Translated with AI
In the 21st century, green development has become not just a trend, but an uncontested vector for all of humanity. In the context of rapid climate change, worsening water shortages and loss of biodiversity, sustainable development is a priority for every state. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at international, regional and national venues, regularly promotes the sustainable green development agenda as an important tool for the prosperity of future generations.
The recently published book “The Path of Green Development of the New Uzbekistan” presents 310 quotes and 54 initiatives of the head of state, put forward in the period 2017-2025 to combat climate change, rational use of water and natural resources, conservation of biodiversity and the transition to a green economy.
The book consists of three chapters: “Green Development – the Path Chosen by Humanity”, “Central Asia – a Course towards Green Development and the Future”, and “New Uzbekistan on the Path to Sustainable Development”.
The path chosen by humanity
In the context of the global climate crisis, depletion of natural resources and deterioration of the quality of the environment, more and more countries are moving towards a sustainable development model. In this concept, the green economy is replacing raw material industrial models focused on extraction, exploitation and ignoring environmental risks.
The leader of Uzbekistan has repeatedly emphasized that green development should become the basis of a new stage of modernization for the countries of Central Asia: “…Only by effectively using limited land and water resources, eliminating environmental problems, taking the path of green development, green economy and green energy, can we ensure sustainable development of the country and the well-being of the population. This is the only true path . ” This quote reflects a fundamental rethinking of state policy: from narrow economic thinking to a strategic approach, where the focus is, in addition to profit and growth, on nature conservation, ecosystem sustainability, and public health. This is why the President promotes the thesis that the green course is not a fashionable trend, but a long-term necessity . Supporting the transition to green energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening environmental legislation and educating the population are all part of a systemic green reform.
The head of state constantly emphasizes that responsibility for the future lies not only with developed countries, but also with states with emerging economies. In this context, the President stated at the UN General Assembly (2023): “At this turning point in history, we should all think about what kind of planet we will leave to future generations . ” This call is aimed at mobilizing the global community, but first and foremost reflects the internal transformation of Uzbekistan – a course towards sustainability, resource conservation and climate justice. Here are the scientifically based proposals of the head of state.
Firstly , “climate change has become one of the main challenges for the sustainable development of Central Asia,” the President of Uzbekistan said at the COP28 summit in Dubai. “ The transition to a green economy and achieving carbon neutrality are the strategic objectives of the New Uzbekistan.”
Secondly , “climate change has become one of the main challenges on the path to sustainable development. This is especially acute in Central Asia and adjacent regions against the backdrop of the Aral tragedy – one of the most devastating environmental crises of our time.”
Third , “air temperatures in Central Asia have risen twice as high as the global average, the number of extremely hot days has doubled, and a third of the glaciers have melted.”
Fourthly , “soil degradation, regular dust and sand storms, shortages of drinking water, air pollution, loss of biodiversity, sharp declines in crop yields and much more negatively impact the quality of life of millions of residents of the region.”
Fifthly , the President also called for “the earliest possible agreement on a Global Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change within the Paris Agreement.” He also touched on the global transition to a low-carbon economy. According to him, this process “must be fair, transparent and inclusive” and “must necessarily take into account the interests of developing countries.”
Sixthly , in order to transform the Aral Sea region into a zone of environmental innovations, technologies and new opportunities, the head of Uzbekistan invited everyone to close cooperation " to create an International Expohub of Climate Technologies in this region ." The President proposed "establishing scientific exchange and conducting joint research on the platform of the Climate Science Forum," created on the basis of the "Green University" in Tashkent, with the involvement of scientists and experts from foreign countries.
Central Asia: A Course to a Secure Future
Global climate change is one of the most serious problems of our time, which affects all countries and is becoming a significant obstacle to sustainable green development. The observed warming is causing extreme natural phenomena around the world, such as droughts, hurricanes, sweltering heat, fires, torrential rains, floods.
Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states are among the countries that are most susceptible to environmental disasters. Against the backdrop of a general increase in climate threats, the region is developing its own response to the challenges of global warming and environmental degradation. The initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan at international platforms show that green transformation is an interstate priority .
Speaking at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (2023), the President emphasized: "Today, the world is experiencing an acute environmental situation. The triple planetary crisis caused by climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution is intensifying. In such difficult conditions, Central Asia, which continues to struggle with the tragedy of the Aral Sea, is becoming one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change . "
This quote points to the need for regional integration in the area of environmental security. The importance of joint actions in the management of natural resources, in particular transboundary waters, is noted. The President initiated the development of a Regional Strategy to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation , emphasizing that sustainable agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity are possible only through concerted efforts.
Within the framework of this course, the following initiatives were put forward: the creation of a Regional Centre for Climate Technologies, the formation of a single green energy space, joint projects on reforestation and combating desertification, especially in the territory of the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea, the development of transboundary water diplomacy based on the principles of the Helsinki Convention .
In recent years, at the initiative of Uzbekistan, the UN General Assembly has adopted more than ten special resolutions. Many of them directly concern environmental issues in Central Asia and reflect the active role of Uzbekistan's regional environmental diplomacy .
All international initiatives and efforts of the leader of Uzbekistan in this area are connected with national values, passed down to us from our ancestors for thousands of years. The environmental initiatives of the head of state, presented at global forums, receive broad support from the international community and make a real contribution to ensuring sustainable green development at the global level.
For example, one of the significant achievements of Uzbekistan was the adoption in 2021 of the Special Resolution of the UN General Assembly, which declared the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovation and technology . This is the first time that the Assembly has granted such a high status to the region. Due to the drying up of the Aral Sea, the Aral Sea region has become the epicenter of a global environmental disaster, an area with an increased risk to human health and ecosystem instability.
Water management issues in the region are also not left out of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s sights. “Efficient water management with neighboring countries is the key to sustainable development not only for Uzbekistan, but for our entire region . ” This thesis is especially relevant for Central Asia, where water is becoming an increasingly scarce and politically sensitive resource. The state leader advocates the creation of sustainable mechanisms for the distribution and joint management of water flows, which should reduce tensions and ensure harmonious development.
At the SCO summit in Bishkek (June 14, 2019), Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed adopting the SCO Green Belt program to introduce resource-saving and environmentally friendly technologies in the organization's countries. At the 14th ECO summit (March 4, 2021), the head of Uzbekistan put forward an initiative to develop and approve a medium-term strategy aimed at ensuring energy sustainability and the widespread attraction of investments and modern technologies in this area .
At the third Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia on August 6, 2021 in Turkmenistan, the President of Uzbekistan advocated the development of a regional program "Green Agenda" for Central Asia, which will facilitate the adaptation of the countries of the region to climate change . Its main areas may be the gradual decarbonization of the economy, rational use of water resources, the introduction of energy-efficient technologies in the economy, and an increase in the share of renewable energy sources.
Against the backdrop of the actualization of the international climate agenda, the systemic environmental policy being implemented by Uzbekistan in the field of environmental protection is aimed at further improving the environmental situation in the Central Asian region.
Formation of environmental awareness and culture
Uzbekistan is actively integrating the principles of green transformation into its development strategies, creating a basis for long-term sustainable growth. This is a response to global challenges, an aspiration to improve the quality of life of our citizens, create jobs and promote sustainable green development of the country. Green development in Uzbekistan has been raised to the level of a nationwide movement. The main goal of the transition of New Uzbekistan to a green course is to ensure human dignity, improve the well-being of the population and protect the fundamental rights of citizens .
For Uzbekistan, the transition to green development is not something abstract or far from reality. This concept has become part of the constitutional course of our country, which concerns all sectors of the economy and public life.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev notes: “The accelerated transition to an economy based on careful use of water, energy and other natural resources is of great importance.
The task of creating green and digital technologies and manufacturing enterprises is also relevant for us.”
This is not just a scientific and philosophical statement, but a guiding principle of state environmental policy. Under this slogan, programs are being developed:
– to increase the share of renewable energy (the goal is at least 30 percent by 2030);
– to reduce water losses in the agricultural sector using digital systems and precision farming;
– to improve the energy efficiency of residential and industrial buildings;
– on the creation of smart and green cities, including within the framework of the Tashkent – Green Capital project.
One example is the construction of solar and wind power plants in the Navoi, Bukhara and Samarkand regions. These projects are being implemented with the participation of large foreign investors (Masdar, ACWA Power) and create jobs while reducing the burden on hydrocarbon resources.
The head of state also emphasizes the need to cultivate a new ecological mindset among young people: “Understanding nature, environmental education and upbringing, the formation of environmental awareness and environmental culture among the population, especially among young people, who call for kindness, compassion and mercy, are some of the important tasks that must be accomplished to preserve the environment . ”
In this context, special attention is paid to environmental education, popularization of sustainable practices, support for startups in the field of eco-technologies and green innovations. The creation of a national rating of environmental efficiency of regions and institutions has become a tool for stimulating sustainable changes.
Uzbekistan is becoming an example of a systemic approach to sustainable green development, combining environmental goals with economic growth and social justice. The principles of a green economy are increasingly integrated into national planning, making Uzbekistan not only a participant, but also an active driver of the international green agenda.
Conclusions: Future Prospects
First conclusion. The approach implemented in New Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is an example of synergy of political will, scientific knowledge, national policy and international cooperation. Green development is not a fashion or a temporary solution. It is a strategic choice, a path chosen by humanity, and Uzbekistan demonstrates how this path can be implemented in the context of global challenges.
Second conclusion. Initiatives and statements of the leader of Uzbekistan demonstrate that green development for Uzbekistan is not a temporary agenda, but a strategic vector of a promising future. The architecture of an environmentally responsible state with new laws, institutions, technologies and consciousness of citizens is being consistently formed.
Third conclusion. The peculiarity of the Uzbek approach is its comprehensiveness: from global leadership in climate diplomacy to practical transformation of energy, land use and water management. Shavkat Mirziyoyev voices the principles of sustainable development and also ensures their institutional consolidation, investment and public support.
Fourth conclusion. The path to a green future proposed and implemented by New Uzbekistan can serve as a model for countries with similar challenges and opportunities. This is a path where economic progress goes hand in hand with care for the planet, where political will turns into concrete steps, and sustainability becomes the new norm for human development.
Akmal Saidov, academician, deputy
Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis
Republic of Uzbekistan
