By Roman Kaykov
Climate change has significantly impacted ecosystem degradation, habitat loss, and biodiversity in Uzbekistan. This was stated by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, at a UN conference in New York.
To address these issues, the country’s government aims to strengthen cooperation with neighboring regions. This collaboration will enable better conservation and protection of natural diversity and migratory animal species.
These discussions took place at the UNFF20 – the UN Forum on Forests – at the United Nations General Assembly Hall. A side event, «Achieving Global Forest Goals in the Context of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and Afforestation in Line with Sustainable Forest Management Principles,» on May 5, 2025, was jointly organized by the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Congo.
The side event was chaired by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with the direct participation and support of Ulugbek Lapasov, Head of the Uzbekistan Mission to the UN and Ambassador. The conference was also attended by R. Matondo, Minister of Forest Economy of the Republic of Congo; I. Zivkovic, Assistant UN Secretary-General; L. Noronha, Assistant UN Secretary-General and Head of the New York Office of the UN Environment Program (UNEP); J. Wu, Director of the FAO Forestry Division; I. Higuero, Secretary-General of the CITES Convention; P. Agostini, Lead Natural Resources Economist at the World Bank; S. Alexander, Policy Specialist at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Sh. Paudel, Interregional Advisor for Ecosystem Restoration at the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat; Mr. Boris Kandov, former President of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the USA and Canada; Mr. Rafael Nektalov, Editor-in-Chief of the Bukharian Times; and over 120 other forum participants.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Ulugbek Lapasov, Head of the Uzbekistan Mission to the UN, who welcomed all participants and emphasized the need for open discussions on critical issues like environmental challenges.
During the conference, special attention was paid to practical steps in forest restoration. Uzbekistan showcased tangible achievements in greening and tree planting through large-scale projects such as «Yashil Makon» and afforestation efforts on the desiccated Aral Sea bed – one of the world’s worst ecological disasters.
Participants agreed that Uzbekistan’s example clearly demonstrates that the successful implementation of environmental programs requires not only formal declarations and documents but also concrete measures and effective, sustainable actions at both state and local community levels.
Furthermore, UN representatives expressed significant interest in expanding joint projects for restoring and preserving green cover. The importance of these actions in the global fight against climate change and natural resource degradation was underscored.
In an open discussion, the Uzbek delegation highlighted the need for active participation of developing countries, especially those vulnerable to climate change, in shaping the global environmental agenda. Dr. Juliet Biao Koudenoukpo, Director of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat, highly praised the forest restoration measures undertaken by the Uzbek government, noting that the republic’s experience offers practical value to other countries facing similar environmental challenges.
Mr. S. Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action, emphasized in his speech that Uzbekistan places particular importance on a just climate transition, balancing environmental priorities with socio-economic development, and involving vulnerable population groups in adaptation processes.
Specific attention was given to Uzbekistan’s efforts in decarbonizing its economy, developing renewable energy, sustainable water resource management, and fulfilling its Paris Agreement obligations. Information was also presented on achievements and plans within its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), including climate goals and greenhouse gas emission reduction scenarios.
Following the conference, Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov presented Boris Efremovich Kandov, President of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the USA and Canada, with a letter from Kakhraman Sariev, Head of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The letter expressed gratitude from Sariev’s department for years of cooperation and the development of public diplomacy. In turn, Ambassador Ulugbek Lapasov, Head of the Uzbekistan Mission to the UN, also conveyed a letter thanking Kandov for his long-standing support.
«I have known Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov for many years, and together we have implemented several interesting cultural projects,» said Rafael Nektalov, Editor-in-Chief of The Bukharian Times. «What the Minister of Ecology said today made a very good impression on everyone.”
“These were constructive proposals,” Nektalov continued, “carefully considered in light of modern realities and the country’s geopolitics, which were listened to with interest and actively discussed on the sidelines of the forum. Other speakers also talked about the significant changes taking place in New Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.»
Photos by Mikhail Suleymanov, Artur Konovalov / Kaykov Media
This ran in issue 1213 in Russian and has been translated into English.