Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 19 June, the first high-level political regional dialogue was held in Tashkent under the slogan “Building a future with clean air in Central Asia.”

The event was organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan with the support of the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

The dialogue was attended by representatives of various government agencies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as leading experts in the field of air quality management from Asia and Europe.

The main goal of the event was to promote coordinated action among countries in the region and the exchange of knowledge in the prevention of air pollution.

“Uzbekistan, like other Central Asian countries, faces challenges related to air pollution, and we recognize that this problem requires urgent and effective action. We recognize the importance of cooperation and exchange of experience in this area, since environmental problems know no borders. I am confident that this event will become a fruitful platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing promising approaches and developing specific measures aimed at improving the quality of atmospheric air in our countries,” said Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan Jusipbek Kazbekov.

During the event, participants studied national measures and practices in the field of air quality management in the countries of Central Asia. A methodology for sharing data on the impacts of air pollution was presented, and priorities were identified for accelerating regional cooperation in air quality management. Representatives of the countries participating in the dialogue confirmed the determination of their governments to deepen cooperation and develop appropriate government measures to improve air quality.

“Managing air quality is a complex process that requires understanding the sources of air pollution and developing measures to improve the situation in relevant sectors. These measures require better data, effective legislation, harmonized regulations between neighboring countries, strong government institutions and developed environmental infrastructure. By working together, the countries of Central Asia can make the air cleaner in the region!” said Valerie Hickey, World Bank Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy.

The quest to improve air quality in Central Asia is especially urgent in light of transboundary pollution caused by local pollution from the burning of fossil fuels in industry, the heating sector and transport. In addition, increasing sand and dust storms are making a significant contribution to air pollution.

Most air quality-related illnesses and premature deaths in Central Asia are associated with fine suspended particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5). Their concentration in large cities in the region is often several times higher than the permissible air quality standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is especially noticeable in winter during periods of intense operation of the heating sector. According to the IQAir portal, which monitors global air quality, Central Asian cities are often among the cities in the world with the most polluted air.