Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, met with Stella Seung Yeon Lee, the newly appointed head of the regional office of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Uzbekistan.

Stella Seung Yeon Lee assumed her role as GGGI’s regional head in Uzbekistan in January of this year. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Seoul National University (SNU), a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning.

During the meeting, Minister Abdukhakimov outlined key environmental initiatives championed by Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. These include the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy," the creation of the Climate Council and the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy, the nationwide "Yashil Makon" (Green Space) project, and afforestation efforts covering two million hectares of the dried-up Aral Sea seabed, among other major programs.

Discussions centered on strengthening cooperation with GGGI in several critical areas, such as improving Uzbekistan’s ranking in the Green Growth Index, enhancing institutional capacity for financial mechanisms, attracting international investments for sustainable projects, and supporting initiatives like "Eco-Active Citizen" and "Environmental Insurance."

The Uzbek side also extended an invitation to GGGI representatives to participate in several high-profile environmental events in 2025. These include the 20th Conference of the Parties to the CITES Convention (on 24 November – 5 December), the International Conference on "Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity" (on 4–5 April), and the International Exhibition of Environmental Technologies, Eco Expo Central Asia (on 3–5 June).

As a result of the meeting, both parties agreed to deepen their collaboration. Moving forward, the Ministry and GGGI will work together to enhance the investment appeal of environmental projects, develop green financing mechanisms, and implement innovative solutions for sustainable development.