Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4 April 2025, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech during the plenary session of the Samarkand International Climate Forum.

The forum was attended by prominent leaders, including President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, heads of international organizations, and experts.

In his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate challenges such as wildfires, desertification, and water quality degradation. He noted that Central Asia had already developed a Climate Adaptation Strategy aimed at enhancing ecological resilience.

The President also discussed measures being taken in Uzbekistan to combat land degradation, including large-scale greening projects and the planting of drought-resistant plants in desert regions. A key proposal was to organize an annual tree-planting campaign called the "Green Belt of Central Asia."

As part of the transition to a "green" economy, Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 54% within the next five years, which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, initiatives were presented for establishing a Secretariat to implement the European Union’s "Water – Energy – Climate Change" program, as well as the proposal to create an international forum on water-saving technologies in the Aral Sea region.

The President also emphasized the importance of developing scientific platforms for monitoring climate changes and suggested utilizing the opportunities of the Climate Residency based at the "Green University" in Tashkent.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed the need to strengthen international dialogue to ensure a sustainable and safe future for generations to come, calling for the collective efforts of all countries.