The event is organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Tourism Committee, and the khokimiyat of Kashkadarya region. It brings together more than a thousand young participants from 14 regions of Uzbekistan, as well as guests from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

Ahead of the congress (kurultai), a press conference was held to highlight the significance of the event and how it differs from previous ones. Later, under the slogan "We are one team! Hello, Kurultai!" local and international delegations took part in a welcoming parade, presenting their regions through creative performances showcasing national traditions and customs, environmental conditions, and challenges in environmental protection.

Each region also prepared a national booth, demonstrating its ecological and tourism potential. The participants’ work was evaluated by a panel of judges.

For the first time in the history of the congress, the “TEDxQurultoy” project was introduced, where young participants shared their insights and proposals on solving current environmental and tourism-related issues. There was also a presentation of the Charter of the Central Asian Youth Association in the fields of tourism and ecology. Its chairpersons — representatives from Uzbekistan and other countries — were elected.

To enhance young people’s ecological awareness, a seminar was held with the participation of Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov, Head of Department Bahrom Kholkhuzhaev from the Ministry, and Charles Norman, an international expert from the UK representing the National Center for Climate Change under the Ministry. They shared their experiences in nature conservation and the rational use of natural resources.

The official opening ceremony of the kurultai was led by Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov and Khokim of Kashkadarya region Murodjon Azimov. In their speeches, they emphasized that the congress helps unite youth for the protection of nature and that the number of eco-activists in the country is growing every year, contributing not only to environmental protection but also to the development of tourism.

As part of the ceremony, credential certificates were awarded to the heads of the Council of Young Tourism Ambassadors and the “Young Ecologists” movement.

The kurultai will run until August 16. Participants can expect seminars, intellectual games, project presentations, contests, and other activities designed to strengthen knowledge, bring ideas to life, and encourage the exchange of experiences.

Such congresses unite local and international youth to develop ecology, protect the environment, and promote tourism. They stimulate active participation, support the implementation of initiatives, foster experience-sharing, and help build a friendly atmosphere.