GEF Eighth Assembly Officially Opens in Samarkand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) officially got underway in Samarkand on 31 May 2026, marked by a ceremonial flag-raising event at the Silk Road Samarkand international tourism complex.

The ceremony featured the raising of the national flag of Uzbekistan and the flag of the Eighth GEF Assembly, symbolizing the launch of one of the world's largest forums dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.

The event was attended by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Claude Gascon, CEO and Director of Strategy and Operations at the Global Environment Facility.

The flag-raising ceremony marked the beginning of a major international environmental week that will bring together representatives of governments, international organizations, financial institutions, the scientific community, civil society and the private sector to discuss pressing climate and environmental challenges.

Following the ceremony, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Secretariat of the Global Environment Facility and the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change.

The document provides for expanded practical cooperation, including internship and professional exchange programs for specialists of the National Committee within GEF structures. Particular attention will be given to capacity building and the adoption of international best practices in environmental governance.

The agreement also envisages the development of joint initiatives in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, preventing land degradation, improving chemicals and waste management systems, and strengthening institutional cooperation between national and international environmental bodies.

Hosting the Eighth GEF Assembly reflects Uzbekistan's active role in advancing the global environmental agenda and underscores the country's growing importance as a platform for international dialogue on sustainable development.

The upcoming Assembly events are expected to contribute to the development of new mechanisms for international cooperation, attract investment into environmental projects, and promote practical solutions aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.