Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4-5 March 2025, the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, hosted the second Central Asian Forum dedicated to the issue of electronic waste.

The event was organized with the support of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the Center for Sustainable Development.

The forum brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives from statistical agencies, environmental authorities, and scientific organizations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Among the key speakers was Azima Gafurova, a chief specialist from the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Statistics of the National Committee of Uzbekistan on Statistics.

During the forum, participants discussed current issues related to the growth of electronic waste, changes in legislation, and innovative approaches to recycling and disposal. Special attention was given to the development of guidelines for waste classification and improving the methodology for collecting and analyzing statistical data.

"Electronic waste is a global problem that requires joint efforts. Central Asia is demonstrating a willingness to collaborate in this area, and forums like this play a crucial role in sharing experiences and developing effective solutions," noted one of the event's participants.

Additionally, representatives from the German Federal Environment Agency and the National Center for the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention shared international experiences in electronic waste management. Participants also explored opportunities for providing technical assistance to regional countries to improve statistical reporting in this area.

The second Central Asian Forum on Electronic Waste became an important platform for strengthening regional cooperation and finding ways to address environmental challenges related to electronic waste disposal.