Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed a Climate Integration Model for Central Asia based on three areas of cooperation: information sharing, technology and finance.
He presented the initiative in Antalya at the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference is being co-chaired by Türkiye and Australia. Mirziyoyev praised the high standard of preparations for the event.
The president thanked his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he called "my dear brother", for the traditionally warm welcome. He described Antalya as the pearl of the Mediterranean.
Emissions and green energy
Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan consistently supported global efforts to combat climate change. The country was building a new development model based on the rational use of natural resources and green technologies.
Carbon intensity was declining across different sectors of the economy.
Uzbekistan had achieved ahead of schedule its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35%. The country has now raised its target to a 50% reduction by 2035.
To maintain a balance between development and environmental protection, green energy generation must continue to increase, the president said. According to him, renewable sources will account for 54% of the country's electricity generation in four years.
Water and the Aral Sea
Uzbekistan had made firm commitments to use water resources efficiently. Mirziyoyev said these efforts were already producing positive results.
Over the past decade, the water intensity of the economy had almost halved, while water withdrawals had fallen by one-fifth. Water-saving technologies were being used on more than 60% of irrigated land.
Uzbekistan will assume the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea next year. Mirziyoyev said the country intended to fulfil this important responsibility at the highest level, particularly in managing transboundary river basins.
Forests and waste management
Uzbekistan is also restoring land. The area covered by forest plantations has increased by 6 million hectares, with one-third of them planted in the Aral Sea region.
The country is also implementing its Waste Management Strategy, under which more than US$3 billion is being invested.
Environmental education
Mirziyoyev said caring for the younger generation was at the centre of Uzbekistan's policies. He quoted a traditional proverb:
"If you want a tree to bear fruit, take care of it while it is still a sapling."
Environmental education in Uzbekistan therefore begins in the family, mahalla and school. From an early age, children are taught to conserve water, care for trees and keep shared spaces clean.
Every fifth resident of Uzbekistan is a school pupil or student. Thanks to a systematic approach, three-quarters of the country's population will receive nature-centred education by 2050.
Why the region needs integration
"No country can solve climate problems alone," Mirziyoyev said.
Central Asia is facing growing threats, including melting glaciers, water shortages and extreme droughts. According to the president, these shared challenges require countries in the region to act together.
Sharing climate risk data
The first area of cooperation is information sharing. Mirziyoyev proposed starting work on infrastructure for exchanging climate risk data with the support of the World Meteorological Organization.
As a first step, he said it would be appropriate to establish an early warning system to enable rapid responses to natural disasters.
The next, more complex step would be to develop metrics for establishing mechanisms for the joint monitoring of slow-onset natural disasters.
Nature-based technologies
The second area is technological cooperation. Mirziyoyev said nature-based technologies could help restore soil, absorb carbon in arid areas and combat dust and sand storms.
Uzbekistan shares its best practices and promising innovations at the annual ECO-EXPO exhibition. The event is planned to become a permanent investment and technology platform showcasing modern environmental solutions adapted to the region's conditions.
New financing instruments
The third area is finance. Mirziyoyev said Central Asia needed adequate and predictable funding that took local conditions and needs into account.
Uzbekistan proposed working with development banks and specialised funds to develop new support instruments. These would include concessional grants and blue and arid finance mechanisms.
Call to conference participants
Mirziyoyev called on all countries and international organisations participating in the conference to give practical substance to the idea of climate integration.
He proposed applying the model, which he described as vital, in all interested regions of the world.
"Creating decent conditions for future generations to live well and preserving our home planet are the common responsibility of every one of us," he said.
