Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A new Concept for Raising Environmental Awareness among the Population of Uzbekistan through 2030 has been approved by Presidential decree.

According to the document, by 2030, Uzbekistan aims to cultivate sustainable environmental thinking and significantly raise ecological awareness among 4.2 million general education school students and 400,000 students from vocational and professional institutions.

Beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year, national academic competitions will feature annual research themes dedicated to promoting environmental consciousness. Additionally, a Student Environmental Volunteer Movement of Uzbekistan will be established at higher education institutions to promote ecological knowledge and practices among the youth.

A new non-governmental, non-profit organization, “The Ecologists’ Community,” will also be created, serving as a platform to unite environmental specialists, activists, and researchers.

Each year, university students will be invited to participate in competitions under categories such as “Ecology Expert,” “Environmental Culture Promoter,” “Most Active Eco-Volunteer,” and “Best Environmental Defender of the Year.” Startup competitions focused on innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges will also be held.

Special attention will be given to activities commemorating World Environment Day on 5 June. An international scientific and practical forum on ecology will be held annually on this date.

To train highly qualified professionals, the state will increase postgraduate admission quotas in environmental disciplines by 30%. Moreover, special regional quotas will be allocated for women pursuing doctoral studies in ecology.