Central Asia Takes a Leading Role in Climate Action as Uzbekistan Advances Regional Strategy

The upcoming international conference, titled “Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity,” will be held in Samarkand and is expected to gather regional leaders, European Union representatives, international organisations, and experts from across multiple continents.

The event is part of Uzbekistan’s broader Samarkand Initiative, introduced in 2022, which aims to establish a global platform for dialogue on pressing global challenges, including climate change, security, and sustainable development.

Over several days, Samarkand will serve as a hub for international discussions, focusing on strengthening cooperation and identifying shared solutions to environmental issues. The conference is expected to highlight the urgency of climate challenges and reinforce collective action at both regional and global levels.

Climate change remains one of the most critical threats worldwide. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the current situation as a “triple planetary crisis,” encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Rising global temperatures are already driving serious consequences, including glacier melt, water shortages, desertification, soil degradation, and declining agricultural productivity. These issues are further intensified by population growth and increasing economic activity.

Recent reports from global scientific organisations confirm that glaciers have lost approximately 9,200 gigatonnes of ice over the past five decades, contributing to rising sea levels. Even small increases in sea level heighten the risk of flooding for hundreds of thousands of people living in coastal areas.

Despite international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and ongoing UN climate summits, geopolitical tensions and global conflicts have weakened multilateral cooperation. As a result, climate issues are increasingly being overshadowed by security concerns and humanitarian crises.

In contrast, Central Asia has demonstrated a more unified and cooperative approach. Countries in the region have strengthened collaboration based on mutual trust and shared interests, enabling them to address both regional and global challenges more effectively.

At the same time, Central Asia is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Over the past 60 years, average temperatures in the region have risen by 1.5°C—significantly above the global average. Water scarcity is becoming a critical issue, exacerbated by inefficient resource management and shrinking glaciers.

More than 80 percent of the region’s water supply originates from glaciers, which have decreased by around 30 percent over the past half century. Projections suggest that water availability in key river basins could decline further by 2050, while population growth may intensify demand, increasing the risk of severe shortages.

These environmental pressures also threaten food security, with forecasts indicating that agricultural yields in Central Asia could fall by up to 40 percent in the coming decades.

In response, regional governments are stepping up efforts to coordinate climate action. New platforms for dialogue have been established, and countries are increasingly engaging in international initiatives to address both adaptation and mitigation challenges.

Uzbekistan, in particular, has emerged as a driving force behind these efforts. The country is actively promoting a transition to a green economy, focusing on renewable energy, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has emphasized the importance of green development as a national priority. Uzbekistan’s long-term strategies include expanding renewable energy capacity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing large-scale environmental protection measures.

Over the past five years, the country has attracted nearly $20 billion in foreign investment in the energy sector and commissioned significant new capacity, including solar and wind power plants. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to generate more than half of its energy from renewable sources and cut emissions by 35 percent.

In addition, initiatives such as the “Yashil Makon” program aim to expand green spaces across urban areas and introduce water-saving technologies in agriculture.

Uzbekistan has also been active on the international stage, proposing key initiatives through the United Nations and hosting major environmental events. These include efforts to restore the Aral Sea region and promote sustainable resource management.

Regional cooperation has been further strengthened through frameworks such as the “Green Agenda” for Central Asia and joint climate adaptation strategies, focusing on emissions reduction, renewable energy development, and sustainable land use.

The country is also investing in education and research, including the establishment of the region’s first “green” university in Tashkent, aimed at fostering innovation and expertise in environmental fields.

Looking ahead, the Samarkand Climate Conference is expected to play a key role in shaping future cooperation, offering a platform to develop practical solutions for climate adaptation and raise global awareness of regional challenges.

Amid growing global instability, experts stress that open and inclusive dialogue is essential. Uzbekistan’s proactive approach highlights its commitment to advancing environmental security and sustainable development, both within Central Asia and beyond.