Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Distinguished participants of the forum!

First of all, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, for his kind invitation to this summit.

Ever-growing profile of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week proves that the Emirates has become one of the centers of international dialogue on sustainable development, innovations, green economy and regional connectivity.

Another vivid evidence is the fact that this beautiful country has successfully and productively hosted the World Climate Summit COP28.

Distinguished heads of delegations!

Today, energy diversification and the drastic reduction of hydrocarbons’ share in the energy mix are the key factors in mitigating the consequences of climate change, ensuring sustainable development and global security.

The strategic goal of the New Uzbekistan is to ensure environmental stability and transition to a resource-efficient green economic development model.

It is therefore that we have declared the year 2025 as the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy” in Uzbekistan.

We have developed a long-term Low-Carbon Development Strategy and a National Green Finance Program. We will increase the share of green components in investment projects up to 50 percent in the next five years.

We will also introduce Measurement, Reporting and Verification System and National Emissions Trading System. By 2030, we intend to reduce greenhouse emissions by 35 percent and continuously increase this commitment.

As part of the Green Space Program, at least 30 percent of urban areas will be transformed into green spaces. We are systemically working to increase introduction of water-saving technologies in agriculture to 100 percent.

Dear participants of the summit!

We are rapidly increasing our green capacity to fully satisfy the energy needs of our fast-growing economy.

Over the past 5 years, we have attracted almost $20 billion of foreign investment into energy sector and built 9,6 gigawatts new energy capacity. For instance, 14 solar and wind power plants with 3,5 gigawatts capacity, as well as 2 energy storage systems with 300 megawatts capacity have been commissioned.

More than 50 major projects with 24 gigawatts energy capacity and worth over $26 billion are underway with foreign partners. By 2030, we plan to increase the share of renewable energy in our country to 54 percent.

Today, the green development has reached the level of a nationwide movement in Uzbekistan.

We are committed to strengthening regional cooperation in this sector and turning Central Asia into one of the centers of green development and clean energy.

We have also taken the initial steps in revitalizing the ancient Great Silk Road through energy connectivity. Recently, during COP29 summit we signed the multilateral agreement with our partners from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, which will enable us to export green energy to Europe.

I would like to underline that the United Arab Emirates is our reliable and strategic partner in green energy. In recent years, the investment portfolio with the Emirates has exceeded $26 billion. Among them, renewable energy projects are the main driver.

Together with the organizer of today's global summit, the Masdar company, we have put into operation 5 power generation facilities with a total capacity of 1,5 gigawatts. Three additional 1,6 gigawatt generation projects and a 520 megawatt-hour energy storage facilities are on the pipeline.

We are also implementing similar projects with other leading Emirati companies and our partners from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye and China.

Dear participants of the forum!

We are interested in jointly realizing Central Asia's enormous potential in the solar, water, wind energy, and green hydrogen.

According to preliminary estimates, Uzbekistan alone has the potential to generate 500 gigawatts of solar, 100 gigawatts of wind and 10 gigawatts of hydropower.

Our region is also rich in uranium and other key strategic raw materials. In this direction, we are ready to provide all favorable conditions for every our foreign partners.

We invite prestigious research centers, experts and scientists participating in this forum to actively cooperate in the implementation of research and innovation programs with the Green University established in Tashkent.

I also propose to establish on the basis of this University an International Research Network for Combating Land Degradation and Desertification.

Moreover, at the COP28 and COP29 summits in Dubai and Baku and international forums we put forward initiatives to mitigate the consequences of global climate change, namely to establish an International Center for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment, to ensure the safety of river ecosystems, set up a Regional Hub for Water-Saving Technologies and a Plant Genetic Resources Bank. We are ready to start practical work with all of our partners.

We will present the Regional Green Development Concept at the Central Asia Climate Change Conference to be held in Uzbekistan this year.

We also invite your representatives to the Global Youth Digital Green Initiatives Festival that will take place in the Aral Sea region on the International Climate Day - May 15.

Dear friends!

The New Uzbekistan is open to the world for sustainable and green development, and we invite you all to large-scale practical cooperation.

In conclusion, I wish every success to the work of the summit.

Thank you for your kind attention.