Released by the Embassy of Uzbekistan Islamabad and Published Complimentary by Pakistan in the World Media Group
31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Uzbekistan will take an active part in this international climate forum, presenting national initiatives, forward-looking projects and practical experience in addressing climate change, protecting the environment and transitioning to a green economy.
One of the main platforms for the country’s participation will be the Uzbekistan National Pavilion, which will operate from 8 to 20 November. It will host an extensive programme of thematic events involving representatives of government agencies, international organisations, financial institutions, the research community, the private sector and young people. The programme will focus on promoting national climate priorities, expanding international partnerships and mobilising investment for environmental and climate-related projects.
In recent years, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the country has undertaken large-scale reforms aimed at environmental protection, climate action, the development of a green economy and the sustainable use of natural resources. Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of modern technologies, the advancement of environmental science and the strengthening of the country’s research and educational capacity.
The National Centre for Climate Change and Green University operate under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, providing scientific, analytical and expert support for environmental and climate policy. The Centre contributes to the development of national climate policy documents, the preparation of projects on adaptation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the mobilisation of international climate finance.
Green University advances research in ecology, climate change and the restoration of natural ecosystems. In 2026, the University opened an innovative laboratory for forest and ornamental plants, as well as an In Vitro laboratory for producing high-quality planting material.
At COP31, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and its affiliated organisations will present initiatives in climate finance, environmental monitoring and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Uzbekistan’s participation will provide an opportunity to demonstrate to international partners the results of the ongoing reforms and the country’s practical steps towards a sustainable and environmentally sound future.
From climate commitments to practical results
One of the key areas of Uzbekistan’s participation will be the implementation of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). Under the target set, the country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 50 per cent by 2035, compared with 2010 levels.
At COP31, Uzbekistan plans to present its national approaches to achieving this target, including the expansion of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency, the introduction of modern technologies and stronger climate resilience across various sectors of the economy.
Several events at the National Pavilion will focus on this agenda, including a session entitled “Implementing Uzbekistan’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0): From Climate Commitments to Practical Action”, as well as discussions on industrial decarbonisation, climate finance and the development of carbon markets.
Another important area will be Uzbekistan’s participation in the international Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) initiative. Uzbekistan is one of five pilot countries in this initiative, which is being implemented under the COP31 Presidency with the participation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aims to help translate national climate plans into concrete investment projects, facilitate access to international finance and provide expert support.
Climate adaptation and water security: shared regional priorities
Climate change adaptation, the sustainable use of water resources and strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable areas will feature prominently in Uzbekistan’s agenda.
The National Pavilion will host thematic discussions on water and climate resilience in Central Asia, agricultural adaptation, land restoration and strengthening the resilience of the Aral Sea region.
Particular attention will also be given to climate risks in mountain regions, food security, and the impact of changing water and climate conditions on the country’s economy.
Promoting cooperation on climate-induced human mobility will be another important regional initiative. On 10 November, the Uzbekistan National Pavilion will host a high-level event entitled “Facilitating Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change: Towards the Silk Road Declaration on Climate Mobility”.
The event is expected to see the signing of the Silk Road Declaration on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change by the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
The document is intended to provide a regional framework for strengthening cooperation on climate-related migration, protecting vulnerable communities and developing coordinated approaches to addressing the impacts of climate change.
Uzbekistan will also contribute to advancing joint regional projects. In particular, the launch of a trilateral AFOLU project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and involving Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is scheduled for 9 November.
Uzbekistan’s Regional Initiatives on Climate Change and Water Security
Ecosystem restoration, afforestation and biodiversity conservation
Another priority will be to present Uzbekistan’s initiatives in nature conservation and the restoration of natural ecosystems.
The international platform will showcase approaches to implementing the nationwide Yashil Makon (Green Space) project, establishing forest plantations on the dried bed of the Aral Sea, combating desertification, restoring degraded land and conserving biodiversity.
The pavilion programme will include discussions on scaling up nature-based solutions, developing forestry and landscape projects, and using carbon markets to mobilise additional resources for environmental initiatives.
The initiative to proclaim the 2027–2036 period the United Nations Decade of Action for Afforestation and Reforestation is of particular significance. On 17 November, Uzbekistan and the Republic of the Congo will present this global initiative and hold a dialogue on international partnerships in this area.
Other events will address synergies among international environmental conventions in the Aral Sea region, the sustainable management of land and water resources, and the conservation of natural heritage.
Green economy, climate finance and innovation
A substantial part of the programme will focus on mobilising climate investment, developing the circular economy and introducing innovative technologies.
Participants will discuss, among other topics, the role of financial institutions and banks in mobilising climate finance, investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture, and the development of a Central Asian carbon credit standard for drylands.
Separate sessions will address sound waste management, the development of the circular economy, industrial decarbonisation and more efficient use of natural resources.
The science and technology agenda will include discussions on greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, assessing solar energy potential, digital meteorology and the application of artificial intelligence to improve forecasting and early warning systems.
The development of climate-resilient cities will also be an important area of focus. Participants will consider integrated urban planning, the expansion of public green spaces and the incorporation of nature-based solutions into urban infrastructure.
Youth and environmental education: investing in the future
Promoting environmental education initiatives and engaging young people in the climate agenda will be an important part of Uzbekistan’s participation.
The National Pavilion will host events on developing a network of eco-schools, nurturing a new generation of climate leaders and supporting youth-led initiatives.
Particular attention will be paid to practical mechanisms for youth participation in implementing climate solutions, fostering environmental awareness and expanding educational opportunities.
Overall, Uzbekistan’s programme at COP31 covers a broad range of interconnected priorities, from emissions reduction and climate change adaptation to ecosystem restoration, the development of a green economy and stronger regional cooperation.
The country’s participation in the conference will provide an important opportunity to share national experience with the international community, advance joint initiatives, expand partnerships and mobilise additional resources for climate projects.
The overarching objective is to move from stated climate goals to concrete action, investment and results that contribute to the environmental sustainability of Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.
