The Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, held talks with Gayane Minasyan, the World Bank’s Practice Manager for Environment and Social Development in Europe and Central Asia. The meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, sharing best environmental practices, and supporting Uzbekistan’s transition toward a green economy.
A central point of discussion was the joint initiative Resiland — “Restoration of Resilient Forest Landscapes in Uzbekistan”. The project aims to modernize forest management, combat desertification and soil erosion, and expand forest landscapes across several regions, including Jizzakh, Namangan, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Syrdarya, and Surkhandarya. Strengthening transboundary collaboration among Central Asian countries in landscape restoration is also a key element of the program.
Another priority topic was air pollution and its impact on public health and economic resilience. With the support of the World Bank, air quality assessments are currently underway in Tashkent, ongoing monitoring activities continue in Termez, and a new environmental project is being prepared for launch in Namangan.
The Minister underscored that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, environmental protection has become a top national priority. Uzbekistan has designated 2025 as the “Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy,” and set an ambitious goal to raise the share of renewable energy to 60% in the coming years.
World Bank representatives commended Uzbekistan’s ongoing environmental reforms, climate adaptation efforts, and its active role in regional and global environmental processes. Samarkand, in particular, has emerged as a regional hub for international environmental dialogue.
Uzbekistan invited the World Bank to participate in several upcoming major events, including CITES COP20 (24 November – 5 December 2025), the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) (31 May – 5 June 2026), and the Eco Expo Central Asia – 2026, where the Bank will have the opportunity to present its pavilion and showcase global green initiatives.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation, enhancing the effectiveness of joint environmental projects, and contributing to sustainable development across the region.
📌 Source: Government website of the Republic of Uzbekistan
