On November 12-14, Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, took part in the COP-29 summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan. 
 
During a busy schedule of events, he attended the opening of “Finance, Investment, and Trade Day,” various panel discussions, ministerial meetings, and other sessions organized during the summit.

In his welcome address at the ministerial meeting on “Turkic Council Partnership for Climate, Innovation, and Green Economy,” Laziz Kudratov emphasized the priority of green economic transformation and building a sustainable future through the adoption of new technologies in the energy sector. Shifting to a green economy and achieving carbon neutrality are strategic goals for New Uzbekistan. 
 
The country aims to expand renewable energy to 40% of its national energy balance, with new wind and solar power plants being launched through public-private partnerships, funded by direct foreign investment. 
 
The importance of developing a digital Turkic world concept was underscored to foster the mutual exchange of best practices and innovations across Turkic Council countries in IT, digital innovation systems, infrastructure, science, and major data centers. 
 
At the session on “Strengthening Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development in the Aral Sea Region,” Uzbekistan's measures to combat the consequences of the Aral Sea’s desiccation were presented. 
 
Key initiatives include planting over 2 million hectares of forest on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea. Improved housing conditions for 51,000 families, and support measures, including tax reductions, have helped stimulate economic growth in the region. 
 
Uzbekistan has also systematically invested in modernizing irrigation systems in the Aral Sea basin over the past few years, conserving up to 1.5 billion cubic meters of water annually. Through pilot projects, over 100,000 hectares of farmland now use drip irrigation, reducing water usage and enhancing agricultural yields. 
 
Green economy projects in the Aral Sea region have created about 10,000 jobs across renewable energy, agriculture, and environmental services sectors. 
 
The Aral Sea region has been declared a Zone of Environmental Innovation and Technology, fostering green transformation and supporting sustainable development. 
 
A Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region has been established in cooperation with the UN, mobilizing $16.2 million for nine joint projects positively impacting the lives of over 293,000 people. 
 
The importance of extending the Fund’s work from 2025-2030 was highlighted, prioritizing innovative strategies and solutions for the most affected communities in the Aral Sea region. 
 
Uzbekistan also joined the SPECA ministerial meeting on climate and innovation and took part in the launch of the SPECA Trust Fund. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the institutional base of the Program and enhancing the effectiveness of SPECA’s working groups, including through a Permanent Multilateral Dialogue on Climate and Innovation. 
 
The meeting concluded with the launch of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund, which will support significant projects in green economy, innovation, high technology, logistics, alternative energy, smart agriculture, and modern social infrastructure.