Uzbekistan, Italy Sign AI-Based Environmental Assessment Deal

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Environmental Expertise Center under Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and the Italian chapter of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at introducing artificial intelligence technologies into environmental impact assessment and strengthening professional capacity.

The signing marks an important step in the digital transformation of Uzbekistan’s environmental sector and the gradual integration of innovative technologies into environmental review practices.

The ceremony was attended by Gayrat Mukhamedov, Director General of the State Environmental Expertise Center, Giuseppe Magro, President of the Italian chapter of IAIA, as well as representatives of Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The memorandum is being implemented within the framework of the international “Permitting 5.0” concept promoted by IAIA. The initiative envisages the use of artificial intelligence technologies and the Environmental Governance Platform (EGP) to improve the transparency, quality and efficiency of environmental impact assessment procedures in line with international standards.

Priority areas of cooperation include the integration of AI tools into the digital system of the State Environmental Expertise Center, automation of environmental documentation analysis, preliminary project assessment and forecasting of cumulative environmental impacts.

The parties also plan to implement pilot projects to test advanced digital solutions, develop a national methodology for incorporating artificial intelligence into environmental assessment based on international experience, and organize specialized training courses, webinars and professional development programs for Uzbek specialists.

The memorandum has been signed for a five-year term and reflects the parties’ long-term commitment to advancing digital environmental governance tools.

Implementation of the agreement is expected to enhance the effectiveness of environmental assessments, support the development of a green economy, improve the investment climate and strengthen international cooperation in environmental protection.