10-07-202646
The Regional Ecological Summit, scheduled for 22–24 April 2026, represents a significant political and environmental initiative aimed at forging a unified approach among Central Asian states on issues of climate change, environmental degradation, and the sustainable use of natural resources. The Summit is not a one-time event but rather the logical continuation of a consistent preparatory process that began in 2024 and culminates in 2026 with high-level political dialogue. Within this two-year process, consultations, expert meetings, and institutional coordination efforts have been conducted among Central Asian countries, with the expectation that joint environmental mechanisms and practical initiatives will be presented as outcomes.
This initiative enjoys broad support at the international level as well. In particular, the United Nations, through Resolution No. 78/147 adopted on 19 December 2023, specifically emphasised the need to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing environmental challenges in Central Asia. The participation of a number of specialised UN bodies and international institutions is planned throughout the preparation and conduct of the Summit.
Notably, the secretariats of three global environmental instruments — the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention to Combat Desertification — are actively engaged in the process, demonstrating the Summit's intrinsic linkage to the global environmental agenda. The substantive focus of the Summit is directed toward resolving pressing environmental challenges in Central Asia through a regional approach. Among the central issues for discussion are the Aral Sea tragedy, which has become a vivid symbol of environmental crisis, and the alarming decline in the level of the Caspian Sea in recent years. These challenges constitute complex ecological processes that cannot be resolved within the boundaries of a single state and require coordinated policies and concerted action.
In addition, particular attention within the Summit framework will be devoted to adaptation measures, the introduction of low-carbon technologies, and the development of green financing mechanisms. With due regard to the specific environmental and climate needs of the region, plans are in place to strengthen cooperation with international financial institutions and to form a portfolio of investment projects. The Summit serves as a unique platform for enhancing dialogue among government bodies, international organisations, scientific communities, and the private sector. It provides an opportunity not only to discuss problems but also to identify concrete practical solutions and to develop a forward-looking action plan.
At the concluding stage, it is expected that the heads of state of Central Asian countries will adopt a joint declaration on regional cooperation in the field of ecology and sustainable development, and that a regional action plan for 2026–2030, developed jointly with UN institutions, will be approved. These documents will serve as an important foundation for coordinating environmental policy in the region and shaping a common agenda.
The consultations and expert meetings held within the preparatory process that began in 2024 demonstrate that this initiative rests on a solid institutional foundation. The "Regional and Ecological Resources — 2026" initiative is expected to bring this process to a logical conclusion and provide additional political momentum to the region's environmental agenda. These directions are directly linked to the issues of adaptation and sustainability featured on the Summit's agenda.
In the area of the Aral Sea, which has become a global symbol of environmental degradation, efforts to restore ecosystems, establish green zones, and protect public health have been consistently continued. Active participation in scientific research and regional discussions on the declining level of the Caspian Sea, against the backdrop of factors affecting the hydrological balance of the region, has also been maintained. These issues are among the priority topics scheduled for discussion at the Summit.
In the context of intensifying climate change impacts, Uzbekistan has given particular attention to adaptation measures. A notable rise in average temperatures across the country in recent years, increasing pressure on water resources, and the acceleration of desertification processes have necessitated the development of specialised programmes at the state level. To this end, national programmes on climate adaptation, land resource restoration, afforestation, and combating desertification have been financed.
Reforms in waste management, the introduction of recycling and reuse systems, urban greening, improvements in energy efficiency, and the application of low-carbon technologies have also been accelerated. These include the modernisation of waste management infrastructure through public-private partnerships, the cultivation of a waste-sorting culture among the population, and the implementation of green economy principles. These directions are aligned with the Summit's agenda on low-carbon development and green financing.
Thus, the environmental and climate reforms implemented in Uzbekistan during 2024–2026 have enriched the initiatives advanced at the 2026 Regional Ecological Summit with substantive national-level content. The coherence between national policy, institutional reforms, international cooperation, and practical projects has positioned Uzbekistan as an active participant in ensuring ecological sustainability in the region and has laid a strong foundation for the expected joint declaration and the regional action plan for 2026–2030.
Overall, the Regional Ecological Summit stands to acquire historic significance as a strategic platform uniting the efforts of Central Asian states in the spheres of ecological security, climate resilience, and the conservation of natural resources. This initiative serves to enrich national reforms with a regional dimension and to shape a new model of cooperation on the path toward securing a sustainable future.
Shuhrat Hojimуrodov, Chief Specialist, Centre for Sustainable Development