Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the 69th meeting of the Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), held in Washington, D.C., the international community highly praised Uzbekistan’s large-scale reforms in the fields of ecology and climate under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The country’s achievements in environmental protection and sustainable development were prominently presented.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, addressed the Council, outlining the nation’s key environmental initiatives. These include the large-scale reforestation of the dried-up Aral Sea bed—over 2 million hectares have already been greened—as well as the nationwide “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) campaign, under which around 200 million trees are planted annually. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of green energy to 54% and expand green spaces to cover 30% of the country’s total land area.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of ecological legislative reforms. Environmental protection provisions have been incorporated into the Constitution of Uzbekistan, and improvements have been made to the Administrative Code and related legal acts to enhance environmental resilience. Major attention is being given to environmental education: the Central Asian University for the Environment and Climate Change (Green University) has been established in Tashkent, along with a Presidential Climate Council and a National Climate Change Center. The year 2025 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy in Uzbekistan.

Following the Council meeting, it was officially decided that the 8th GEF Assembly and the 71st GEF Council Meeting will be held in Samarkand in 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Uzbekistan, Abdukhakimov expressed gratitude to the GEF for its continued support and highlighted the importance of partnerships that empower the country to advance its environmental agenda at both national and international levels.

He noted that Uzbekistan’s active environmental policy is helping to draw greater global attention to climate challenges and the search for solutions in Central Asia. The GEF Assembly in Samarkand will serve as a critical platform to unite efforts of donor nations in addressing key environmental challenges in the region.

“Central Asia remains one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate threats, water scarcity, and land degradation. Hosting the GEF Assembly in Samarkand will attract new investments, strengthen regional cooperation, and facilitate experience-sharing in sustainable development,” Abdukhakimov stated.

He also underscored the symbolic significance of Samarkand being chosen as the venue. Recognized by the UN World Tourism Organization as the “World Capital of Cultural Tourism,” Samarkand—with its over 3,000-year history—is a modern city that blends rich cultural heritage with advanced infrastructure and renowned hospitality.

“It is a great honor for us to host this event. Thanks to its geographic location on the Silk Road and in the heart of Central Asia, Samarkand offers convenient logistical access for international delegates,” Abdukhakimov added.

The Minister emphasized that the Assembly will be organized not only on behalf of Uzbekistan but for the entire Central Asian region. Citizens of nearly 100 countries enjoy visa-free access, while others benefit from an expedited e-visa process within 24 hours—creating favorable conditions for international participation.

He also noted that Samarkand has already hosted several high-profile international events, including the UN Tourism General Assembly, the EBRD Annual Meeting, CRIC21, CMS COP14, and the Samarkand Climate Forum. In 2025, Uzbekistan will host Eco-Expo Central Asia, the UNESCO General Assembly, and COP20 of CITES.

The Minister invited international partners to actively participate in the upcoming events. He placed special emphasis on the opening of a regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—a GEF agency—at the Green University in Tashkent. This office will serve the entire region.

“We firmly believe that nature knows no borders. Environmental challenges are transboundary by nature, and only through cooperation can we achieve sustainable outcomes,” Abdukhakimov stressed.

Hosting the 8th GEF Assembly in Uzbekistan represents a major milestone in international recognition of the country’s growing role in tackling global environmental issues. Uzbekistan remains committed to strengthening environmental diplomacy, advancing sustainable initiatives, and fostering partnerships to protect the environment regionally and globally.:

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s largest multilateral fund supporting environmental protection projects. It assists countries in addressing climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. Hosting the GEF Assembly affirms Uzbekistan’s rising role in shaping the global sustainability agenda and in providing an effective platform for international cooperation.