The first Samarkand International Climate Forum was held at the “Great Silk Road” International Tourism Complex.

During discussions on “Central Asia in the Face of the Triple Planetary Crisis”, participants addressed issues such as mitigating the effects of climate change, protecting endangered species of flora and fauna, the harmful impact of air, water, and soil pollution on ecosystems, sustainable management of natural resources, and the strengthening of regional cooperation in establishing protected areas.

Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, emphasized that the key strategic approach to addressing the triple planetary crisis lies in the creation of transboundary protected areas and the implementation of regional nature conservation programs.

The event highlighted that Central Asia is a region with unique ecosystems that are increasingly vulnerable to the challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The melting of glaciers, crucial for the region’s water supply, poses serious threats to agriculture and energy production. Conference participants discussed the importance of joint efforts in addressing these pressing issues through regional cooperation and coordinated action.

The session, titled “Youth: Looking to the Future with Optimism”, focused on ensuring active youth participation in shaping the International Strategy for Sustainable Development and enhancing the work of the International Advisory Committee established under COP-29. Several initiatives were proposed, including the implementation of an “International Strategy for Promoting a Culture of Sustainable Development and Engaging Children and Youth in the Climate Agenda”. Participants also suggested the creation of sustainable platforms to enable regular youth participation in campaigns and initiatives led by environmental ministries, as well as in global UNFCCC processes. Another key proposal was to formulate and implement national climate commitments that reflect the needs and interests of young people in the eight participating countries.

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G. Khasanov, photos by A. Isroilov, UzA