the address was devoted to the restoration of the Aral Sea region. It was emphasized that Uzbekistan is implementing comprehensive measures aimed at transforming the region into a hub of restoration, science, and innovation. In particular, restoration work is being carried out on more than two million hectares of degraded land.
The President put forward several international initiatives. These include declaring Samarkand the “Capital of Green Investments and Innovations of Central Asia,” establishing the Ulugbek Institute for Sustainable Development in cooperation with Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development, and creating a National Center for Climate Change and Hydrometeorology.
In addition, the countries of Central Asia were invited to join the interstate “Clean Air” Consortium, the establishment of which had previously been agreed upon with the President of Kazakhstan. The consortium is expected to contribute to the development of environmental monitoring, support scientific research, and attract green financing.
The President also announced Uzbekistan’s readiness to join the ranks of donor countries of the Global Environment Facility and expressed the country’s intention to actively support regional environmental initiatives.
At the opening ceremony, speeches were also delivered by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Inger Andersen, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Rolph Payet, and GEF Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson Claude Gascon.
Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation, consolidating scientific capacity, and expanding climate finance in order to effectively respond to global environmental challenges.
The Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility will continue its work in Samarkand through plenary sessions, thematic forums, and international events dedicated to sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and the advancement of a green economy.