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On August 14, 2026, the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) in Tashkent hosted the Climate Science Dialogue on “Science, Innovation and Cooperation for a Climate-Resilient Central Asia.”

The Dialogue served as a platform for discussing scientific approaches and practical solutions aimed at strengthening climate resilience across Central Asian countries, advancing regional cooperation, and fostering stronger interaction among the scientific community, government institutions, and international organizations. The event was organized by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Green University, and the Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia (RCEECA).

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change; Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan; Sherzod Umarov, Deputy FAO Representative; Antti Karttunen, Ambassador and Head of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan; Ismail Belen, Chief Inspector of the General Directorate for Combating Desertification and Erosion under the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs of Türkiye; and Bakhtiyor Pulatov, Rector of Green University.

The event brought together internationally recognized scientists and experts, representatives of government institutions, international organizations, and academic institutions. Among the distinguished guests was Professor Emeritus Rik Leemans of Wageningen University & Research (the Netherlands). A renowned expert in global change, climate, and sustainability, Professor Leemans delivered a keynote presentation on the development of climate scenarios and their practical application. He also contributed to the preparation of the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 in recognition of its work.

The Green University Climate Residency Programme was also presented as part of the event.

One of the central topics of the Dialogue was the interaction between science and public policy. During the first session, “Science and Policy: From Climate Data to Policy Decisions and Regional Cooperation,” experts discussed the application of scientific knowledge in climate policymaking and the development of regional cooperation in Central Asia.

A special session was dedicated to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with FAO under the Central Asia Climate Leadership Programme was signed, along with a Memorandum on Combating Desertification.

Another session focused on the wetlands of the Aral Sea and water diplomacy in Central Asia. Experts in water resources, regional cooperation, and sustainable water management took part in the discussion.

During the third session, experts examined the interconnections between climate change, water resources, agriculture, and energy, as well as the technical and scientific aspects of natural systems. Scientists and specialists from Germany, Finland, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Tajikistan participated in the discussions.

The main programme concluded with the session “Innovation, Circular Economy and Regional Cooperation for Climate Resilience.” The session featured approaches and solutions in the areas of environmental innovation, sustainable land use, green development, and the circular economy.

The Climate Science Dialogue contributed to further strengthening scientific and expert cooperation, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and advancing joint solutions to the key climate and environmental challenges facing Central Asia.