News

On 7 September 2026, Green University hosted the round table “Clean Air: The Way Forward”, dedicated to the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies.

The event was attended by Alisher Salomov, Adviser to the Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change; Kenji Hirata, Ambassador of Japan to Uzbekistan; Hossein Fadaei, Deputy Regional Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Office for Europe (online); Anas Karman, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Aziz Ganiev, Director of the "Zamin" International Public Foundation; as well as local and international experts.

A key focus of the discussion was Uzbekistan’s progress in developing its national air quality monitoring system. Over the past five years, a nationwide network of 28 automated monitoring stations has been established, while air quality information has become publicly accessible through a dedicated digital platform. Participants emphasized that the next priority is to make systematic use of this data to develop, implement and assess effective measures to reduce air pollution.

The round table also addressed the economic impacts of air pollution, including its implications for healthcare costs, labour productivity and sustainable development. Participants discussed modern approaches to air quality monitoring and modelling, the importance of reliable and comparable data, and the role of evidence-based decision-making in developing effective environmental policies.

Particular attention was given to sand and dust storms and transboundary air pollution, highlighting the need for coordinated action and stronger regional cooperation. Representatives of UNEP, UNDP, the Finnish Meteorological Institute and UNECE shared international experience and approaches to monitoring, assessment, policy development and regional cooperation.

The round table served as a platform for dialogue between national institutions and international partners and highlighted the importance of moving from monitoring air pollution to using data for concrete action to improve air quality and support sustainable development in Uzbekistan.