The event is attended by heads of state and governments of more than 80 countries, heads of authoritative international organizations, and financial institutions.
At the beginning of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan sincerely congratulated the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the successful organization of the historic summit and expressed support for the Azerbaijani side’s active efforts to expand international cooperation in the fight against modern climate challenges.
As the Leader of Uzbekistan noted, climate change has become the main global challenge today, directly affecting the increase in geopolitical tensions.
Overcoming poverty, ensuring food and energy security, and providing access to water and resources are worsening.
The consequences of climate change are acutely felt in the Central Asian region.
They become an obstacle to improving the quality of life of the population and implementing national development strategies.
The main goal of the Paris Agreement is to prevent the accelerated growth of air temperature in the region and maintain it within 1.5-2 degrees Celsius in the current century.
In this regard, large-scale reforms are being implemented in Uzbekistan to achieve carbon neutrality. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are planned to be reduced by 35 percent. These commitments will be expanded by 2050, and the share of green energy will reach 40 percent.
Clusters of electric vehicles and green hydrogen, solar, and wind generation hubs are being created. Green areas are being expanded within the framework of the “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) program.
A regional climate strategy is being implemented with neighboring countries. A multilateral agreement on organizing green energy supplies to Europe will be signed these days.
To jointly overcome the consequences of global climate change, the Leader of Uzbekistan has put forward several initiatives.
In particular, to expand technical assistance from leading states and multilateral institutions to identify climate challenges facing developing countries, it was proposed to establish an International Centre for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment.
The President of Uzbekistan advocated the development of a Declaration on Obligations to Ensure the Ecological Safety and Health of River Ecosystems under the auspices of the United Nations, pointing to the need to develop unified approaches to preventing pollution of transboundary water resources and preserving sustainable biodiversity.
It was also proposed to create a Regional Genetic Resources Bank in Uzbekistan to increase plants’ resistance to climate change and a UN Agro-Industry Innovation Hub for landlocked countries.
An initiative has been put forward to establish an Alliance of World Climate Capitals to transfer advanced knowledge and practices in the sustainable development of megacities and cities affected by climate change and to hold its first forum in Tashkent.
The President of Uzbekistan invited representatives of the COP29 countries to attend the Global Youth Festival of Digital Green Initiatives, which will be held in the Aral Sea region on May 15 next year – on International Climate Day.
In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev once again emphasized Uzbekistan’s readiness for open dialogue and partnership on the path to common well-being and green development.
