Green Growth in Focus: Uzbekistan’s Climate Agenda Takes Center Stage in Baku

President Mirziyoyev highlighted Uzbekistan’s efforts

in decarbonization, climate adaptation, and

ecosystem restoration, with a focus on the Aral Sea

By: Zahid H. Karani

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the World Summit on Combating Climate Change during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-29) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The event gathers delegations from nearly 200 countries, including heads of state, ministers, international organizations, NGOs, and experts, to discuss pressing environmental challenges.

Uzbekistan’s Commitments to Climate Action

Uzbekistan joined the UNFCCC in 1993, ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 1999, and adopted the Paris Agreement in 2017. The country is committed to:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% from 2010 levels by 2030.
• Preparing and submitting regular climate reports, including National Communications, Biennial Reports, and Adaptation Plans.
• Developing and updating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to align with global climate goals.

At COP-28 in Dubai, President Mirziyoyev highlighted Uzbekistan’s efforts in decarbonization, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration, with a focus on the Aral Sea.

Key Initiatives and Projects

Uzbekistan is actively addressing climate change through innovative programs:

• Renewable Energy Development: Expanding solar and wind energy to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons.
• Aral Sea Restoration: Leading the UN-sponsored Multi-Partner Trust Fund to transform the region into a climate-resilient zone.
• Environmental Education: Collaborating with UNESCO’s Green Education Program to raise awareness about climate issues.

In 2022, Uzbekistan hosted the first CIS and Central Asian office of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Tashkent. Notable projects include:

• Green Rehabilitation of the Aral Sea Region: Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), this initiative promotes sustainable farming and improves living conditions in Karakalpakstan.

Regional and Global Cooperation

Uzbekistan actively promotes environmental goals in international forums:

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Advocating for decarbonization, smart agriculture, and water conservation.
• Organization of Turkic States: Proposing the creation of a Turkic Ecological Council to address regional environmental issues.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Uzbekistan’s participation in COP-29 reaffirms its dedication to green growth, sustainable development, and fulfilling obligations under the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. The country’s “One Region, One Voice” strategy aims to unite Central Asian nations in tackling shared environmental challenges, ensuring a sustainable future for the region and beyond.