Tackling climate change is no longer only an environmental necessity.It has become an important factor that determines the economic competitiveness of states, their energy security and their potential for international cooperation. In this context, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) could open up new opportunities for Uzbekistan to strengthen its international climate diplomacy, attract green investment and accelerate sustainable economic development.

Climate diplomacy: from the global agenda to national interests

Over the past few years climate change has moved to the top of the international relations agenda. Rising global temperatures, shrinking water resources, droughts and more frequent extreme weather events call for more than domestic measures. States also need a coordinated international policy.

For Central Asia the consequences of climate change are particularly serious. Among the region's most pressing tasks are the careful use of water, preventing desertification, adapting agriculture to new climatic conditions and modernizing energy systems.

Uzbekistan takes an active part in these processes and seeks to link the climate agenda with its foreign policy, economic reforms and regional cooperation.

COP31 could become an important diplomatic platform for promoting this approach internationally. Issues of climate finance, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change and the development of environmental technologies are of particular importance from the standpoint of Uzbekistan’s national interests.

Uzbekistan's place in international climate policy

As a party to the Paris Agreement, Uzbekistan pursues a policy aimed at meeting its international commitments on climate action.

The country is carrying out reforms to expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, use natural resources more rationally and make economic sectors environmentally sustainable.

Climate diplomacy has a special role in this process. Modern climate policy goes beyond taking part in international agreements. It also involves bringing in advanced technologies, expanding cooperation with international financial institutions, defending national interests and advancing regional initiatives.

Uzbekistan's initiatives to improve the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region are a good example. Mitigating the environmental and social consequences of the Aral Sea tragedy, improving the living conditions of the population and creating opportunities for the sustainable development of the region remain priority areas of international cooperation.

COP31 offers a chance to present this experience to the international community and to attract additional financial and technological resources for projects in the Aral Sea region.

The green economy: a new model of sustainable growth

The shift to a green economy is becoming increasingly important for Uzbekistan's long-term economic development.

The traditional growth model often relies on heavy consumption of energy and natural resources. A green economy, by contrast, seeks to sustain economic development through efficient use of resources, lower environmental impact and the adoption of innovative technologies.

The solar and wind energy projects under way in Uzbekistan are a practical expression of this transformation.

The country's solar potential, the prospects for wind power in certain regions and growing electricity demand together create favourable conditions for investment in renewable energy.

The green economy is not limited to the energy sector, though. Energy-saving technologies at industrial enterprises, wider use of water-saving irrigation, cleaner transport, waste recycling and the modernization of urban infrastructure are also an integral part of the process.

Just as significant, the move to a green economy creates new jobs, accelerates technological modernization and makes domestic products more competitive on foreign markets.

Climate finance and international investment: what opportunities does COP31 open up?

Building a green economy requires substantial investment. For this reason climate finance may turn out to be one of the most important items on Uzbekistan's COP31 agenda.

Cooperation with international financial institutions, development banks and private investors creates additional opportunities to carry out environmental projects in the country.

Of particular importance is broadening the range of funding sources through green bonds, concessional loans, grants, public-private partnership mechanisms and international climate funds.

Attracting investment is not enough on its own, however. Projects also have to be economically viable, their environmental results must be measurable, and they need to be transparent and in line with international standards.

Seen this way, COP31 could serve Uzbekistan as a venue for presenting concrete investment proposals to international partners, negotiating promising projects and building new partnerships.

Projects in water-saving technologies, renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture and environmental infrastructure are especially relevant.

Strengthening regional climate cooperation in Central Asia

Climate change knows no national borders. Joint action against environmental threats is therefore of strategic importance for the countries of Central Asia.

The region's water resources, transboundary rivers, energy systems and agriculture are closely interconnected. An environmental problem that arises in one country can affect the economic and social life of its neighbours.

Uzbekistan is in a position to strengthen regional dialogue, develop mutually beneficial cooperation on water and energy, and promote joint initiatives on climate adaptation.

Participation in COP31 could bring several important results: putting the shared environmental interests of Central Asian states on the international agenda, expanding data exchange for assessing climate risks and attracting financial resources for regional projects.

Uzbekistan's active involvement in these processes will further strengthen its standing in regional climate diplomacy.

Adapting to climate change: people's well-being comes first

The effectiveness of climate policy is not measured solely by reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. One of its key criteria is how much more resilient people's lives and the economy become in the face of climate risks.

In Uzbekistan's case this means, above all, adapting to water scarcity, maintaining crop yields, reducing the health impact of heatwaves and being better prepared for natural disasters.

An effective adaptation policy depends on scientific research, modern monitoring systems and well-trained specialists.

It is equally necessary to give local communities, young people, women, entrepreneurs and civil society institutions a greater say in environmental decision-making.

After all, the main purpose of the green transition is not only to improve environmental indicators but also to create a safe, healthy and sustainable living environment for people.

Tasks after COP31: from initiatives to practical results

The value of international climate conferences lies not only in the statements adopted there but also in how the agreements reached are put into practice.

It is therefore important for Uzbekistan to orient its participation in COP31 towards tangible economic and institutional results.

The priorities remain building a portfolio of investment-ready green projects, developing the capacity to use international financing mechanisms, ensuring reliable environmental data and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Also important are training national experts in climate diplomacy, using evidence-based approaches in international negotiations and adapting the best foreign practices to national conditions.

COP31 thus gives Uzbekistan an opportunity to take its participation in international climate diplomacy to a new level and to accelerate the transition to a green economy.

The country's natural resource potential, its ongoing economic reforms and its openness to international cooperation provide a solid foundation for this.

The main task now is to align global climate initiatives with the specific needs of the national economy, turn international agreements into practical projects and connect environmental sustainability with people's well-being.

Ultimately, green development is not only a responsibility to future generations but also a matter of making rational use of today’s economic opportunities, enhancing the country’s competitiveness and laying the foundation for a sustainable future.

Associate Professor of the Department

of International Economics at UWED

Suriya Turaeva

Today, developing international freight transport, ensuring supply chain resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are becoming interconnected objectives. The "Global Green Shipping Corridors Initiative" enables the integration of transport infrastructure, clean energy, digitalization, and environmental sustainability through practical projects.

For landlocked Uzbekistan, the efficiency of international corridors is of particular importance. The fast and reliable delivery of goods to their destination largely depends on coordination with transit countries. Every extra hour spent in transit and at the border translates into additional costs, higher fuel consumption, and harmful atmospheric emissions.

This heightens the need to ensure environmental sustainability alongside economic efficiency in the transport sector. Specifically, in line with its updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, Uzbekistan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 50 percent by 2035 compared to 2010 levels. Digitalizing transport, streamlining border-crossing procedures, and expanding low-carbon freight transport will help achieve this goal.

Transport cooperation between Uzbekistan and Türkiye provides a solid foundation for jointly developing practical solutions in this area.

In the first nine months of 2026, freight volume between the two countries totaled 700,000 tons. Of this total freight volume, more than 80 percent was transported by road. This high share of road transport highlights the critical importance of improving border-crossing processes.

At the same time, border-crossing delays in international transport lead to longer delivery times, additional costs, and increased fuel consumption. This negatively affects the quality preservation of perishable goods in particular, driving up their production costs as well as harmful atmospheric emissions. Therefore, streamlining border procedures and coordinating transport operations among transit countries are vital for boosting the economic and environmental efficiency of transport corridors.

In this regard, the Memorandum of Understanding on International Transport Corridors and the Improvement of Existing Practices, signed on January 29, 2026, in Ankara between the transport ministries of Uzbekistan and Türkiye, holds special significance.

The memorandum designates "green" transport solutions as a standalone area of cooperation. It envisions supporting rail transport as a low-carbon alternative mode of transport, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and developing the Middle Corridor into an eco-friendly logistics route. These objectives directly align with the goals of the "Global Green Shipping Corridors Initiative".

The potential of the Middle Corridor, specifically highlighted in the memorandum, is also reflected in growing freight volumes. The volume of Uzbek cargo transported along this route doubled compared to 2021 levels, reaching 1.2 million tons in 2025. Its share in freight transport with European Union countries rose from 12 percent to 28 percent.

Turkiye's accession to the Protocol of the Five-Party Meeting on the Development of the "Asia-Pacific Countries – China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Türkiye – Europe" International Multimodal Transport Corridor (CASCA+) plays a major role in achieving this result.

Under the protocol, the annual tariff discounts offered for rail transport are boosting the corridor's competitiveness. Consistently maintaining these discounts, expanding block-train services, and coordinating port operations will help attract cargo flows to low-carbon transport.

Notably, at the Organization of Turkic States summit held in Ankara this October, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to transform the Middle Corridor and its adjacent transport routes into an integrated economic system. To this end, he proposed establishing and jointly managing a "Network of Logistics Complexes of the Turkic States".

Digitalization also remains an indispensable tool for "green" logistics in expediting border crossings and coordinating cargo flows. Together with Türkiye, Uzbekistan was among the first in the world to introduce the e-Permit electronic permit system, which is now being successfully used with China as well. Furthermore, in partnership with Azerbaijan, eTIR technology was implemented for the first time globally, and work is currently underway to adopt the e-CMR electronic consignment note.

Concrete practical steps are needed to build on the results achieved and address the aforementioned challenges. Additionally, the Joint Working Group, established under a memorandum between the transport ministries of Uzbekistan and Türkiye, serves as a vital mechanism for pursuing mutually beneficial goals. Through the joint efforts of this working group and the relevant authorities, it is proposed to strengthen cooperation in three priority areas.

The first area involves introducing a dedicated fast-track mechanism based on the "green corridor" principle for perishable goods along the Türkiye–Iran–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan route.

The second area focuses on launching container block-train services between Türkiye and Uzbekistan along this route and developing cooperation mechanisms to conduct pilot shipments.

The third area entails exploring with partner countries the possibility of evaluating transport operations along the Middle Corridor and CASCA+ as a "green" pilot route within the framework of the "Global Green Shipping Corridors Initiative." This envisions coordinating rail, road, and maritime transport, pre-booking spaces on ferries, and introducing an electronic queuing system.

In conclusion, translating agreements into concrete projects and strengthening cooperation with transit countries will help jointly reduce transit times, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, Uzbekistan remains open to dialogue, sharing expertise, and implementing joint initiatives.

1. Abdugapparov, Leading Specialist at the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan

"The issue of water scarcity is becoming increasingly urgent worldwide. Therefore, from the very first days of our reforms, we have made the rational use of water a priority of state policy."

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Water is our most priceless blessing. Wherever it flows, there is life, prosperity, and well-being. Since ancient times, human civilization has taken shape along the water's edge, where cities have risen and agriculture has flourished. Water is not only a daily human necessity, but also a strategic asset that shapes the development of nations and the future of peoples.

However, water, which has been a source of life for centuries, is today becoming a serious challenge for humanity. Climate change, rising global temperatures, shrinking glaciers, and intensifying droughts demand a fundamental reassessment of our approach to water resources.

This issue holds particular significance for Uzbekistan. Nearly 90 percent of the water resources used in our country are allocated to agriculture. Amid a growing population and rising economic demand for water, conserving every cubic meter is a vital necessity.

Scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20 this year, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31)  will serve as an important platform for discussing these issues on an international scale.

As part of the conference, a summit of heads of state and government is scheduled for November 11–12. For Uzbekistan, this prestigious event will serve as another opportunity to showcase our country's practical experience in climate change adaptation, rational water management, and environmental sustainability to the international community, as well as to discuss new avenues of cooperation.

Water Conservation: A Strategic Goal and Practical Outcome

At the ceremonial event dedicated to the 35th anniversary of our country's independence, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined the priority tasks of the fourth national program, which is aimed at fundamentally changing our attitude toward water and nature. A goal has been set to expand the coverage of croplands with water-saving technologies to 100 percent over the next five years. This means transforming water conservation from an isolated best practice into a universal standard for irrigated agriculture.

Let us analyze the results. For the 2026 growing season, the water withdrawal limit for economic sectors was set at 32.6 billion cubic meters, while 34.2 billion cubic meters of water resources were actually supplied (105 percent of the established limit).

From January to October 2026, 10.69 billion cubic meters of water were saved across the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the regions by implementing the following measures. Specifically:

- 4.935 billion cubic meters through the introduction of water-saving technologies and laser land leveling;

- 3.14 billion cubic meters by repairing, restoring, and lining irrigation networks with concrete;

- 670 million cubic meters through the adoption of digital technologies;

- 1.945 billion cubic meters of water were saved by increasing the share of drought-tolerant crops and implementing additional agrotechnical practices across farmlands.

While water-saving technologies were used on just 28,000 hectares in 2017, their coverage has now reached 2.8 million hectares—nearly 65 percent of all irrigated land.

During the first ten months of this year, water-saving technologies and laser land leveling were implemented across 654,000 hectares.

Specifically, drip irrigation was introduced on 144,000 hectares, and sprinkler irrigation on 28,000 hectares. Surge irrigation and flexible pipe methods were applied on another 110,000 hectares, while plastic mulch irrigation was established on 70,000 hectares.

Furthermore, 302,000 hectares of land were leveled using laser equipment.

Modern Irrigation: A Key Factor in Climate Change Adaptation

Even if water-saving technologies are used in the fields, the expected results cannot be fully achieved if water is lost in transit from the source to the consumer. Therefore, priority is being given to lining canals with concrete, reconstructing hydraulic structures, and modernizing networks.

In 2026, 2.2 trillion soums were allocated for irrigation and land reclamation, resulting in the concrete lining of 1,030 kilometers of inter-farm canals and over 15,000 kilometers of on-farm canals. This helps reduce water seepage into the soil, ensure a stable supply to consumers, and increase the efficiency of existing resource use.

Land Reclamation: A Vital Prerequisite for Food Security

The degradation of irrigated land conditions can lead to lower crop yields, excessive water consumption, and a loss of soil fertility. Therefore, alongside water resource management, Uzbekistan is consistently working to improve the condition of its agricultural lands.

As a result of land reclamation measures implemented during the first ten months of 2026, the total area of saline land in the country decreased by 36,000 hectares compared to the previous year. Notably, heavily and moderately saline areas shrank by 17,000 hectares. Additionally, areas with problematic groundwater levels were reduced by 21,000 hectares.

         Digital Management: Tracking Every Cubic Meter of Water

         The primary prerequisite for effective water resource management is accurate accounting. Without proper measurement, it is impossible to distribute water efficiently or reliably determine the volume of losses.
         To this end, a total of 13,310 "Smart Water" devices have been installed at water management facilities, along with online water meters at 1,915 pumping stations, to track and monitor water resources.

Additionally, 108 major water management facilities have been automated, and an online system for monitoring water levels and volumes has been introduced at 43 large reservoirs.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies and Uzinfocom LLC, the "Water Accounting" information system was integrated with the systems of the Cadastre Agency and the Tax Committee. This has enabled the online generation of water usage statements and the automatic calculation of corresponding taxes.

A "Unified Water Management Platform" has been developed, consolidating all existing information systems in the sector into a single platform.

These upgrades are expanding capabilities to track the movement of water resources in real time, minimize human error in accounting, and make prompt management decisions. Most importantly, digitalization is becoming a vital tool for ensuring accuracy and transparency in water distribution.

 Water and energy conservation: Interconnected tasks

Energy efficiency also plays a crucial role in the development of the water sector. This is because nearly 60 percent of the irrigation water in our country is delivered via pumping stations—a process that consumes vast amounts of electricity.

Modernizing pumping stations, replacing outdated units with energy-efficient equipment, and utilizing renewable energy sources simultaneously deliver both economic and environmental benefits.

Over the first ten months of this year, 172 pumps and 168 electric motors that had reached the end of their service life were replaced across the ministry's system.

To harness alternative energy sources, solar photovoltaic panels with a total capacity of 15,660 kilowatts and 66 capacitor units were installed.

As a result of the measures taken, electricity consumption has been steadily declining. Specifically, while annual electricity consumption at pumping stations stood at 8.3 billion kWh in 2017, this figure is projected to drop to 6.3 billion kWh by 2026. This represents a reduction of 2 billion kWh per year, or nearly 24 percent, compared to 2017.

Regional Cooperation — A Guarantee of Shared Water Security

Transboundary rivers account for a large share of water resources in Central Asia. Therefore, using them rationally, strengthening mutual trust among states, and improving cooperation mechanisms are vital for the region's sustainable development.

On international platforms, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev consistently champions the fair and efficient use of water resources, joint adaptation to the impacts of climate change, and environmental sustainability in the Aral Sea region.

Climate change knows no national borders. Shrinking glaciers, droughts, and shifts in river flow affect the entire region. Consequently, mutual trust, science-based decisions, and practical cooperation are crucial for managing transboundary waters.

Uzbekistan to Chair the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea Starting in 2027

On April 22, 2026, at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Astana, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was elected President of the Fund for 2027–2029. Consequently, starting in 2027, Uzbekistan will assume the chairmanship of this prestigious regional organization. This opens up new opportunities for our country's initiatives in water diplomacy and ensuring environmental security in Central Asia.

During Uzbekistan's chairmanship, key priorities will include mitigating the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster, ensuring the sustainable management of water resources, adapting to climate change, and strengthening regional cooperation. Our Head of State put forward a series of initiatives to institutionally improve the Fund's operations, modernize its legal and financial mechanisms, attract international investments and grants for environmental and social projects, and enhance the effectiveness of ongoing programs.

Our President also proposed launching the "Water of the Future" ("Kelajak Suvi") regional program, aimed at fostering a culture of sustainable water use and broadly introducing water-saving technologies. This initiative will serve to improve water efficiency in agriculture, boost the exchange of advanced technologies and scientific developments, and instill a responsible attitude toward water resources among the younger generation.

At the same time, an initiative was put forward to declare 2026–2036 as the "Decade of Practical Action for the Rational Use of Water in Central Asia." This proposal aims to unite the efforts of the countries in the region amid growing water scarcity, and to elevate cooperation on the mutually beneficial and efficient use of transboundary water resources to a new level.

COP31: From National Experience to Global Cooperation

The upcoming COP31 conference in Antalya holds great significance in terms of translating international commitments to combat climate change into tangible results.

For Uzbekistan, this forum will serve as a vital platform for dialogue on broadly adopting water-saving technologies, developing modern irrigation systems, enhancing digital governance, building climate-resilient infrastructure, and expanding opportunities for international investment and innovative cooperation.

Our country's experience demonstrates the importance of having a clear goal, a consistent state policy, and a practical implementation mechanism in addressing climate change challenges.

Both the scale and the responsibility of the tasks before us are immense. Further expanding the reach of water-saving technologies, reducing losses in irrigation networks, increasing the energy efficiency of pumping stations, fully digitalizing water accounting, and putting scientific achievements into practice will remain the priority areas of our future work.

Today, water management reforms in Uzbekistan are entering a new phase. Most importantly, the approach to water use is shifting: accounting for, conserving, and efficiently using every cubic meter of water is becoming an integral part of state policy, economic development, and environmental security.

In short, the consistent reforms implemented under the leadership of our President Shavkat Mirziyoyev serve not only to advance our country's prosperity, but also to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation across Central Asia. 

Shavkat Khamraev,
Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
Honored Irrigator of Uzbekistan

Amid rapid geopolitical and geoeconomic change, mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula is becoming increasingly important. Expanding trade and economic ties, developing new transport corridors, strengthening investment cooperation and implementing joint projects are creating favourable conditions for a stronger partnership between the two regions.

Against this backdrop, relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Sultanate of Oman are entering a new phase, marked by a shift from traditional diplomatic dialogue to practical cooperation across a broad range of areas.

The policy of openness and economic modernisation pursued under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev provides a solid foundation for this rapprochement. In turn, Oman Vision 2040, implemented under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, seeks to advance industry, logistics and tourism and attract foreign investment, reflecting the two countries’ shared approach to sustainable development.

In this context, Uzbekistan could become an important economic partner for Oman in Central Asia, while Oman could become a promising logistics partner for Uzbekistan in the Gulf region. Further potential exists in food security, pharmaceuticals, education, information technology and workforce training.

Under these circumstances, a key priority is to translate political agreements and investment intentions into concrete projects that deliver tangible results. The joint Intergovernmental Commission serves as the main driver and coordinator of this process. This mechanism is intended to connect diplomacy with business, ensuring that agreements are implemented and that both countries’ potential is used effectively.

The talks held in Muscat in September 2026 were a practical step in this direction. The two sides discussed preparations for the sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, the establishment of a bilateral business council and the organisation of a joint business forum. Particular attention was paid to identifying priority projects and establishing clear mechanisms to monitor their implementation.

The strategic complementarity of the two economies is becoming a major factor bringing the countries closer together. Uzbekistan has considerable industrial and agricultural capacity, a substantial workforce and a strong resource base, while Oman offers well-developed port infrastructure, financial resources and access to international maritime trade routes.

Political dialogue as a foundation for a lasting partnership

Uzbekistan and Oman are developing relations based on mutual respect, trust, equality and consideration for each other’s national interests. Regular high-level and intergovernmental contacts demonstrate both sides’ interest in adding new substance to bilateral ties. The Central Asia–Gulf Cooperation Council dialogue offers further opportunities.

In early 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who conveyed a personal message from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The two sides discussed trade, economic, investment and financial cooperation, interparliamentary ties, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and prospects for launching direct air services.

In mid-2025, the President of Uzbekistan met with Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, on the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum. Particular attention was paid to joint projects in energy, geology, the food, textile and chemical industries, transport and finance.

A year later, in June 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received an Omani delegation led by Minister of Economy Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri. The meeting addressed cooperation in transport, logistics, geology, e-commerce and digital infrastructure. Following the talks, the two sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission in Muscat.

As a result, political dialogue has steadily become more substantive, with a focus on specific investment projects, transport routes and mechanisms for expanding trade.

Trade and economic cooperation: significant potential for growth

Bilateral trade has been growing. Nevertheless, despite the favourable political environment, its scale does not yet reflect the economic potential of the two countries.

Uzbekistan can supply the Omani market with textiles, food products, chemicals, electrical goods and agricultural produce. Oman, in turn, can offer petrochemical products, industrial materials and equipment, as well as participation in joint production chains.

Particular importance lies in moving beyond trade transactions to establish manufacturing operations that generate high added value. This would help increase trade and enable companies from both countries to establish a lasting presence in the markets of Central Asia and the Middle East.

In late September 2026, the two sides discussed a proposed preferential trade agreement and an update to the agreement on the promotion and protection of investments. They also considered simplifying certification and customs procedures and establishing joint ventures. Oman’s free economic zones could provide an effective means of putting these plans into practice. This would open up substantial opportunities for Uzbek companies to establish export-oriented production facilities and enter promising markets in the Gulf countries, East Africa and South Asia.

Investment partnership as a key driver of bilateral relations

To attract Omani investment into Uzbekistan’s economy, an Uzbek delegation held talks in Muscat in 2025 with major companies and financial institutions. These included the Oman Investment Authority, Suhail Bahwan Group, Sohar International Bank, Oman Cables, Asyad Group and MB Holding. Projects were also presented in petrochemicals, energy, mining, machinery manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and tourism.

The Uzbek-Oman Investment Company (UzOman) plays an important role, having financed more than ten projects across various sectors of the economy.

Investment cooperation is gradually becoming more systematic, encompassing financing, technology transfer, the establishment of production facilities and specialist training. A notable example is the agri-food technology centre operated by Atyab International Services, a leading Omani testing, inspection and certification body, which has been active in Uzbekistan for two years.

Transport and logistics: new opportunities to access global markets

For landlocked Uzbekistan, diversifying transport routes is strategically important. Oman could become a promising logistics partner for Uzbekistan, providing additional access to international routes through the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Oman corridor, which envisages multimodal links between Central Asia and the port infrastructure of the Arabian Peninsula, is particularly significant.

On 16 February 2026, representatives of the two countries’ transport authorities discussed cooperation under the Ashgabat Agreement, increasing cargo flows through the ports of Salalah, Sohar and Duqm, and developing multimodal routes. According to the U.S. International Trade Administration, these three deep-water ports connect to 86 ports in 40 countries.

However, putting these transport initiatives into practice will require coordination of transit tariffs, improvements to customs procedures, the digitalisation of transport operations and stronger links between logistics operators.

The strategic objective is to establish Oman as a maritime trade and logistics hub serving Uzbekistan, and Uzbekistan as a link between Oman and Central Asia.

Direct air services as an important step towards closer ties

In the middle of this year, Tashkent International Airport welcomed the first scheduled Oman Air flight on the Muscat–Tashkent route. The service was introduced with three flights per week. Direct air connectivity facilitates business travel, tourism exchanges and contacts between entrepreneurs. It could stimulate Omani interest in Uzbekistan’s historic cities and provide more opportunities for Uzbek citizens to visit Oman.

Direct air services provide an important infrastructure foundation for expanding economic and people-to-people ties.

New horizons for industrial cooperation and the green economy

Uzbekistan is implementing reforms to develop renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and introduce resource-saving technologies. Similar objectives also feature prominently in Oman Vision 2040.

At the beginning of this year, Oman unveiled its Five-Year Development Plan for 2026–2030, which sets a target for average annual economic growth of around 4% and envisages a transition to a low-carbon economy.

In this context, promising areas of cooperation include solar and wind energy, water-saving technologies, environmentally friendly industry, waste recycling and sustainable agriculture. Investment in energy infrastructure, energy storage systems and efficient water use is important for Uzbekistan.

The green economy could become a new area of strategic cooperation, bringing together investment resources, industrial potential and a shared interest in sustainable development. This environmental focus is complemented by a digital agenda encompassing e-commerce, payment systems and logistics platforms.

Cultural and people-to-people ties as a foundation for friendship

Cultural and people-to-people cooperation draws on the rich spiritual heritage and historical contacts between the peoples of Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. These traditions provide a favourable basis for expanding cooperation in education, science, culture and tourism.

Pilgrimage and cultural tourism hold particular promise. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Termez are attractive destinations thanks to their architectural monuments and scholarly heritage. Oman, in turn, offers historic forts, natural attractions and a distinctive culture.

Alongside tourism, people-to-people cooperation is also expanding, with a focus on academic exchanges, joint educational programmes, scientific conferences and contacts between cultural institutions. Last year, 30 women entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan took part in a business forum in Muscat for the first time, broadening business ties between the two countries.

Overall, relations between Uzbekistan and Oman are entering a new stage of development, opening up opportunities to deepen political dialogue, expand economic cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties. The complementarity of their economic potential and the convergence of their strategic interests are central to success, enabling joint initiatives to strengthen connectivity between Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.

Uzbekistan and Oman therefore have all the necessary foundations for a long-term, mutually beneficial and multifaceted partnership that serves the interests of both peoples.

Dilorom Mamatkulova

Leading Research Fellow
Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies

under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Uzbekistan will take an active part in this international climate forum, presenting national initiatives, forward-looking projects and practical experience in addressing climate change, protecting the environment and transitioning to a green economy.

One of the main platforms for the country’s participation will be the Uzbekistan National Pavilion, which will operate from 8 to 20 November. It will host an extensive programme of thematic events involving representatives of government agencies, international organisations, financial institutions, the research community, the private sector and young people. The programme will focus on promoting national climate priorities, expanding international partnerships and mobilising investment for environmental and climate-related projects.

In recent years, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the country has undertaken large-scale reforms aimed at environmental protection, climate action, the development of a green economy and the sustainable use of natural resources. Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of modern technologies, the advancement of environmental science and the strengthening of the country’s research and educational capacity.

The National Centre for Climate Change and Green University operate under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, providing scientific, analytical and expert support for environmental and climate policy. The Centre contributes to the development of national climate policy documents, the preparation of projects on adaptation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the mobilisation of international climate finance. Green University advances research in ecology, climate change and the restoration of natural ecosystems. In 2026, the University opened an innovative laboratory for forest and ornamental plants, as well as an In Vitro laboratory for producing high-quality planting material.

At COP31, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and its affiliated organisations will present initiatives in climate finance, environmental monitoring and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Uzbekistan’s participation will provide an opportunity to demonstrate to international partners the results of the ongoing reforms and the country’s practical steps towards a sustainable and environmentally sound future.

From climate commitments to practical results

One of the key areas of Uzbekistan’s participation will be the implementation of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). Under the target set, the country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 50 per cent by 2035, compared with 2010 levels.

At COP31, Uzbekistan plans to present its national approaches to achieving this target, including the expansion of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency, the introduction of modern technologies and stronger climate resilience across various sectors of the economy.

Several events at the National Pavilion will focus on this agenda, including a session entitled “Implementing Uzbekistan’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0): From Climate Commitments to Practical Action”, as well as discussions on industrial decarbonisation, climate finance and the development of carbon markets.

Another important area will be Uzbekistan’s participation in the international Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) initiative. Uzbekistan is one of five pilot countries in this initiative, which is being implemented under the COP31 Presidency with the participation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aims to help translate national climate plans into concrete investment projects, facilitate access to international finance and provide expert support.

Climate adaptation and water security: shared regional priorities

Climate change adaptation, the sustainable use of water resources and strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable areas will feature prominently in Uzbekistan’s agenda.

The National Pavilion will host thematic discussions on water and climate resilience in Central Asia, agricultural adaptation, land restoration and strengthening the resilience of the Aral Sea region.

Particular attention will also be given to climate risks in mountain regions, food security, and the impact of changing water and climate conditions on the country’s economy.

Promoting cooperation on climate-induced human mobility will be another important regional initiative. On 10 November, the Uzbekistan National Pavilion will host a high-level event entitled “Facilitating Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change: Towards the Silk Road Declaration on Climate Mobility”.

The event is expected to see the signing of the Silk Road Declaration on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change by the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

The document is intended to provide a regional framework for strengthening cooperation on climate-related migration, protecting vulnerable communities and developing coordinated approaches to addressing the impacts of climate change.

Uzbekistan will also contribute to advancing joint regional projects. In particular, the launch of a trilateral AFOLU project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and involving Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is scheduled for 9 November.

Ecosystem restoration, afforestation and biodiversity conservation

Another priority will be to present Uzbekistan’s initiatives in nature conservation and the restoration of natural ecosystems.

The international platform will showcase approaches to implementing the nationwide Yashil Makon (Green Space) project, establishing forest plantations on the dried bed of the Aral Sea, combating desertification, restoring degraded land and conserving biodiversity.

The pavilion programme will include discussions on scaling up nature-based solutions, developing forestry and landscape projects, and using carbon markets to mobilise additional resources for environmental initiatives.

The initiative to proclaim the 2027–2036 period the United Nations Decade of Action for Afforestation and Reforestation is of particular significance. On 17 November, Uzbekistan and the Republic of the Congo will present this global initiative and hold a dialogue on international partnerships in this area.

Other events will address synergies among international environmental conventions in the Aral Sea region, the sustainable management of land and water resources, and the conservation of natural heritage.

Green economy, climate finance and innovation

A substantial part of the programme will focus on mobilising climate investment, developing the circular economy and introducing innovative technologies.

Participants will discuss, among other topics, the role of financial institutions and banks in mobilising climate finance, investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture, and the development of a Central Asian carbon credit standard for drylands.

Separate sessions will address sound waste management, the development of the circular economy, industrial decarbonisation and more efficient use of natural resources.

The science and technology agenda will include discussions on greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, assessing solar energy potential, digital meteorology and the application of artificial intelligence to improve forecasting and early warning systems.

The development of climate-resilient cities will also be an important area of focus. Participants will consider integrated urban planning, the expansion of public green spaces and the incorporation of nature-based solutions into urban infrastructure.

Youth and environmental education: investing in the future

Promoting environmental education initiatives and engaging young people in the climate agenda will be an important part of Uzbekistan’s participation.

The National Pavilion will host events on developing a network of eco-schools, nurturing a new generation of climate leaders and supporting youth-led initiatives.

Particular attention will be paid to practical mechanisms for youth participation in implementing climate solutions, fostering environmental awareness and expanding educational opportunities.

Overall, Uzbekistan’s programme at COP31 covers a broad range of interconnected priorities, from emissions reduction and climate change adaptation to ecosystem restoration, the development of a green economy and stronger regional cooperation.

The country’s participation in the conference will provide an important opportunity to share national experience with the international community, advance joint initiatives, expand partnerships and mobilise additional resources for climate projects.

The overarching objective is to move from stated climate goals to concrete action, investment and results that contribute to the environmental sustainability of Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.

COP31 in Antalya is taking place as the global climate agenda shifts from making commitments to implementing them. For Uzbekistan, the conference offers an opportunity to strengthen its international standing, expand partnerships and advance regional initiatives. In recent years, climate issues have become an important dimension of both domestic reforms and the country’s foreign policy. Uzbekistan’s engagement on international platforms is underpinned, above all, by sustained reforms at home.

Domestic reforms as the foundation of climate diplomacy

Uzbekistan is steadily developing a national climate policy framework. Following its ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2018 and the adoption of the Strategy for the Transition to a Green Economy for 2019–2030, the country updated its commitments through its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). These envisage reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 50% by 2035 compared with 2010 levels and achieving carbon neutrality by 2055. Notably, Uzbekistan has already met its previous target of reducing emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030 ahead of schedule.

Renewable energy development plays a central role in achieving these objectives. The installed capacity of solar and wind power plants has exceeded 6.3 GW, while renewable sources, including hydropower, now account for 31% of electricity generation. This share is expected to reach 54% by 2030. According to the Ministry of Energy, the target could be exceeded if the current pace of development is maintained. This indicates that the country’s energy transition has gained sustained momentum.

Alongside energy, particular attention is being paid to water conservation and land restoration, especially as water scarcity intensifies. In 2020, water-saving technologies covered just 4% of irrigated land; by 2026, this figure had reached 60%. Together with broader improvements in irrigation infrastructure and water management, these measures have helped achieve annual water savings of more than 10 billion cubic metres. The Water Resources Management and Irrigation Sector Development Programme for 2025–2028 envisages increasing annual savings to 14 billion cubic metres by 2028.

Under the Yashil Makon (Green Space) project, 200 million saplings are planted annually, while protective forest cover has been established across 2 million hectares of the dried bed of the Aral Sea. This demonstrates that, alongside emissions reduction, the country is placing increasing emphasis on climate change adaptation.

The reforms are also supported by the development of the necessary mechanisms and institutions. In November 2025, the Ministry of Ecology was reorganised into the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, reporting directly to the President. This reflects the growing importance of environmental policy within the system of public administration.

In addition, the Law on Limiting Greenhouse Gas Emissions was adopted in 2025, establishing a legal framework for carbon accounting and carbon unit trading. Through the Innovative Carbon Resource Application for Energy Transition (iCRAFT) project, Uzbekistan became the first country in the world to receive a World Bank payment for emissions reductions achieved through a policy crediting programme, reflecting the results of its energy sector reforms.

The Central Asian University for the Study of Environment and Climate Change (Green University) was established in 2023. A network of green technical colleges is being developed within its academic cooperation framework, with enrolment expected to reach 10,000 students by the 2028/2029 academic year. This is building the skills base for long-term green development.

Regional cooperation in Central Asia

Water scarcity, desertification and land degradation affect every Central Asian country to varying degrees. Addressing these challenges effectively therefore requires coordinated action.

Uzbekistan advocates the development of joint mechanisms for managing water and energy resources. One example is the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant project, being pursued jointly with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It reflects the countries’ commitment to the coordinated use of the region’s water and energy potential. A shared policy framework is also taking shape: the countries of the region developed the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Central Asia, presented at COP28.

At the same time, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are advancing a green energy corridor project to export electricity to Europe.

Cooperation among experts and research institutions is also expanding. Tashkent hosts the Central Asian Regional Research Center for Combating Desertification and Developing the Desert Economy, as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Central Asia Office, which opened at Green University in 2025 and serves all five countries of the region. These institutions are helping to establish Tashkent as a regional centre of environmental expertise.

Uzbekistan also supports the coordination of Central Asian countries’ positions in international forums, including through the Mountain Group and the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries. This strengthens the region’s negotiating capacity.

Partnerships with other countries

The implementation of national and regional priorities is accompanied by expanding cooperation with international partners across investment, technology and expertise.

Cooperation with the Gulf states has been particularly extensive in renewable energy. The portfolio of joint projects with ACWA Power and other Saudi companies has reached $24 billion, while power plants with a combined capacity of more than 1.2 GW have been commissioned in partnership with the UAE’s Masdar. The scale of this cooperation demonstrates the appeal of Uzbekistan’s green energy sector to foreign investors.

Cooperation with Japan is developing through the Joint Crediting Mechanism under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, while Chinese expertise is being applied to establish halophyte gardens for the restoration of saline land.

Cooperation with the European Union also holds an important place. The Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand in April 2025 gave fresh impetus to interregional engagement. Of the €12 billion Global Gateway investment package, €6.4 billion is earmarked for water, energy and climate projects.

Initiatives in international forums

Uzbekistan’s engagement in international forums has evolved from participation in discussions to proposing initiatives of its own. Statements by the country’s leadership at the United Nations clearly illustrate this development.

A starting point was President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address to the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in 2017, when he called for concerted international efforts to address the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster. In 2018, at Uzbekistan’s initiative, the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region was established. In 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies. These steps secured global recognition of a regional environmental challenge.

At the same time, the country expanded its participation in UN climate conferences. At COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, Uzbekistan presented its updated NDC. At COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, it proposed establishing a Regional Climate Council. At COP28 in Dubai, the President proposed creating a Climate Science Forum at Green University and called for an early agreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation. The emphasis thus gradually broadened from national commitments to regional cooperation and scientific mechanisms.

This approach was particularly evident at COP29 in Baku, where the President of Uzbekistan proposed establishing an International Centre for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment to support developing countries and developing a Declaration on Obligations to Ensure the Ecological Safety and Health of River Ecosystems under UN auspices. At COP30 in Belém, the country presented NDC 3.0, while at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly it proposed international partnership and coordination on climate migration.

Hosting major international events in Samarkand has provided another means of advancing the environmental agenda. These include a session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification; meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); and the Assembly of the Global Environment Facility. The choice of Uzbekistan as the venue for such events reflects the international community’s confidence in the country.

In less than a decade, Uzbekistan’s international environmental agenda has thus expanded from the Aral Sea crisis to encompass climate finance, adaptation and the social consequences of climate change.

COP31: opportunities to advance national priorities

The COP31 agenda, centred on finance, climate change adaptation and the practical implementation of commitments, closely aligns with Uzbekistan’s national priorities. This enables the country to bring specific requests and proposals to Antalya.

Access to finance remains a central priority. Uzbekistan’s climate financing needs through 2030 are estimated at almost $50 billion, with adaptation accounting for approximately one-third of the total. The COP30 call to triple adaptation finance therefore has direct practical relevance for the country. However, mobilising funding depends on the ability to put forward well-prepared projects. In this regard, Uzbekistan’s inclusion among the first pilot countries in the Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) initiative offers a means of translating national commitments into concrete investment decisions.

The regional dimension is equally important. The proposed adoption of the Silk Road Declaration on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change builds on the approach outlined at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. It brings international attention to an issue of growing relevance to Central Asia, enabling Uzbekistan to consolidate its role in shaping a shared regional agenda.

Türkiye’s COP31 presidency is also significant. Ankara’s priorities, particularly zero waste and green energy, align with Uzbekistan’s national projects. This creates opportunities to add a substantive environmental dimension to the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.

Uzbekistan’s participation in COP31 is therefore an important instrument for strengthening its climate diplomacy. The conference enables the country to build on the results of domestic reforms, advance Central Asia’s interests and translate earlier initiatives into concrete projects and financing arrangements. This contributes to strengthening Uzbekistan’s international standing and enhancing the region’s role in the global sustainable development agenda.

Madinabonu Kayumova

Leading Researcher of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies  under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In November 2026, the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye. Countries from around the world will discuss climate change mitigation, adaptation to its impacts, and the expansion of international cooperation. For Uzbekistan, the conference will provide an important platform for advancing environmental initiatives proposed at previous international meetings and drawing global attention to the climate challenges facing our region. In Central Asia, rising temperatures, water scarcity, desertification and land degradation are directly affecting not only economic development but also the future of natural ecosystems and plant diversity.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, plays a central role in international cooperation on climate change. It sets the goal of holding the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 °C. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and expanding financial and technological cooperation are essential to achieving this goal. Maintaining the resilience of natural ecosystems is particularly important in areas experiencing more frequent or severe droughts and water scarcity. Changes in climatic conditions directly affect the natural distribution of plants and the availability of suitable ecological conditions. Consequently, developing adaptation measures based on scientific observations has become an important focus of international climate policy.

Uzbekistan’s climate initiatives on international platforms address pressing issues such as the environmental challenges of the Aral Sea region, the protection of water resources and the restoration of natural ecosystems. At the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for cooperation in establishing an international climate technology expo hub in the Aral Sea region. This initiative seeks to bring together modern technologies and international expertise to address the region’s complex environmental challenges. At COP29 in Baku in 2024, a proposal was made to establish an International Centre for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment and to develop a Declaration on Obligations to Ensure the Ecological Safety and Health of River Ecosystems. Plans were also announced to launch a Regional Genetic Resources Bank to improve crop resilience to climate change.

Uzbekistan’s international environmental initiatives have also been reflected in documents adopted within the United Nations. In particular, on 13 August 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution developed at our country’s initiative concerning sustainable forest management, afforestation and reforestation in degraded and dryland areas. The document recognizes the importance of combating land degradation and restoring forest ecosystems in addressing environmental challenges.

Regional cooperation was also discussed at the international climate forum held in Samarkand in April 2025. It was noted that a climate change adaptation strategy for the countries of Central Asia had been developed and approved. The President proposed holding an annual regional tree-planting campaign, the “Green Belt of Central Asia”, ahead of Navruz. He also emphasized the need to pool scientific expertise to strengthen the climate resilience of forestry and agriculture. These initiatives demonstrate Uzbekistan’s continued engagement in international climate policy and provide an important foundation for expanding cooperation at COP31.

International environmental initiatives are aligned with domestic efforts to expand green spaces, combat desertification and protect natural ecosystems. Under the nationwide “Yashil Makon” (“Green Space”) project, more than one billion tree and shrub seedlings have been planted across the country. According to information published on the official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 6 July 2026, green coverage increased from 8 percent in 2020 to 14.3 percent in 2025. Ecological restoration in the Aral Sea region plays a particularly important role in combating desertification. In recent years, new forest plantations have been established across more than 2 million hectares of the dried Aral Sea bed. The planting of saxaul and other desert plants is intended to reduce the movement of sand, salt and dust and improve local environmental conditions. Attention is also being paid to the sustainable use of the natural potential of desert areas and the conservation of plant resources. The need to develop seed production and nurseries for desert plants and to cultivate halophytes has been emphasized, alongside proposals to test modern agricultural technologies on degraded land. These priorities underscore the need to integrate ecological restoration with scientific research.

The network of protected natural areas is also being expanded to conserve biodiversity. In 2025–2026, the areas of 10 protected natural territories were expanded. In 2026, three new national nature parks were established, increasing the number of protected areas within the Department of Protected Natural Areas from 24 to 27. According to official data, as of 30 March 2026, protected natural areas accounted for 15.7 percent of Uzbekistan’s territory.

Alongside greening efforts and the expansion of protected natural areas, conserving the diversity of wild plants in the face of climate change remains a pressing task. Changes in temperature and moisture regimes affect plant habitats in different ways and may lead to the contraction of suitable areas for some species or shifts to other geographic regions. Research conducted in Central Asia suggests that these processes may be particularly pronounced in mountain and foothill ecosystems. Models of the potential future distribution of certain plant species project a contraction of ecologically suitable areas, shifts towards higher elevations and a decline in climate refugia.

Research on the natural flora of Surkhandarya Region found that a comparison of the periods 1981–1990 and 2021–2023 showed an increase in air temperatures of 1.8–2.0 °C, while precipitation and soil moisture decreased. Changes in climatic conditions were relatively more pronounced in areas where endemic plant species occur, highlighting the need to pay particular attention to the conservation of their habitats.

From this perspective, conserving our national flora requires looking beyond existing protected areas and taking account of potential future changes in plant distribution. This calls for the systematic application of findings from floristic research, long-term ecological monitoring and modern modelling results in conservation practice.

Conserving biodiversity in the face of climate change requires coordinated efforts in international cooperation, national environmental policy and scientific research. COP31 offers an important opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in this field. The future of our national flora depends directly on decisions made today, the protection of natural ecosystems and the effectiveness of scientifically informed practical measures.

Feruz Akbarov,

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological Sciences,

Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Flora of Uzbekistan,

Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

On November 6, 2026, Astana will host an international conference on “Artificial Intelligence Safety.” The importance of this issue for Uzbekistan’s development is reflected in the planned participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies creates new opportunities for economic development and many other areas of society. Their potential benefits are already widely recognized.

The economic impact of AI is primarily reflected in higher labor productivity, as software systems increasingly perform routine and repetitive tasks. This allows enterprises to accomplish more at lower costs, while government agencies can provide public services more quickly and efficiently, improving their quality and reducing budget expenditures.

The high efficiency of AI technologies has triggered an investment boom in the sector. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), investment in AI infrastructure is helping sustain global economic growth at around 3%, while contributing an additional 0.2–0.8 percentage points to growth in developing Asian economies. At the beginning of 2025, the global AI market was projected to reach $15 trillion by 2030. More recent estimates exceed $20 trillion. In Uzbekistan, the market for AI-based services could reach $10 billion by 2030.

According to McKinsey, global investment in AI totaled $167.7 billion in 2025. Most of this funding was directed toward data centers, cloud platforms and the development of new AI models. The number of job vacancies related to agentic AI increased more than tenfold over the year, while employees with AI skills earned, on average, 56% more than other workers.

Uzbekistan’s AI Development Strategy

The development of AI technologies has become one of Uzbekistan’s key priorities. Importantly, technological development and the establishment of a regulatory framework are progressing in parallel. In October 2024, Uzbekistan approved its Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies through 2030.

The strategy envisages increasing the value of AI-based software products and services to $1.5 billion, establishing research laboratories and placing Uzbekistan among the world’s top 50 countries in the AI Readiness Index. A presidential decree issued in October 2025 set the objective of opening 15 AI laboratories at higher education institutions by the end of 2026. In 2026, Uzbekistan joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

The legal framework for AI development was established in January 2026, when legislation introduced a formal definition of artificial intelligence for the first time. The law also established mandatory human oversight of decisions affecting citizens’ rights and introduced administrative liability for the unlawful processing of personal data using AI. In March 2026, ethical rules governing the use of AI technologies were approved.

At the same time, Uzbekistan is developing the computing infrastructure required for AI applications. Since January 1, 2026, government agencies and enterprises have been permitted to purchase graphics processing units (GPUs) directly from manufacturers’ authorized distributors. A modular AI computing center is scheduled to be established in the Republic of Karakalpakstan by 2027. Under a government resolution dated October 20, 2026, universities, research institutions and startups have been granted access to the AI infrastructure of the Ministry of Digital Technologies free of charge or on preferential terms for up to six months.

AI adoption in Uzbekistan is now moving from individual projects toward systematic implementation. In July 2026, the country’s first NVIDIA-based supercomputer was commissioned at the Digital Government data center, ranking 321st globally in computing performance. During its first month of operation, the computing cluster reached 90% utilization, indicating strong demand for AI computing capacity. Plans call for a threefold expansion of this capacity within the following year.

AI technologies are also gradually becoming part of widely used public services. Taxpayers can receive interactive assistance through the Tax Committee’s ai.soliq.uz portal. Justice authorities provide round-the-clock consultations, while the Customs Committee uses AI to assess risks associated with shipments and customs declarations. By the end of 2026, at least 100 AI-based projects are expected to be implemented in healthcare, energy, banking, transport and agriculture.

Uzbekistan has climbed 25 positions to 62nd place in the international AI Readiness Index, reflecting the progress achieved in this area. The country aims to enter the world’s top 50 by 2030.

Cybersecurity Threats

The development of AI technologies creates not only new opportunities but also additional risks. These are particularly evident in cybersecurity, where AI tools can be used both by law enforcement agencies to strengthen protection and by criminals to conduct illegal activities.

AI systems can analyze millions of operations in real time and operate considerably faster than humans. However, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the same capabilities. Fraudulent messages are becoming more convincing, while malicious software can be developed more rapidly. Traditional security measures are proving insufficient against such threats. As a result, global investment in cybersecurity and the resilience of digital systems reached $77.5 billion in 2025.

Combating cybercrime has therefore become a separate priority of Uzbekistan’s public policy. Over the past six years, the number of reported cybercrime incidents has increased 48-fold, while 82% of fraud cases in 2025 occurred in the digital environment.

To counter these threats, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with the Central Bank, developed an AI-based system that prevented the illegal transfer of 29 trillion sums and blocked more than 18,800 suspicious bank cards during the first half of 2026.

Furthermore, 2026 has been declared the Year of Combating Cybercrime within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Since the beginning of the year, 17,500 cybercrimes have been solved, while more than 19,000 citizens have recovered losses totaling over 209.9 billion sums. The APK Qo'riqchi platform and the CyberWeek public awareness program have also been launched.

Pressure on Energy, Water Resources and the Labor Market

Beyond cybersecurity threats, the rapid expansion of AI is creating substantial additional pressure on energy systems, water resources and labor markets. These challenges are particularly relevant to Uzbekistan, given its growing electricity demand, limited water resources and young population. Accordingly, special attention is being paid to measures aimed at mitigating these risks.

Energy. Training and operating AI models require large data centers that consume considerable amounts of electricity. Consequently, AI development must be accompanied by a corresponding expansion of electricity generation capacity.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers accounted for approximately 1.5% of global electricity consumption in 2024. By 2030, their electricity demand is expected to more than double, reaching 945 terawatt-hours (TWh). Countries that incorporate rising electricity requirements into their AI development plans at an early stage will have an advantage over those that encounter power shortages after launching major projects.

Uzbekistan is pursuing the former approach. The combined planned capacity of the country’s data center projects is approximately 1.4 GW. At full utilization, these facilities would consume around 12.2 billion kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to 14.1% of Uzbekistan’s total electricity generation in 2025.

Four major data centers are planned for Tashkent (500 MW), Bukhara Region (300 MW), Surkhandarya Region (300 MW) and Karakalpakstan (300 MW).

By 2030, national electricity generation is expected to increase from 86.7 billion to 125.8 billion kWh. As a result, the share of electricity consumed by these data centers would decline to 9.7% of total generation.

To meet growing demand, Uzbekistan plans to double its installed power generation capacity from 25.8 GW to 51.6 GW. This expansion will include more than 17 GW of renewable energy capacity and a nuclear power plant in Jizzakh Region.

Water resources. The expansion of data centers also increases demand for water used to cool servers and computing equipment.

Evaporative cooling systems consume approximately 1.8 liters of water per kilowatt-hour. At a continuous load of 1.4 GW, this would correspond to roughly 60,000 cubic meters of water per day.

Given Uzbekistan’s existing water constraints, water consumption is being considered at the planning stage of AI infrastructure development. Air cooling, direct liquid cooling and the use of industrial water can reduce freshwater consumption severalfold.

Incorporating these requirements into projects from the outset would allow Uzbekistan to develop its data center infrastructure while minimizing competition with agriculture for limited water resources.

Labor market. According to IMF estimates, AI could partially or fully automate tasks associated with approximately 40% of jobs worldwide.

Occupations involving repetitive activities, including accountants, call center operators, administrative staff and entry-level programmers, are among those most exposed to automation. At the same time, demand is increasing for specialists capable of developing and implementing AI systems.

These trends make AI-related training and the development of complementary professional skills increasingly important priorities for the education system.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, topics related to the practical application of AI technologies are being incorporated into general secondary and higher education curricula.

More than 1.5 million users have already obtained AI-related certificates. Specialized training programs have been completed by 900 managers, more than 3,000 civil servants, 1,000 banking employees and 200 advisers.

By the end of 2026, the number of resident companies operating in this sector is expected to reach 300, with their services totaling 2 trillion sums and exports reaching $160 million.

Sector-specific hackathons and competitions have been held in Nukus, Samarkand, Termez, Bukhara, Fergana, Andijan, Gulistan and Jizzakh. In addition, a national hackathon with a prize fund of 2 billion sums is organized annually.

The government has also set the objective of fully implementing the “Five Million AI Leaders” initiative over the next two years.

Thus, Uzbekistan is undertaking large-scale efforts to develop the human resources required for the expansion and effective application of AI technologies.

The Need for International Cooperation

As AI-related cybersecurity threats extend beyond national borders, ensuring AI safety requires international cooperation and coordination.

Kazakhstan is one of Uzbekistan’s closest partners in this field. The country has declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, established the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, and launched the international Alem.AI center. Its national supercomputer, Alem.Cloud, ranks 86th globally in computing performance.

Moreover, Uzbekistan’s IT Park and Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub have signed a memorandum on organizing joint technology forums, webinars, business missions and B2B meetings, as well as strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ startup ecosystems.

The challenges associated with AI development extend beyond cybercrime to energy supply, water resources and labor market transformation. These challenges are highly relevant to both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, given the similarities in their climatic and demographic conditions.

This creates a strong basis for closer bilateral cooperation and coordination in addressing the risks accompanying the development and widespread adoption of AI technologies.

Against this background, the international conference on “Artificial Intelligence Safety” in Astana is particularly timely and relevant not only for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan but also for other countries.

The conference is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss practical solutions to existing challenges and develop new forms of interstate cooperation aimed at addressing them.

Drawing on its accumulated experience in AI development, regulation and cybersecurity, Uzbekistan can make a meaningful contribution to the discussions and to the formulation of joint approaches for ensuring the safe and sustainable development of artificial intelligence.

Farkhad Tutkabaev,

Center for Economic Research and Reforms

The 225^th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held in Paris, approved by consensus the draft decision submitted by Uzbekistan, entitled “Strengthening measures for the preservation of cultural heritage in the context of globalization and climate change”.

This major initiative was put forward by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on October 30^th, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the 43^rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.

Modern world is changing rapidly. The processes of globalization, the pace of urbanization, environmental degradation and extreme climate changes pose a serious threat to historical monuments, cultural landscapes, and traditional knowledge preserved for centuries. The disruption of traditionally established ecosystems, the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the uncontrolled expansion of urbanization processes inflict irreparable damage not only on nature but also on the tangible and intangible cultural heritage sites created over the centuries.

According to UNESCO experts, extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change endanger historical and archaeological monuments, unique cultural landscapes, as well as the centuries-old knowledge of indigenous peoples.

The main idea of the initiative is aimed specifically at countering these real threats and firmly demonstrates the need for a systemic, science-based and comprehensive approach to existing problems.

Success of the adopted draft resolution was vividly manifested in its wide support at the global level. 55 states of the world, including 24 member states of the Executive Board (Albania, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Panama, Qatar, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye and others), joined as co-sponsors of this document.

Such a broad geography and active participation is a rare phenomenon in international diplomacy, confirming that the initiative put forward by Uzbekistan is equally important and acceptable for all regions.

During the discussions, delegates from a number of states particularly noted that the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was put forward in a timely manner, its practical significance is extremely high, and it fully aligns with the priority objectives of UNESCO. In particular, international experts highly commended the inclusion in the document of climate risk forecasting and monitoring mechanisms based on the traditional knowledge of local communities and indigenous peoples, open science, and digital technologies.

This approach fully responds to the spirit of the final declarations of the UNESCO World Conferences MONDIACULT-2022 and MONDIACULT-2025, held in Mexico City and Barcelona, which were dedicated to cultural policies and sustainable development, elevating the profound interconnection between culture and the fight against climate change to a new stage.

Among the most critical practical outcomes of the adopted decision is the approval to host an international symposium under the auspices of UNESCO in 2027 in the ancient monument city of Uzbekistan - Khiva - dedicated to the issues of cultural heritage and climate change.

Khiva Symposium is expected to serve not only as a scientific platform bringing together the world's leading scientists, experts, and policymakers, but also as a center for developing concrete practical steps to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on cultural heritage.

Adoption of this major document by the UNESCO Executive Board at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan clearly demonstrated the country's leading role in global cultural and humanitarian processes. In Paris, it was once again confirmed that the preservation of historical and cultural heritage in the era of globalization and climate change is a shared responsibility not only of an individual region, but of the entire international community.

International symposium scheduled to be held in the city of Khiva will serve as an important historical stage in translating this global agenda into practical actions.

Sadriddin Suyarov

Professor Komil Rashidov, Head of the Sector of Legislation in the Economic Sphere at the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of Uzbekistan, commented for the Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the working visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Türkiye and his participation in the Organization of Turkic States Summit:

—Consistent implementation of New Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, alongside the regular and effective conduct of bilateral and multilateral negotiations in political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres based on the interests of the people and the state, aligns with the constitutional foundations of foreign policy.

Operating on the principle of “objective—action—result”, economic diplomacy of New Uzbekistan is filled with concrete substance, including at high-level multilateral diplomacy platforms, aimed at expanding mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

Thus, within the framework of the working visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Türkiye on October 29–30^th to participate in the 13^th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara, high-level bilateral meetings were also held, during which issues of further strengthening the Uzbek-Turkish comprehensive strategic partnership relations, particularly in political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, were discussed.

Following the negotiations, Leaders of Uzbekistan and Türkiye signed an Agreement on the Establishment of the High-Level Business Support Council. A number of bilateral documents were also signed aimed at further expanding trade and economic cooperation, creating favorable conditions for business circles and providing them with legal assistance, as well as ensuring the effective protection of citizens' social rights.

It should be noted that the established High-Level Business Support Council is a new format for supporting comprehensive trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Its activities are aimed at providing large-scale support to entrepreneurs, promptly eliminating barriers, and elevating the bilateral trade and economic partnership to a qualitatively new level.

New Council and the existing Joint Intergovernmental Commission will collectively address the task set by the heads of state to bring trade turnover to $5 billion, including through expanding the product list within the Framework Agreement on Preferential Trade and broadening the portfolio of promising projects.

These economic interaction structures, including Uzbek-Turkish Business Council, will serve as powerful tools within the activities of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council led by the heads of both states.

Meetings of the head of our state in Ankara with representatives of leading Turkish companies, during which promising avenues for investment cooperation were reviewed, testify to the business community's trust in the reforms implemented in the country:

Additional investment projects to modernize the “SamAvto” enterprise in Samarkand, expand its production capacities and increase product export volumes were discussed with “Anadolu Group”;

“Evyap Holding” expressed readiness to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the manufacturing of personal hygiene products and cosmetics, and to implement a new project launched in the Uzbek-Turkish industrial zone “OSTIM Global”;

Issues concerning the further expansion of projects in renewable energy, geology and the mining industry, infrastructure, establishment of an electric vehicle charging station network, as well as the food industry were discussed jointly with “Eksim Holding”;

“OYAK” expressed interest in implementing joint investment projects in the chemical industry, geology, and construction in New Uzbekistan, as well as readiness to actively participate in the construction of residential complexes and external infrastructure facilities in New Tashkent.

Comprehensive strategic partnership between the two states, Constitution, legislation on foreign economic and investment activities and the provisions of the Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments with Türkiye serve as the legal foundation for implementing the agreements reached in Ankara with leading Turkish business circles.

Following these meetings, Head of our State emphasized the significant role and contribution of business circles to the consistently developing strategic partnership relations of our country with Türkiye.

Continuation of practical cooperation in economic diplomacy across new avenues was also proposed within the multilateral format.

Thus, in his address at the 13^th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, Head of Uzbekistan put forward a proposal to adopt the “Turkic World – 100” Program, encompassing one hundred strategic joint investment and industrial projects, including the processing of rare minerals and the localization of manufacturing equipment for green energy. Attention was focused on the importance of attracting resources from the Turkic Investment Fund, which also accumulates the financial assets of Uzbekistan and international financial institutions for the implementation of these projects.

Other important initiatives of the Uzbek side include proposals:

• on the development of a multilateral Treaty “On Mutual Legal Assistance in Commercial Matters”, which is essential for protecting the interests of entrepreneurs, as well as the creation of a digital platform designated for the electronic exchange of legal assistance requests and documents;
• on the establishment of the “Network of Logistics Centers of the Turkic States” and ensuring its joint management, which will allow expanding the participation of the organization's member states in international freight transportation and logistics, as well as increasing economic integration;
• on the creation of the “Turkic Tourism Alliance” to expand tourism potential, as well as the development of a multilateral agreement providing for the simplification of mutual travel of citizens and the expansion of opportunities for travel using ID cards.

Historical significance of the high-level negotiations held, the signed bilateral and multilateral documents, and the business meetings within the framework of the working visit to Türkiye open a new chapter in our country's economic diplomacy. They create the necessary conditions for filling the Uzbek-Turkish mutually beneficial trade, economic and investment interaction with concrete achievements, as well as for further expanding multifaceted cooperation among the member states of the Organization of Turkic States for the sake of Turkic solidarity.

Dunyo IA

Tashkent

In an interview with Dunyo IA, Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS), commented on the outcomes of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's participation in the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Ankara on October 30^th, 2026.

Uzbekistan became a full member in 2019. What place does the OTS occupy in our country’s foreign policy today, and how has the economic dimension of cooperation evolved?

— The importance of this area of cooperation is clearly reflected in trade trends. According to various estimates, Uzbekistan’s trade with OTS countries, including observer states Turkmenistan and Hungary, increased from US$4.13 billion in 2017 to US$10.82 billion in 2025, approximately a 2.6-fold increase. Growth continued in January–July 2026, reaching 19.8% compared with the same period of the previous year. This shows that historical and cultural affinities are increasingly reinforced by economic ties. At the same time, expanding trade increases the need for joint manufacturing ventures, affordable financing, and coordinated transport and legal procedures.

The initiatives put forward by the President of Uzbekistan in Ankara address precisely these needs. For Tashkent, the OTS is becoming a platform for combining the capabilities of national economies and jointly addressing challenges that are difficult for any one country to tackle alone. The next stage requires more advanced processing of raw materials, the adoption of technologies, and joint efforts to enter international markets with finished products. The Organization’s practical value will grow as expanding trade is accompanied by the development of lasting production chains and new jobs.

President proposed launching cooperation in the “OTS Plus” format, beginning with meetings of sectoral ministers. To what extent can the economic scale of the Turkic states attract interest from external partners?

— According to the 2025 annual edition of the Turkic Economic Review, the combined GDP of member and observer states amounted to US$2.11 trillion, while their combined foreign trade turnover with countries worldwide stood at US$1.12 trillion. Potential partners are interested in the combination of market size, the resource base, and the countries’ location along transport routes.

Engagement at the sectoral level can translate this interest into concrete agreements. Ministers can agree on the terms for external investors’ participation in a manufacturing project, the development of a transport route, or the provision of technology. For Uzbekistan, it is particularly important that cooperation with third countries should help increase the technological sophistication of production and expand export markets. An open format also makes it possible to combine OTS countries’ raw material resources and manufacturing capabilities with external partners’ technology, equipment, and financing. In this way, demand for joint projects will strengthen the Organization’s international standing.

President proposed the “Turkic World – 100” programme, covering one hundred strategic investment and industrial projects. What financial resources are already available to support its implementation?

— The Organization is already developing its own financial infrastructure. According to information published on the Turkic Investment Fund’s official website, its authorised capital amounts to US$600 million. The agreement establishing the Fund was signed in 2023, and it announced the launch of its operations in 2025. Its priorities include industry, infrastructure, renewable energy, and support for entrepreneurship. The programme of one hundred projects can therefore draw on an existing institution capable of combining its own resources with financing from international banks and private investors.

However, the Fund’s capital should not be regarded as the budget for the entire programme. Its most useful role is to help develop sound projects, reduce risks at the initial financing stage, and attract co-investors. The areas proposed by the President, including the processing of rare and strategic minerals and the domestic production of equipment for green energy, require precisely this approach. Project selection must involve assessments of demand, technology costs, and investment returns. For Uzbekistan, the outcomes should be new capabilities and more advanced processing; for its partners, economically viable participation in shared production chains.

Why has the President proposed a treaty on mutual legal assistance in commercial matters as business ties expand? How large is the business community whose interests it would protect?

— We are already talking about thousands of enterprises. According to the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as of 1 January 2026, there were 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital and 1,212 with Kazakh capital operating in our country. These two OTS states alone accounted for 3,349 enterprises. Behind these figures are supply contracts, loans, investment commitments, and property relations.

As business relationships become more complex, the cost of legal uncertainty rises. Entrepreneurs need to understand how to protect their right to pursue a claim, obtain the necessary documents, and enforce a court judgment when a counterparty or its assets are abroad. The proposed treaty could make these procedures more predictable, while the digital exchange of requests could reduce the time needed for cooperation between the competent authorities. This would be particularly significant for small and medium-sized businesses, which find it difficult to maintain legal teams in several countries. Reliable legal protection can support further investment and reduce the costs of cross-border transactions.

What could the proposed Network of Logistics Complexes of Turkic States offer as traffic along the Middle Corridor increases? Why is joint management necessary?

— Growing freight volumes are already making coordination an economic necessity. According to the report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor in Central Asia, freight volumes along the Middle Corridor exceeded 4.7 million tonnes in 2025. The report also highlights persistent infrastructure and organisational constraints. As volumes increase, the effects of poorly coordinated schedules, terminal congestion, and duplicate paperwork become more pronounced. A delay on one section disrupts the entire route.

Joint management of the network could ensure coordinated service standards, the exchange of cargo data, and advance booking of terminal capacity. For businesses, the results are measured in the overall cost and predictability of delivery. Uzbekistan has an interest in ensuring that logistics complexes connect domestic enterprises to international markets and provide additional services, including storage, packaging, sorting, and product processing. This would generate revenue at different stages of transportation. Under this model, the Middle Corridor and connecting routes become a basis for locating production facilities and supporting regional development, rather than serving solely as transit routes.

What tourism potential underpins the proposal for a Turkic Tourism Alliance? How significant are travel flows between Uzbekistan and other OTS countries?

— At the summit, the President noted that the Turkic states welcomed more than 100 million international tourists in 2025. Uzbekistan is also recording rapid growth. According to the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the number of foreign visitors arriving for tourism purposes reached 11.7 million in 2025, an increase of 46.8% over the previous year. Of these, 3.3 million came from Kyrgyzstan, 2.7 million from Kazakhstan, and 174,900 from Türkiye. These three countries alone accounted for approximately 6.2 million visits. In the other direction, citizens of Uzbekistan made 3.3 million trips for tourism purposes to Kyrgyzstan, 1.3 million to Kazakhstan, and 268,900 to Türkiye.

These flows provide a substantial basis for cooperation, although statistics on travel for tourism purposes also include visits to relatives and other types of trips. The alliance’s task is to expand demand for comprehensive tourism itineraries spanning several countries and to promote them jointly in international markets. The proposed agreement on mutual travel by citizens and the wider use of ID cards could make travel easier to arrange. For Uzbekistan, this offers an opportunity to encourage longer stays and increase demand for hotels, guide services, handicrafts, and local cuisine. It is important that growth in visitor numbers should generate more income for businesses in the regions.

President expressed readiness to provide 200 scholarships annually to young people from the Turkic states. What existing cooperation does this initiative build on?

— Educational cooperation already involves concrete activities. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, four universities in Uzbekistan, together with two Turkish universities, are delivering six bachelor’s degree programmes in the 2025/2026 academic year, with 718 students enrolled. Nearly 300 lecturers and researchers have participated in exchanges over the past five years. Of more than 400 applications submitted to joint research calls with TÜBİTAK, 53 projects have been recommended for funding. The proposed 200 annual scholarships under the “New Uzbekistan Scholarship” programme are intended to extend this work to young people across the Turkic states.

It is now important to connect the training of specialists more closely with industrial and technological priorities. The scholarships can support the training of engineers, researchers, and logistics specialists needed for joint projects. Internships at enterprises and business involvement in defining research tasks will help graduates apply their knowledge in production. The value of exchanges also extends beyond an individual degree. They create a professional community whose members are familiar with their partners’ languages and business cultures. These ties facilitate subsequent cooperation between universities and enterprises and provide a skilled workforce for long-term collaboration.

Ankara summit supported the initiative to declare 2027 the Year of Nature Protection, and a Dictionary of Common Turkic Words was proposed. How can environmental and cultural cooperation deliver practical results?

— Uzbekistan can share its experience in environmental protection with its partners. According to information released by the Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 6 July 2026, new forest plantations covering more than 2 million hectares have been established on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. The country’s green cover increased from 8% in 2020 to 14.3% in 2025. Work on this scale provides a basis for discussing specific technologies for land restoration, the cultivation of drought-tolerant plants, and the monitoring of planted areas. The Year of Nature Protection could provide a framework for joint pilot sites, the exchange of scientific data, and specialist training in climate adaptation.

Cultural cooperation can also build on existing ties. For example, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation has reported that more than 5,000 students in Uzbekistan have chosen Turkish as their second foreign language. A Dictionary of Common Turkic Words could be a useful resource for these students, as well as for teachers and translators. A digital edition, examples of usage, and accessible learning materials would enhance its practical value. The scholarly task is to reflect shared roots and differences in meaning accurately. This would combine the preservation of heritage with easier everyday communication and educational exchanges.

How do you assess the overall outcomes of the Ankara summit? What should be the main criterion for judging the effectiveness of the mechanisms proposed by Uzbekistan?

— Ankara Declaration adopted at the summit set out shared priorities for further cooperation. The initiatives build on a substantial existing portfolio of investment projects. In 2026, work is under way on 280 projects involving partners from OTS countries, including Turkmenistan and Hungary, with a total value of US$17.24 billion. Investment in these projects amounted to US$3.84 billion in January–August. The proposed mechanisms are therefore important primarily as a means of supporting the preparation and implementation of concrete projects.

The main criterion will be how the conditions for cooperation change for businesses and citizens. In industry, this means launching production and adopting technologies; in transport, lower costs and reliable deliveries; and in the legal sphere, access to protection for commercial interests. Educational and tourism initiatives should expand opportunities for people and increase business income. Implementing the proposals put forward in Ankara will require agreement on project parameters and sources of financing. Their common purpose is to create institutions that enable more reliable investment, production, and trade. It is these practical benefits that will strengthen the resilience of the partnership within the OTS.

Dunyo IA

Tashkent

UNESCO Executive Board has unanimously approved the draft decision proposed by Uzbekistan, titled “Enhancing the Effectiveness of Measures to Preserve Cultural Heritage in the Face of Globalization and Climate Change”.

Decision was adopted at the organization's headquarters in Paris during the 225^th session of the Executive Board. The initiative was put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on October 30^th last year at the opening of the 43^rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.

Adopted document is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in protecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage from modern global challenges: climate change, natural disasters, rapid urbanization and socio-economic transformations.

It provides for the development of interaction among UNESCO member states, international organizations, and the scientific community, the improvement of risk prevention and management mechanisms, as well as the expansion of the exchange of scientific knowledge and best practices.

One of the key outcomes was the approval of Uzbekistan's proposal to host the International Symposium on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Face of Globalization and Climate Change in Khiva in 2027, in cooperation with UNESCO.

Event is expected to bring together leading experts from various countries, representatives of international organizations, research institutions, and the expert community. The participants will discuss ways to prevent threats to cultural sites, application of modern technologies, preservation of traditional knowledge and enhancement of the professional capacity of specialists.

Following the symposium, it is planned to prepare practical recommendations for improving the methods of protection and management of cultural heritage, taking into account national specifics and international experience.

Uzbekistan’s initiative received the support of 54 UNESCO member states, which co-sponsored the draft decision. Among them are China, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and other countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Representatives of the states noted the relevance of the proposal and its alignment with UNESCO’s priorities. They emphasized that threats associated with climate change and globalization affect countries regardless of their geographical location and level of economic development, thus requiring coordinated international action.

Furthermore, the delegations welcomed the readiness of Uzbekistan to host the symposium in Khiva, one of the historical and cultural centers of the Great Silk Road. Holding of the event, according to their assessments, will create additional opportunities for exchanging experience, developing professional ties and formulating joint solutions.

Symposium in Khiva in 2027 is expected to continue the work initiated within the framework of the 43^rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, serving as a platform for developing practical approaches to protecting cultural heritage in the face of global challenges.

Dunyo IA

Paris