BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Uzbekistan used the
platform of Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 to deepen cooperation with
leading international organizations and environmental institutions,
as senior officials held a series of high-level meetings focused on
biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, green innovation and
sustainable development, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change.
During the exhibition, Aziz Abdukhakimov, Presidential Adviser
on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change, met with representatives of global
conservation, development and scientific organizations to discuss
new avenues for collaboration.
One of the key meetings was held with Grethel Aguilar, Director
General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN). Discussions focused on biodiversity conservation,
nature-based solutions, protected area management and the expansion
of ecotourism initiatives.
The two sides also reviewed preparations for Uzbekistan’s
updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the
creation of a Regional Red List for Central Asia, and the
development of transboundary protected areas across the region.
Uzbek officials proposed strengthening cooperation with the
International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN) regional
office in Tashkent and jointly preparing projects under the
upcoming Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) funding cycle.
Education and research were also high on the agenda. Officials
discussed expanding the role of Green University as a regional
center for environmental education and scientific cooperation,
including partnerships with the Union For Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) Academy of Environmental Law and the adoption of
international academic practices.
Abdukhakimov also met with Fatou Haidara, Deputy to the Director
General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Global
Partnerships and External Relations at the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The discussions focused on green industrialization, clean
technologies and industrial modernization. Abdukhakimov emphasized
that environmental policy has become a central priority of
Uzbekistan’s development strategy, noting that the recent
transformation of the Ministry of Ecology into the National
Committee on Ecology and Climate Change reflects a broader
institutional commitment to sustainable development.
During the talks, Uzbek officials presented major national
initiatives in afforestation, biodiversity conservation, waste
management, air-quality improvement and environmental education.
Particular attention was given to cooperation with UNIDO on
developing regulatory frameworks for Best Available Technologies
(BAT), promoting climate innovation and supporting startups through
the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP).
The parties also explored opportunities for implementing the
“Climate Technology Innovation for Climate Resilience in
Uzbekistan” project, which aims to strengthen climate analytics,
early-warning systems and adaptation financing.
Another notable meeting took place with Dr. Ian Miller, Director
of Science and Innovation at the National Geographic Society.
The discussions centered on raising the international profile of
Uzbekistan’s and Central Asia’s natural heritage, expanding
scientific research partnerships and promoting environmental
education and documentary storytelling. Uzbek officials highlighted
internationally recognized natural sites, including the UNESCO
World Heritage-listed Western Tien Shan and Cold Winter Deserts of
Turan, as well as wetlands protected under the Ramsar
Convention.
Abdukhakimov proposed joint scientific expeditions to the Aral
Sea region, mountain ecosystems and desert landscapes, along with
collaborative documentary films, photography projects and digital
content aimed at increasing global awareness of Central Asia’s
unique environmental assets.
The Uzbek delegation also held talks with Abdullah bin Ali
Al-Amri, President of Oman’s Environment Authority.
The two sides discussed practical cooperation in combating
desertification, improving water-resource management, enhancing
waste-management systems and protecting biodiversity. Uzbekistan
proposed launching joint research initiatives on drought-resistant
vegetation and sand stabilization technologies through the Regional
Research Center for Combating Desertification and Developing Desert
Economies at Green University.
In addition, officials explored opportunities for exchanging
expertise in protected-area management, developing environmental
education programs and establishing academic exchange initiatives
between universities in Uzbekistan and Oman.
The series of meetings highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing role as
a regional hub for environmental diplomacy and international
cooperation, as the country seeks to advance sustainable
development, green economic transformation and climate action
across Central Asia.
