Samarkand hosts the GEF Council meeting
The 71st meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council has begun in Samarkand.
The GEF meeting, held ahead of the Eighth GEF Assembly and the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, is being attended by representatives of 186 leading GEF donor countries, international organizations, financial institutions, environmental agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Claude Gascon, Interim GEF CEO and Director of Strategy and Operations at the GEF, spoke at the opening.
Aziz Abdukhakimov emphasized the symbolic importance of hosting such an important international forum in Samarkand.
“For centuries, Samarkand has connected people, cultures, and ideas across continents”, Mr. Abdukhakimov said. “Today, the city is once again a platform for uniting the global community’s efforts to address common environmental challenges”.
As part of the meeting, participants will discuss projects focused on ocean and biodiversity conservation, sustainable infrastructure development, climate change adaptation, and blended financing mechanisms for environmental initiatives. Special attention will be given to the development of renewable energy and energy storage systems, including projects being implemented in Uzbekistan.
The review and approval of the GEF-9 programming strategy, along with new support mechanisms for the least developed countries and small island states most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, are planned. Special attention will be given to the role of civil society and local communities in achieving environmental goals.
The GEF Civil Society Organizations Forum will take place on the eve of the Assembly.
G. Khasanov, photos by A. Isroilov, UzA
