Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP28). The President of Uzbekistan spoke about the climate problems facing the country and the measures taken to solve them.
“Currently, climate change has become the most important challenge to sustainable development. It also influences the geopolitical architecture,” the head of state emphasised.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev pointed out that the negative consequences of climate change are particularly acute in Central Asia due to the Aral tragedy. The rise in air temperature in our region is twice the global average. The number of extremely hot days has doubled, and a third of the glaciers have melted.
Soil degradation processes negatively affect the lives of more than 30 million people. Severe dust and sand storms are becoming commonplace. Problems such as lack of drinking water, air pollution, loss of biodiversity, and a sharp decline in agricultural yields are becoming increasingly worse.
“These global threats in our vast region have reached a critical point,” the president admitted.
He emphasised that the transition to a green economy and achieving carbon neutrality are the priority strategic objectives of New Uzbekistan.
In particular, in recent years the share of alternative energy in the republic has doubled. By 2030, 25 gigawatts of renewable energy will be generated. The first practical steps have been taken to implement the green hydrogen production project.
As part of the Yashil Makon initiative, 1 billion trees are being planted, and forest plantations have appeared on an area of 2 million hectares on the dry bottom of the Aral Sea.
“We can effectively combat climate change only by joining forces and broad international cooperation,” the president emphasised, putting forward his proposals:
First. Early agreement on the Global Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
Second. The global transition to a low-carbon economy must be fair, transparent and inclusive. It is imperative to take into account the interests of developing countries. It is advisable to consider this urgent problem on an ongoing basis in the G7 and G20 formats.
Third. Based on the resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Uzbekistan intends to transform the Aral Sea region from a zone of environmental crisis into a “zone of innovation, technology and new opportunities.” The President invited close cooperation on the creation of an International Expo Hub of Climate Technologies here.
Fourth. It is necessary to widely use the achievements of science in the fight against climate change. Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited leading scientists and experts from the countries participating in the conference to the Climate Science Forum, which will be held at the Green University in Tashkent. He expressed confidence that the agenda of the forum will include issues of preventing soil degradation, rational water use and ensuring food security.
Fifth. Together with the United Nations, a conference on “Climate Migration” will be held in Uzbekistan in 2024. The President proposed developing a “Green Employment” program together with the International Labour Organisation and creating a Simulation Centre.
The leader of Uzbekistan also announced his readiness to organise the COP Youth Conference in our country at a high level.
Stressing that Uzbekistan remains committed to the universal idea of humanity to combat climate change, the President called for support for the initiative to hold the Samarkand International Climate Forum next year and adopt a special resolution of the United Nations.
“I am convinced that the results of today’s summit will serve to further bring our friendly countries and peoples closer together on the path to a sustainable, prosperous and safe future of the planet,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Reported by News of Uzbekistan.
