At COP28, Uzbekistan will play a more active role in the global climate agenda, including working with its Central Asian neighbours to address climate change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, Uzbek Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

"This will strengthen the voice and stance of the Central Asian region.”

Uzbekistan believes that under the UAE's effective and focused leadership, COP 28 will play a crucial role in advancing the global climate agenda, Abdukhakimov added in an email interview with WAM from Tashkent.

“Uzbekistan aligns with the UAE's ambition for COP 28 to accelerate inclusive action on climate change. We are ready to play its part in the collective endeavours that reinforce multilateralism and ensure a successful conference.”

Scheduled for 30th November to 12th December 2023 at Expo City Dubai, COP28, the 28th UN Conference on Climate Change is expected to attract 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.

Climate change in Central Asia

The Uzbek minister said that climate change mitigation and adaptation are top priorities for Uzbekistan, as Central Asia is already experiencing severe climate impacts due to the Aral Sea's depletion.

Therefore, a high-ranking Uzbek delegation will participate in COP28, signifying that climate change is Uzbekistan’s top strategic priorities, he added.

The official stressed that regional cooperation on climate change and environmental degradation is crucial for Central Asia, considering the interconnected nature of the region's shared resources and environmental challenges.

‘One region with one voice’

Uzbek participation in COP28 will occur under a single Central Asian pavilion of five countries—a cohesive effort to amplify the region's stance as ‘one region with one voice’, the minister noted.

This decision will strengthen Uzbekistan's main goal at COP 28: raising the collective Central Asian climate agenda on a global stage and fostering collaborative political and scientific efforts in the region, he emphasised.

Uzbekistan will be present at four distinct pavilions: national pavilion in the blue zone, national pavilion in the green zone, Central Asian pavilion. “We were invited for the first time to present our achievement in green education at the UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Greening Education Partnership (GEP) meetings,” Abdukhakimov explained.

Uzbekistan’s crucial energy transition

Climate adaptation and decarbonisation of Uzbekistan are essential steps toward achieving its sustainable development goals and improving living standards, the minister noted.

“However, accomplishing decarbonisation in our economy by 2060 demands a concentrated effort in our energy sector, responsible for 75 percent of Uzbekistan's greenhouse gas emissions,” he pointed out.

While the government is working hard on policy reforms and initiatives to advance financial and investment regulations, substantial private and foreign investments are vital to support this green transition, Abdukhakimov said.

The benefits of these reforms are diverse, including improved energy security, reduced emissions and pollution, better health, and economic opportunities, he noted.

Urban development

Sustainable urban development is a major global challenge that must also take centre stage at COP 28, the Uzbek minister suggested.

In Central Asia's rapidly growing urban centres, ensuring the expansion and upgrade of infrastructure is essential, he stressed.

However, this work must be done while recognising green spaces' vital importance for human well-being and environmental health, Abdukhakimov said.

Uzbekistan is working to improve sustainable city management through initiatives like the "Yashil Makon" ("Green Space") project, he noted.

At COP 28, the minister explained, “we aim to bring together key stakeholders to establish partnerships for knowledge and technology sharing in Central Asia. These initiatives are vital to unlock the social and economic benefits of green growth and steering clear of committing to unsustainable infrastructure.”

Restoration projects in Central Asia

Land degradation and Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) impact is another essential topic for Uzbekistan at COP 28, Abdukhakimov said.

In November, Uzbekistan hosted an international conference on this issue. “We aim to continue focusing on this topic to further climate discussions at COP28 because it relates to food, water, energy security, and biodiversity.”

Uzbekistan is calling for international support for restoration projects in Central Asia, such as the afforestation of 1.7 million hectares of the former Aral seabed and the need for capacity building in the region in land restoration and SDS source mapping and mitigation, the minister explained.

Cooperation with UAE

“Uzbekistan is keen to leverage the UAE's robust scientific research, particularly in areas like land degradation and monitoring sand and dust storms, to learn from and work alongside their expertise.”

This is part of Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen its partnership with the UAE through climate cooperation, the minister affirmed.

The deep-rooted cultural and historical links between the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Central Asia, geographical proximity, and shared environmental challenges mean that expanded collaboration will be significant, he noted.

Green university

Education and youth engagement are also important priorities at COP28 for Uzbekistan, he said.

Uzbekistan has established the Green University to improve ecological education in Central Asia. However, the limited availability of regional climate data and the lack of regional experts limit the growth of environmental education, Abdukhakimov pointed out.

“We want to draw global attention and support to Green University as a critical regional ecological research and education hub. Better environmental and climate data will support green development in Central Asia and benefit global climate science,” the minister said.