Mirziyoyev proposes holding the Samarkand International Climate Forum

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has proposed hosting the Samarkand International Climate Forum in 2024. The forum aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and collaborative efforts toward achieving the goals of "green" development in Central Asia. He made this announcement on October 18 during the international forum "One Belt, One Road" in Beijing.

"We hope that this forum will serve as a practical step in organizing the 'For the Future - Samarkand Dialogue' to find answers to global threats to sustainable development," stated the President of Uzbekistan.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, heads of states and governments, and leaders of financial institutions also participated in the summit, which was moderated by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

In his address, President Mirziyoyev extended warm congratulations to all participants on the tenth anniversary of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

It was noted that this ambitious idea, aimed at revitalizing the Great Silk Road, has gained many supporters in a historically short period of time and has become a new model of international cooperation. As a comprehensive strategic partner of China, Uzbekistan was one of the first countries to support the "One Belt, One Road" initiative and remains a staunch advocate of furthering its main goals and objectives.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the "Green Silk Road" initiative would establish a shared "green" future agenda, underlining its significance. "Uzbekistan fully supports this initiative, which was introduced by President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China in our country in 2016," the report stated.

The President acknowledged the complex ecological challenges in Uzbekistan, including anomalous weather conditions, frequent droughts, dust storms, rapid land degradation, desertification, and the loss of biodiversity. He also pointed out that Central Asia is among the regions most affected by the consequences of climate change worldwide.

The report highlighted that, in line with a special resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, Uzbekistan is implementing a comprehensive program for creating ecological innovation and technology zones around the Aral Sea.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan expressed its keen interest in fostering extensive international cooperation under the Green Silk Road framework. President Mirziyoyev shared his thoughts on strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with China and other participants in the "One Belt, One Way" initiative.

It was suggested that a "Green" development program be developed, which would encompass measures and projects for launching "green" industrial capacities, reducing poverty, and promoting "smart" agriculture. The development of "green" production chains and innovations was also highlighted as a crucial task in building the "Green Silk Road."

The report mentioned the readiness, in collaboration with leading Chinese companies and other foreign partners, to establish a specialized model technology park in the Aral region. This park would be dedicated to the implementation of socially significant programs in the industrial sector and the widespread adoption of "green technologies."

Uzbekistan's leader proposed the creation of a "Green Financing" fund in the country to promote a low-carbon economy, "clean" technologies, and the adoption of high environmental standards in the region.

The President of Uzbekistan also called for the reduction of restrictions and obstacles in the mutual trade of "green" products, especially agricultural products.

Furthermore, it was suggested to activate the dialogue on transitioning to "green" energy and to hold regular meetings of ministers from countries that have joined the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

The President of Uzbekistan proposed establishing a scientific and informational platform for the exchange of "green" knowledge and solutions, based on the Aral Sea International Innovation Center.

In light of the growing shortage of qualified personnel in the field of "Green" development and ecology, experts in this field, in cooperation with leading foreign universities and educational institutions, proposed the development of a joint program for training and academic exchange at the Mirziyoyev Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies.

Additionally, President Mirziyoyev touched on the importance of the responsible treatment of natural resources and the environment. He invited the launch of the Global Program for the Development of "Green" Culture, which would encompass ethno-ecological festivals, forums, presentations, and other events involving prominent public figures, representatives of science, business, and culture, within the framework of the "One Belt, One Way" initiative.

In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the results of the forum, along with the ideas and proposals presented, will make a substantial contribution to the creation of a "green" future for humanity.