Op-Ed. Environmental sustainability is not only about protecting nature

Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a key player in global environmental efforts, hosting the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) alongside ECO EXPO Central Asia 2026. This dual event highlights the nation's growing role not only as a venue for international environmental discussions but also as a contributor to regional and global solutions.

The region's increasing recognition as a platform for innovation, resilience, and partnership comes at a critical time when climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution are significantly reshaping economies and societies worldwide. For the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this GEF Assembly holds particular importance, marking decades of collaboration with Uzbekistan.

Since joining the GEF partnership in 1995, Uzbekistan has actively pursued its commitments under major environmental conventions. The UNDP and the GEF have worked closely with the Government of Uzbekistan, national committees, institutions, academia, civil society, and local communities on over 20 initiatives totaling more than $40 million. This long-standing partnership has evolved beyond individual projects to address interconnected environmental challenges.

These collaborations have spanned efforts to combat biodiversity loss, land degradation, climate change, and pollution. Crucially, they have focused on building systems, knowledge, and partnerships that link environmental action directly to people's livelihoods, economic opportunities, and overall long-term development. The results are visible across the country, from restoring ecosystems in the Aral Sea region and conserving biodiversity to promoting sustainable urban transport and expanding access to renewable energy.