Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 4 December, a delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in a briefing at the UN headquarters in New York dedicated to "Achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Enhancing Regional Security and Stability: Uzbekistan’s Perspective."

The aim of the briefing was to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the face of uneven and insufficient progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to strengthen regional security and stability.

During the briefing, Deputy Minister of Ecology J. Kazbekov delivered a presentation on "Uzbekistan’s Efforts to Consolidate Regional Countries in Combating Climate Challenges," addressing serious climate issues in the region and urgent measures taken by Uzbekistan to achieve SDGs.

In his speech, the deputy minister drew attention to climate problems in Central Asia, emphasizing that the region is highly vulnerable to climate change. Over the past years, the temperature in Central Asia has doubled the global average, leading to a reduction in the glacier areas by about a third, contributing to a 15-20% reduction in the water supply of the main Amudarya and Syrdarya rivers by 2050. 

J. Kazbekov also highlighted issues related to transboundary water management, soil degradation, decreased crop yields, biodiversity reduction, and particularly emphasized the drying of the Aral Sea and its increasing impact on desertification processes, increased salt and dust storms. It was also noted that the region is experiencing an increase in the frequency and duration of days with temperatures above 40°C, warm winters with a minimal number of frosty days, sharp temperature fluctuations, intensive spring rains, and dry periods.

In his speech, the deputy minister emphasized the importance of cooperation among Central Asian countries in developing joint science-based measures for climate change adaptation and finding comprehensive regional approaches and solutions to environmental problems.

It’s worth noting that Uzbekistan is committed to achieving the SDGs. During his speech at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed establishing the "Central Asian Climate Dialogue" and adopting a UN General Assembly resolution titled "Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Threats: Solidarity for Common Prosperity."

J. Kazbekov highlighted initiatives put forward by Uzbekistan, including the nationwide program "Yashil Macon," aimed at planting one billion trees within 5 years. Active work is also being carried out to afforest the dried bottom of the Aral Sea, covering an area of about 2 million hectares. The UN General Assembly recognized the Aral catastrophe as a global environmental problem of modern times, and a Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security was created for the Aral Sea region under the auspices of the UN. During the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, a special resolution was adopted, declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies.

During his presentation, J. Kazbekov invited participants to the climate forum scheduled to take place in spring 2024 in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The forum, held every two years, will serve as a platform for a global dialogue on socio-political and economic issues. The forum will cover water, energy, food, environmental safety, sustainable urban planning, green investments, youth participation, and the role of traditional knowledge in sustainable development. The forum is expected to result in the signing of the Samarkand Declaration to establish a unified regional vision for climate change.

It was emphasized that Uzbekistan has a strategic goal of adapting key sectors of the economy to changing climate conditions. The country is also focused on achieving carbon neutrality and increasing the share of "green" energy. These steps are taken to ensure sustainable development and active support for global and regional stability amid contemporary climate challenges.

The discussion at the briefing provided an opportunity to explore ways to intensify joint efforts in addressing urgent problems related to global and regional stability. These issues include combating climate change, resisting environmental degradation, and promoting sustainable development.