BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. Uzbekistan and
Germany have strengthened their collaboration to promote climate
resilience, sustainable urban development, efficient land use, and
regional cooperation, Trend reports via the National Committee on Ecology
and Climate Change.
These topics were addressed during the event “Germany’s
Cooperation with Central Asia: Partnership for a Green
Transformation”, held within the framework of Eco Expo Central Asia
2026.
Participants examined ongoing projects emphasizing
climate-resilient urban planning, climate risk management, and
sustainable land use, while also exploring opportunities to enhance
regional collaboration and mobilize additional climate
financing.
Speaking at the event, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology
Zhusipbek Kazbekov said the partnership reflects a shared
commitment to turning climate challenges into opportunities for
sustainable development and stronger regional cooperation. He noted
that the current cooperation portfolio between Uzbekistan and GIZ
includes 11 projects valued at approximately €125 million (about
$145 million), nine of which are currently being implemented. In
addition, a new regional initiative worth around €264 million
(about $307 million) is under development.
In the course of the meeting, it was highlighted that the
growing environmental pressures facing Central Asia include water
scarcity, land degradation, desertification, biodiversity loss, and
increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Participants
emphasized the importance of integrated approaches involving green
infrastructure, climate-sensitive urban planning, early-warning
systems, and sustainable management of natural resources.
During the event, GIZ experts presented progress on three major
regional programs: “Sustainable and Climate-Sensitive Urban
Development in Central Asia,” “Climate Risk Management in Central
Asia,” and “Integrated and Climate-Resilient Land Use in Central
Asia.” The discussions also included plans to expand regional
initiatives and mobilize additional funding, including support from
the Green Climate Fund.
Organized by the German Agency for International Cooperation
(GIZ) with the support of Uzbekistan’s National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change, the event convened government
officials, representatives of international organizations, and
environmental experts to deliberate on joint initiatives designed
to confront climate challenges across Central Asia.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of an amendment to
the agreement governing the regional project on sustainable and
climate-sensitive urban development. The document, signed by GIZ
and Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change,
increases funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic
Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to €6 million (about $7 million)
and extends the current phase of the project through April 30,
2029.
The project covers Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan and
aims to promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient
urban development across the region.
Participants concluded the event by reaffirming their commitment
to expanding cooperation on climate adaptation, ecosystem
conservation, sustainable land and water management, and broader
efforts to strengthen environmental security in Central Asia.
