Akramjon Nematov: Central Asia Is Shaping a Sustainable Model of Regional Climate Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Commenting on the outcomes of the Regional Climate Forum held on 22 April this year in Astana, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Akramjon Nematov, noted that the meeting marked another important step in the steady strengthening of regional dialogue on the climate agenda.

According to him, the forum logically builds on a series of major international events, including the Samarkand Climate Forum, as well as conferences in Dushanbe and Bishkek focused on the preservation of glaciers and mountain ecosystems.

In this context, the upcoming international conference on water issues, to be held in Dushanbe in May this year under the auspices of the United Nations, further underscores the emergence of a coherent and comprehensive regional agenda.

The ISRS representative emphasized that today, as noted by the President of Uzbekistan, environmental diplomacy in Central Asia is indeed reaching a qualitatively new level, acquiring a more systemic and consistent character and reflecting a broader shift in regional policy: the countries of Central Asia are not only recognizing the scale of climate challenges, but are also demonstrating a clear readiness to assume responsibility for addressing them.

This involves both the consolidation of efforts within the region and the mobilization of the international community, underscoring the transboundary and global nature of climate issues, which require a multilateral approach. In this regard, the expert pointed to the adoption in recent years of a number of United Nations General Assembly resolutions, including Uzbekistan’s initiatives on climate change and afforestation in Central Asia.

A. Nematov also drew attention to the fact that one of the forum’s most significant outcomes was the clear confirmation of the region’s readiness to move from declarative commitments to practical coordination of actions.

In particular, the adoption of the Central Asia Environmental Solidarity Declaration and the Action Programme through 2030, implemented in partnership with UN entities, attests to the growing institutionalization of regional cooperation and its openness to international engagement.

According to the expert, another important factor is the existence of an already established foundational policy and strategic framework for cooperation, including the Regional Programme “Green Agenda for Central Asia,” the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and the Regional Environmental Programme for Sustainable Development. This provides a solid basis for a systematic and coordinated approach to addressing environmental challenges.

According to the ISRS representative, the forum demonstrated that the countries of the region have not only outlined the scale of climate challenges but also identified key priorities for addressing them. These include the coordinated mobilization of financial and technical assistance, the strengthening of the scientific base, technological modernization, and the development of harmonized approaches to the green transition.

Particular emphasis is being placed on attracting private investment, advancing public–private partnerships, establishing a unified scientific and methodological platform, expanding joint monitoring and research efforts, as well as engaging youth and promoting environmental education.

In this context, A. Nematov placed particular emphasis on the initiatives put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, highlighting their practical and institutional nature. These include the establishment of an interstate consortium “Clean Air for Central Asia,” the development of a “Green Trade Corridor,” and the creation of a unified investment portfolio of climate projects.

According to the expert, these initiatives are aimed at institutionalizing regional mechanisms for mobilizing climate finance, facilitating technology transfer, and enhancing the region’s investment attractiveness. Their implementation is expected to accelerate industrial modernization, promote the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, and strengthen the competitiveness of regional products.

Moreover, as the ISRS representative stressed, the transition from fragmented initiatives to the formation of a coherent regional strategy enhances Central Asia’s predictability and attractiveness for international partners and investors.

A.Nematov also paid particular attention to initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s scientific and analytical cooperation framework, including the establishment of a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification, the development of a Unified Atlas of Environmental Change, and a regional Red Data Book.

In his view, these measures will help create a unified data system, ensure comparable monitoring of land degradation, desertification, and water resources, and provide a sound scientific basis for coordinated decision-making at the regional level.

An important element of the agenda, according to the expert, is the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to hold a World Youth Climate Forum, aimed at the systematic engagement of young people in sustainable development processes and the promotion of environmental awareness.

In this context, A. Nematov stated that the implementation of this initiative will be carried out in cooperation with the Youth Environmental Advisory Council established within COP29 in Baku, thereby ensuring institutional continuity and strengthening the potential for international coordination in the youth climate agenda.

The expert also highlighted the significance of the events announced by the President of Uzbekistan, including the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility, to be held in Samarkand from 31 May to 5 June, as well as the World Water Conservation Forum scheduled for late September. These events are seen as important international platforms for developing coordinated solutions and strengthening global environmental solidarity, reflecting Uzbekistan’s consistent advancement of a global agenda in the environmental and water sectors.

A. Nematov expressed confidence that the consistent implementation of these initiatives will enable the countries of the region not only to adapt to increasing climate risks, but also to transform them into a driver of technological renewal, economic growth, and strengthened social stability.

Overall, as the ISRS representative concluded, the outcomes of the forum once again confirmed that the climate agenda in Central Asia is becoming a strategic priority. It is evolving not only into a sphere of response to emerging challenges, but also into an important factor in strengthening regional connectivity, consolidating efforts, and shaping a sustainable development model oriented toward the long-term stability of the entire Eurasian space.