Eldor Aripov presents proposals to advance international climate cooperation in New York
On September 23-24, the Harvard Club of New York City hosted the 37th High-Level Meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, titled “Rebuilding Trust, Cooperation and Global Stability for a Shared Future”, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS), attended the meeting.
The meeting provided a platform for exchanging views on international cooperation, sustainable development, climate and energy security, and the role of digital technologies in global governance.
Speaking at a session on climate cooperation amid global fragmentation, Eldor Aripov noted that climate change is deepening interdependence among countries even as political divisions grow.
In his assessment, climate challenges are becoming both a source of risk and an important driver of regional cooperation. This is particularly evident in Central Asia, where water, food, and energy security are closely interconnected.
According to the figures he cited, temperatures in Central Asia are rising at twice the global average rate, while the area covered by glaciers has decreased by about 30 percent over the past six decades. Glaciers play a crucial role in the hydrological processes that generate nearly 90 percent of the region’s water resources, feeding the Amudarya and Syrdarya rivers, which support agriculture, energy production, and the lives of millions of people.
Population growth and economic expansion are increasing demand for resources. Central Asia’s population is projected to reach 100 million by 2050. Demand for water, food, and energy will continue to grow, while climate change makes their availability less predictable.
Turning to ways to address these challenges, Eldor Aripov stressed the importance of regional cooperation. He explained that the United Nations sets overarching climate goals, but achieving them requires approaches tailored to each region’s specific circumstances. This is especially important because protecting river basins and glacier systems that span several countries requires coordinated action.
The ISRS Director noted that regional frameworks are particularly valuable when global dialogue is constrained. They help countries sustain practical cooperation and address shared challenges.
Eldor Aripov also paid particular attention to climate finance. He noted that international support largely targets individual countries and projects, even though climate risks affect multiple countries simultaneously.
In this context, he called for financial instruments to support joint projects aimed at conserving natural resources and adapting to climate change. Such an approach would help account for the interests of all countries that depend on the condition of a shared river basin.
The ISRS Director identified climate adaptation as a key priority. He stressed that, alongside the long-term energy transition, developing countries need to address immediate challenges, including ensuring farmers have access to water, preparing communities for floods and droughts, and protecting livelihoods.
In conclusion, Eldor Aripov emphasized that geopolitical differences must not paralyze international cooperation. Water resource management, environmental monitoring, and climate adaptation must remain areas of sustained dialogue.
For reference: The event brought together current and former heads of state and government, representatives of the United Nations, international organizations and parliaments, as well as members of the expert and business communities. Distinguished participants included the current Presidents of Latvia and Montenegro, along with former presidents and prime ministers from Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Czechia, Romania, Greece, and other countries.
Opening remarks were delivered by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and Wu Hongbo, former Special Representative of the Chinese Government for European Affairs.
UzA
