20th CITES Conference Opens in Samarkand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) officially opened at the Silk Road Samarkand Expo Center, organizers said.

For the first time in the convention’s history, a large-scale CITES meeting is being held in Central Asia. The forum has gathered more than 3,000 delegates from 184 countries and the European Union, including representatives from governments, international organizations, research institutions, and civil society.

The conference agenda focuses on strengthening global biodiversity conservation and improving mechanisms for regulating international trade in endangered species.

International leaders highlight forum’s significance

Welcoming addresses were delivered by UN Deputy Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen (via video), Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan and Chair of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero.

Uzbekistan steps up environmental reforms

In his remarks, Abdukhakimov highlighted Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms to protect wildlife and combat illegal trade.

“Just a few days ago, the President of Uzbekistan signed a historic decree reforming national environmental governance. The newly established National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change reports directly to the President and the Senate. The committee is tasked with implementing key initiatives — ‘Bio-Heritage,’ ‘Green Spaces,’ ‘Eco-Culture,’ ‘Clean Air,’ and ‘Waste-Free Territories,’” he said.

He added that the National Environmental Police and the Environmental Monitoring Center have been created with expanded powers to prevent environmental crimes and illegal wildlife trade.

International cooperation reaches new level

Abdukhakimov emphasized Uzbekistan’s expanded cooperation with TRAFFIC, INTERPOL, Fauna & Flora International, and active participation in regional initiatives including CAMI, CADI, and the Ramsar initiative. A key achievement has been the signing of the Samarkand Declaration by Central Asian states.

Uzbekistan also proposed new initiatives, including the creation of the Samarkand AI-Hub to implement digital technologies and artificial intelligence, mechanisms for harmonizing sanctions for illegal wildlife trade, and the expansion of breeding centers for rare species under strict digital monitoring.

CITES stresses multilateral approach

CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero said global partnership is essential for effective biodiversity conservation.

“CITES is multilateralism in action. Our collective efforts are the path to a future where wildlife and ecosystems thrive. This meeting is an opportunity to chart a sustainable way forward,” she said.

12-day program begins

The official opening launched a 12-day program including plenary sessions, thematic events, discussions on amendments to the convention’s appendices, and high-level meetings. Participants will focus on developing solutions to strengthen global measures for wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.