Uzbekistan to host 2026 GEF Assembly, cementing its role as a regional environmental leader

Speaking at the council, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, highlighted several key environmental initiatives spearheaded by the president. These include a large-scale afforestation campaign on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea, which has turned 2 million hectares into green zones, the nationwide "Green Space" initiative that plants 200 million trees annually, and plans to increase green areas to 30%. Additionally, Uzbekistan aims to raise the share of renewable energy to 54% by 2030 and promote the transition to renewable energy and zero-emission transportation.

The minister also emphasized Uzbekistan’s recent legislative improvements focused on environmental protection and the enhancement of environmental education. For instance, the Constitution has been amended to include stronger environmental protection provisions, and the Administrative Responsibility Code and other related laws have been revised to further strengthen ecological sustainability.

Furthermore, at the initiative of the president, several institutions have been established in Tashkent: the Central Asian University for Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University), the Climate Council under the President of Uzbekistan, and a national climate center. The year 2025 has been declared the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.” Moreover, several UN General Assembly resolutions are being promoted, including one focused on forest and land restoration between 2027 and 2036.

At the council meeting, it was officially decided that the Eighth GEF Assembly and the GEF Council’s 71st meeting will be held in Samarkand in 2026. Expressing his gratitude on behalf of the Uzbek government, Minister Abdukhakimov stated that with GEF support, Uzbekistan has achieved significant progress in shaping its environmental agenda and looks forward to continued cooperation.

It was noted during the event that due to Uzbekistan’s active role and initiatives, the global community is paying increased attention to addressing climate change and its impacts in Central Asia. The upcoming events in Samarkand are expected to bring together major donor countries to find solutions to regional environmental challenges.

"Central Asia remains highly vulnerable to climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation. The 2026 GEF Assembly will serve as an important platform to address these issues, mobilize resources, exchange knowledge, and enhance sustainability. During the summit, we aim to strengthen regional cooperation, increase climate resilience, and prevent biodiversity loss,” said the minister.

The symbolic significance of hosting the event in Samarkand, recognized by the UN World Tourism Organization as the "World Capital of Cultural Tourism," was also highlighted.

“This is an honor for us. With a 3,000-year history, Samarkand lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, where people have long lived in harmony with nature. Today, it is a vibrant destination known for its rich history, culture, cuisine, and distinctive hospitality. Its central location in Central Asia and along the Silk Road makes it easily accessible to delegates from around the world,” Abdukhakimov added.

He also emphasized that the 2026 GEF Assembly would be co-hosted not only by Uzbekistan but the entire Central Asian region. Uzbekistan offers visa-free access for citizens of nearly 100 countries and a simplified e-visa system available within 24 hours for others—ensuring greater convenience for visiting delegates.

“We have already hosted major international events in Samarkand such as the UNWTO General Assembly, EBRD Annual Meeting, UNCCD CRIC21, CMS COP14, and most recently the Climate Forum. This year, we look forward to organizing large-scale events like Eco-Expo Central Asia, the UNESCO General Assembly, and CITES COP20. I take this opportunity to invite you to participate in these events,” said the minister.

Aziz Abdukhakimov also announced that the regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – a GEF agency – has been opened at Green University in Uzbekistan.

“The opening of the IUCN office opens up new opportunities and serves not only Uzbekistan but the entire Central Asian region. We are promoting the slogan ‘Nature knows no borders’ because environmental problems recognize no boundaries, making transboundary cooperation crucial,” he said.

The GEF Assembly plays a vital role in mobilizing financial support for global environmental actions and achieving sustainable development goals. Uzbekistan remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental protection – not just for regional but for global ecological improvement – and will continue to be active and proactive in this field.

About GEF

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s largest international financial institution dedicated to funding environmental protection initiatives. It assists countries in addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. Hosting the GEF Assembly in Uzbekistan is not only a high recognition of the country’s efforts in ecology and sustainable development but also a key platform to attract investments, expand international cooperation, and promote national environmental priorities on the global stage.

By hosting major international environmental events, Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its status as the ecological hub of Central Asia. In recent years, the country has successfully hosted key events such as the 21st session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CRIC21), the 14th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP14), and the inaugural Samarkand Climate Forum.

In the coming months, Uzbekistan is preparing to host Eco-Expo Central Asia and the 20th Conference of Parties to CITES (on trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora). These events further reinforce Uzbekistan’s growing role as a regional center for environmental diplomacy and sustainable development.