On December 1, at the invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the main plenary session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai.

Heads of state and government of more than 170 countries, heads of reputable international organizations, and financial institutions are participating in the current event. 

At the beginning of his speech, the Uzbek Leader sincerely congratulated the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates on their national holiday. He also acknowledged the successful organization of the historic summit, highlighting the Emirates' global initiatives to combat climate change and its contribution to green development.

As noted by the President of Uzbekistan climate change has become the most important challenge to sustainable development. The negative consequences of climate change are especially acute in Central Asia and neighboring regions due to one of the most devastating environmental crises of our time - the Aral tragedy.

The Leader of our country drew the attention of those present to several facts.
Thus, the increase in air temperature in Central Asia is twice the global average, the number of extremely hot days has doubled, and a third of the glaciers have melted.

Soil erosion, regular dust and sand storms, drinking water shortages, air pollution, biodiversity loss, drastic decline in crop yield, and many other problems negatively affect the quality of life of millions of people living in the region.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that the transition to a green economy and achieving carbon neutrality is the priority strategic objective of New Uzbekistan.

In recent years, Uzbekistan’s share of alternative energy production has doubled. According to the Head of state, by 2030, capacity to generate 25 gigawatts of renewable electricity will be created. The first practical steps have already been taken to implement the green hydrogen production project.

Besides, 1 billion tree saplings are planted in Uzbekistan as part of the “Yashil Makon" (Green Space) initiative. Thanks to forest plantations with a total area of 2 million hectares at the bottom of the Aral Sea, air pollution in the Aral Sea region is being reduced.

Moving on to the main agenda of the event, the Leader of Uzbekistan put forward several proposals.

In particular, the Uzbek Leader spoke in favor of an early agreement on a Global Framework Mechanism for Adaptation to Climate Change within the framework of the Paris Agreement.

In this context, the Adaptation Strategy being developed on the platform of the Central Asian Climate Dialogue was noted.
The Head of state highly appreciated the decision taken the day before to create the Global Loss and Damage Fund.

The active support of these mechanisms by the World Bank and international financial institutions will provide significant assistance primarily to countries that suffer greatly from climate change.

It was noted that the global transition to a low-carbon economy has to be fair, transparent, and inclusive, and has to take into account the interests of developing countries.

It was proposed to consider this urgent problem on an ongoing basis, including within the framework of the G7 and G20 summits.

To transform the Aral Sea region into a Zone of Innovation, Technology, and New Opportunities, the President of Uzbekistan invited everyone to closely cooperate to create an International Expo Hub of Climate Technologies in this region to apply advanced knowledge, experience, and solutions.

In addition, the President called for close scientific exchange and joint research within the framework of the Climate Scientific Forum based at Green University in Tashkent.

Prevention of land degradation, rational use of water, ensuring food security and other acute issues are on the agenda of the forum.

In addition, together with the United Nations, a Climate Migration Conference is planned to be held in Uzbekistan in 2024.

The President of Uzbekistan also announced initiatives to develop the Green Employment program, together with the International Labour Organization, as well as the creation of a Center for modeling the impact of climate change on employment.

To actively involve young people in effectively solving climate problems it was proposed to organize the COP Youth Forum in Uzbekistan. 

Confirming Uzbekistan’s commitment to the universal idea of humanity to combat climate change, the Head of our state called for holding the Samarkand International Climate Forum next year and the adoption of a special resolution of the UN General Assembly, reflecting the common approaches of Central Asia.

Following his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev again expressed confidence that the summit outcomes in Dubai will serve to bring together all countries and peoples closer to ensure a sustainable, prosperous, and safe future for the planet.