News

On April 4, the Samarkand Climate Forum titled “Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges – Consolidation for Common Prosperity” officially opened at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center.

The high-level event brought together the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, alongside senior officials from the United Nations, the European Union, international financial institutions, and global organizations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a special video address.

In his keynote speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan proposed several strategic initiatives to address regional climate challenges:

• Launching the “Green Belt of Central Asia”, a regional afforestation campaign held annually ahead of Navruz;
• Establishing a “Water–Energy–Climate Change” Secretariat in Tashkent to mobilize resources, knowledge, and technologies;
• Expanding renewable energy to 54% of the energy mix within five years, resulting in a reduction of 16 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions;
• Advancing Uzbekistan’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement with a targeted 35% emissions cut ahead of schedule;
• Enhancing scientific collaboration under the Horizon Europe program to build resilience in forestry, agriculture, and food security.

The forum gathered over 1,000 delegates worldwide, including 400+ representatives from UN bodies, research institutions, international organizations, NGOs, and the media. Discussions covered the green economy, sustainable urban development, clean energy transition, and youth engagement in climate action.

Special attention was devoted to the Aral Sea crisis, one of the most pressing environmental disasters in the region. Participants emphasized the need for coordinated international action to restore the ecosystem and improve public health and biodiversity.

The Forum will conclude with the presentation of a Regional Green Development Concept, outlining a shared vision for sustainable progress in Central Asia, informed by global best practices and aligned with international climate goals.

As the region’s leading academic institution focused on climate and environmental issues, the University for Environmental and Climate Change Studies of Central Asia fully supports these efforts and remains committed to advancing research, education, and collaboration for a greener, more resilient future.