The forum brought together representatives of government agencies, business, the scientific community and non-governmental organizations from Central Asian countries. Its main goal was to create a regional platform for discussing key issues of industrial ecology and sustainable development. Special attention was paid to the introduction of the best available technologies (BAT), digitalization of environmental processes, development of waste management systems, as well as strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations in ensuring transparency and the involvement of civil society.
Speaking at the plenary session, Advisor to the Minister of Ecology Alisher Salomov stressed that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is implementing large-scale reforms aimed at creating a "green" economy and the rational use of natural resources.
"2025 has been declared the "Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy" in Uzbekistan, which underlines the priority of the environmental agenda. A state program has been approved that includes environmental protection, waste management, the development of green energy and the introduction of ESG standards. Our goal is to increase the share of waste recycling to 60% and the share of "green" energy to 54% by 2030," A.Salomov said.
He also spoke about the creation of the Waste Management Agency and the Development of the Circular Economy, the introduction of the Toza Macon electronic billing system, which has reached more than 23 million residents, as well as projects to build modern waste-to-energy plants with the support of international investors. Special attention was paid to Uzbekistan's accession to the Aarhus Convention in March 2025 and the active development of the ecological culture of the population through mass actions and campaigns.
In conclusion, Alisher Salomov invited the forum participants to visit the international exhibition Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, which will be held in Samarkand as part of the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility.
The forum program included an industrial tour with visits to enterprises in the region where environmental technologies are being implemented, as well as an exhibition of innovative "green" solutions. During the plenary session "Ecology and Production: the path to a sustainable future", the balance between economic growth and environmental safety, the role of large companies in implementing environmental initiatives and achieving global and national goals were discussed.
The forum in Pavlodar has become a significant regional platform for the exchange of experience and the development of joint solutions in the field of industrial ecology. Uzbekistan's participation highlighted its active position in the issues of "green" transformation, the development of a circular economy and international cooperation in the field of environmental protection.
