On 24 November, the Silk Road Samarkand complex hosted the official opening ceremony of the 20th Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20). This year’s event is historic, marking the first time a CITES CoP is held in Central Asia.
The conference gathered over 3,000 delegates from 184 countries and the European Union, including representatives of government agencies, international organizations, academia and civil society. Discussions will focus on strengthening global biodiversity conservation, advancing regulatory mechanisms for international trade in endangered species and reinforcing cooperation to combat wildlife crime.
Speakers at the opening ceremony included:
Inger Andersen, UN Deputy Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director (video address);
Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan and Chair of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change;
Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-General.
In his remarks, Aziz Abdukhakimov highlighted Uzbekistan’s comprehensive environmental reforms, including the establishment of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the Environmental Police, and the Environmental Monitoring Centre. He also emphasized enhanced cooperation with TRAFFIC, INTERPOL, Fauna & Flora International, and regional initiatives such as CAMI, CADI, and the Ramsar initiative.
Among the new proposals presented were:
the creation of the “Samarkand AI-Hub” to promote digital and AI-based conservation tools;
development of a harmonized sanctions mechanism for wildlife crime;
expansion of breeding centres for rare species under stringent monitoring and digital tracking.
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero stressed that partnership and multilateral action are the foundation of the Convention’s success, calling the joint work of countries a “modern Silk Road” for shared commitments and conservation efforts.
The opening launched a 12-day agenda featuring plenary discussions, negotiations on proposed amendments to the CITES Appendices, thematic side events and high-level engagements.
📌 Source: National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan
