Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29)

Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29)

Distinguished heads of delegations!

I would like to sincerely congratulate the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, for the excellent organization of this historic Conference in the beautiful city of Baku.

We fully support Azerbaijan’s active efforts in broadening the international partnership to address current climate challenges effectively.

Dear participants of the conference!

Climate change is now emerging as a major global threat, and directly influencing the escalation of geopolitical tensions.

It primarily exacerbates the problems of poverty eradication, food and energy security, as well as access to water and resources. 

In Central Asia, we feel these problems especially acutely. Climate challenges are posing new barriers to improving the quality of life of our people and implementing national development strategies.

Our main goal under the Paris Agreement is to prevent the region from outpacing temperature rise and to keep it within 1,5-2 degrees this century.

In this regard, we are resolutely pursuing extensive reforms in Uzbekistan to achieve carbon neutrality.

We have set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. We are ready to extend this commitment by 2050.

We will increase the share of green energy to 40 percent. We are creating electric cars and “green” hydrogen clusters, along with hubs for solar and wind energy generation. 

We are drastically expanding green areas under the “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) Program. 

Together with neighboring countries, we have embarked upon the implementation of a Regional Climate Strategy. 

In the coming days, we will sign a multilateral agreement on suppling green energy to the European Union.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Uzbekistan is committed to expanding its practical contributions to jointly overcoming the consequences of global climate change. 

First. Increasing technical support from major powers and multilateral institutions to identify climate risks faced by developing countries is important.

In this regard, we propose to consider the establishment of an International Centre for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment.

Second. Unified approaches are essential in preventing the pollution of transboundary water resources and preserving sustainable biodiversity. 

Using our region as an example, I would like to highlight that the total disappearance of the Aral Sea before the eyes of a single generation has become a global tragedy.

In this regard, we support the development of a Declaration on Obligations to Ensure the Ecological Safety and Health of River Ecosystems under the auspices of the United Nations.

Third, we plan to launch a Regional Genetic Resources Bank, involving leading multilateral structures in order to improve crop resilience to climate change.

We put forward an initiative to create in our country the UN Agro-Industry Innovation Hub for landlocked countries. 

Fourth, we propose to create an Alliance of World Climate Capitals for the transfer of advanced knowledge and best practices on sustainable development in megalopolises and cities, which are negatively affected by climate change, and host its first forum in the city of Tashkent. 

Fifth, we invite the representatives of your countries to participate in the Global Youth Festival of Digital Green Initiatives on May 15, 2025, in the Aral Sea region as part of International Climate Day.

Dear participants of the summit!

I would like to reiterate Uzbekistan’s readiness for open dialogue and partnership for the common well-being and green development. 

Thank you for your kind attention.