CITES COP20 was the first large-scale meeting of the Convention held in Central Asia in its entire history. The Forum brought together more than 3,000 delegates from 184 countries and the European Union, including representatives of government agencies, international organizations, the scientific community and the non-governmental sector.
The conference focuses on strengthening global biodiversity conservation measures, improving regulatory mechanisms for international trade in endangered species, and developing international cooperation.
The opening ceremony was attended by Inger Andersen, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (video message), Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues, Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Yvonne Higuero, Secretary General of CITES.
In his speech, Aziz Abdukhakimov stressed that Uzbekistan has implemented comprehensive reforms in recent years to protect wildlife and strengthen measures against illegal trade.
"Just a few days ago, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a historic decree on the reform and further strengthening of the national environmental management. According to the decree, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change is accountable to the President and the Senate. The Committee is tasked with implementing such important national initiatives as "Bio-Heritage", "Green Space", "Eco-culture", "Clean Air" and "Waste-free Territories". In addition, the National Environmental Police and the Environmental Monitoring Center have been established with expanded powers to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, environmental crimes and violations of the rights of flora and fauna," the chairman said.
Special attention was paid to international cooperation. Uzbekistan is strengthening its partnership with TRAFFIC, INTERPOL, Fauna & Flora International, and is also actively involved in regional CAMI, CADI, and Ramsar initiatives. The signing of the Samarkand Declaration by the Central Asian States was an important achievement.
Speaking about further cooperation, the Chairman proposed a number of initiatives, including the creation of the Samarkand AI-Hub consulting platform to promote digital technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as the development of a mechanism to harmonize sanctions and strengthen measures of responsibility for illegal wildlife trafficking. Uzbekistan has also advocated the expansion of rare species breeding centers under strict control and digital tracking.
In her speech, Yvonne Higuero noted that partnership is the foundation of common success.
"CITES is multilateralism in action, proof that cooperation brings results for people and the planet. Our collective actions are the only way to ensure a future where wildlife thrives. In many ways, our work today is a modern Silk Road - not only for goods, but also for knowledge, commitment, and action to preserve life on Earth. This meeting is our opportunity to chart a sustainable path forward. Let's come together to strengthen the Convention and advocate for multilateralism so that wild species thrive, ecosystems thrive, and the legacy we will pass on to future generations is resilience and hope," the Secretary General said.
The official opening of CITES COP20 launched an extensive 12-day program, including plenary sessions, discussions on amendments to the Convention's annexes, thematic events and high-level meetings aimed at strengthening international efforts to protect wildlife.
