Samarkand hosts a two-day Meeting of Foreign Ministers in “European Union – Central Asia” format and an International Conference “European Union – Central Asia on Connectivity”.

Within the framework of the conference, a roundtable discussion was organized at the Great Silk Road International Tourist Center on a new EU project aimed at developing sustainable energy in Central Asia, and a Youth Forum “Young Voices of Central Asia”.

At the meeting with the participation of responsible persons of national authorities and energy experts, as well as representatives of the EU, the launch of a new project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia”, funded by the European Union, was announced. It was noted that the SECCA project, with a total budget of 6.8 million euros, in line with EU best practices, aims to stimulate an even more sustainable energy balance in Central Asia.

In particular, the project provides for strengthening the national policy for the transition to a sustainable energy system, attracting investments to the region for the use of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency, awareness and capacity. Recent developments in the area testify to the positive features of promising sustainable energy connectivity. As a result of economic growth and an increase in the population, an increase in electricity demand is also expected. Meeting this demand requires significant investments, market reforms and capacity building.

At the meeting, the experts exchanged views on the goals of SECCA, planned activities and expected results. The current state and problems in the sustainable energy sector, as well as prospects for cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia, were discussed.

Youth from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan participated in the meeting organized by UNICEF, the European Development Fund and the “Yuksalish” Nationwide Movement.

Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan Charlotte Adrian, Chairman of the “Yuksalish” Nationwide Movement, Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bobur Bekmurodov, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Afshan Khan and others exchanged views on the life of the youth of the region, its goals and aspirations, assistance in the implementation of the planned tasks.

The participants of the event exchanged views on the development of a green economy in Central Asia, ensuring a clean environment and ecology, education and upbringing of young people.

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G.Khasanov, UzA