Key initiatives from the Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Samarkand Climate Forum:

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Key initiatives from the Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Samarkand Climate Forum:

 

Climate Challenges and Collective Action:

Last year’s global temperature rose by 1.5°C – a historic high.

Central Asia’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is approved, with Uzbekistan driving its implementation alongside regional and EU partners.

Successful EU collaboration targets Aral Sea mitigation, sustainable water use, and “clean” energy expansion.

 

Food and Energy Security:

Region’s population may exceed 100 million in 25 years.

Over 20% of land is degraded, with crop yields potentially falling by a third in 25 years.

Proposal to harness HORIZON EUROPE to enhance forestry, agriculture, and food security resilience.

 

Greening Efforts:

“Yashil Makon” project: 2 million hectares of the Aral Sea bed planted with drought-resistant species.

Call for an annual “Green Belt of Central Asia” tree-planting campaign before Navruz to unite the region.

 

Green Energy Transition:

Renewables to reach 54% of energy mix in five years, cutting emissions by 16 million tonnes.

Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% per the Paris Agreement.

Proposal to base the EU’s “Water-Energy-Climate Change” Initiative Secretariat in Tashkent.

Unveiling of the Central Asia Green Development Concept at the forum.

 

Water Sustainability:

By 2040, “extremely high” water stress is expected due to reduced Amu Darya and Syr Darya flows.

Water-saving tech on 2 million hectares of irrigated land saved 8 billion cubic metres last year.

Push for a Regional Water-Saving Technologies Programme and an International Forum in the Aral Sea region.

EU “Copernicus” partnership to monitor glaciers and mountain ecosystems.

 

Science and Culture:

Climate Residence at Tashkent’s Green University to lead regional climate research.

Aral Cultural Summit in Nukus to highlight environmental issues through cultural lenses.

These efforts showcase our dedication to a greener, more sustainable Central Asia!