Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In recent years, there has been significant activation of water and climate diplomacy among Central Asian countries. This trend impacts not only the country and regional levels but also relationships with external actors.

This was evidenced by the outcomes of discussions between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (on 15-16 September, Samarkand), as well as the Second Central Asia + Germany Summit (on 17 September, Astana), where water resources, climate change, and environmental protection were emphasized.

Uzbekistan and Germany signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement and an intergovernmental Declaration on Sustainable Water Resource Management as part of the "Green Central Asia" initiative.

Additionally, agreements were reached for two projects: "Political Dialogue and Knowledge Management on Climate Protection Strategies" (DIAPOL-CE) and "Green Central Asia Phase II."

The implementation of these agreements will support the goals of the "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy and other key documents, including the Environmental Protection Concept, Water Management Development Strategy, Agricultural Development Strategy, and the State Program "Green Economy" until 2030.

Overall, the signed agreements aim to expand Uzbek-German collaboration in climate change and security within the framework of the UN, the EU-Central Asia Strategy, and the Regional Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program.

The prioritization of climate issues in the "Central Asia + Germany" agenda is confirmed by the Joint Statement adopted at the summit, where leaders expressed interest in further cooperation on climate and environmental issues, as well as the rational use of water resources.

In this context, the exchange of experiences and technologies with Germany holds practical significance. Germany has been a pioneer in promoting renewable energy sources (RES) since the late 1990s, increasing their share in total electricity consumption from 3.4% to over 50% within 30 years. The country also has experience in collecting and recycling solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, and wind turbines, making its policies a potential model for Central Asian countries facing similar challenges.

Moreover, Germany has reduced primary energy consumption by 17% over the past decade and aims for a 50% reduction by 2050 through measures promoting energy-efficient technologies. Central Asian countries can benefit from Germany’s experience in reducing energy and carbon intensity across various sectors.

Germany is also a leader in effective management and quality use of water resources. According to the UN, 100% of Germany’s population has access to safe drinking water, compared to 79% in Central Asia. Furthermore, 99% of wastewater in Germany undergoes safe treatment, while the figure for the region is only 30%. The comprehensive water resource management implementation rate in Germany reaches 88%, while in Central Asia, it is just over 50%. The efficiency of water use in Germany is 40 times higher than in Central Asian countries.

Considering this, it is crucial for Central Asian states to adapt and apply Germany’s positive experiences in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water resource management. This will aid in achieving sustainable "green" development goals amid the growing impacts of climate change.

Thus, the agreements reached during bilateral negotiations and at the Second Central Asia + Germany Summit expand the opportunities for cooperation between Berlin and the region on water, environmental, and climate security issues.

Lobar Umarova, 

Senior Researcher, Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan