12.11.2024

On November 12 President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the plenary session of the World Leaders Summit in the framework of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) happening these days in the city of Baku.

Heads of state and governments of more than 80 countries, heads of authoritative international organizations and financial institutions are attending the event.

At the beginning of his speech, the Head of our state sincerely congratulated President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the successful organization of the historic summit and expressed support to the active efforts of the Azerbaijani side to expand international cooperation in combating modern climate challenges.

As the Leader of our country noted, today climate change has become a major global concern, directly influencing the increase of geopolitical tension.

The problems of overcoming poverty, ensuring food and energy security, access to water and resources are worsening.

The consequences of climate change are acutely felt in the Central Asian region.

They are becoming an obstacle to improving the quality of life of the population and implementing national development strategies.

The main goal within the framework of the Paris Agreement is to prevent the region's air temperature from rising faster and keep it within the range of 1.5-2 degrees in the current century.

In this regard, Uzbekistan is implementing large-scale reforms to achieve carbon neutrality. It is planned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. By 2050, these commitments will be expanded. The share of green energy will reach 40 percent.

Clusters of electric vehicles and green hydrogen, solar and wind generation hubs are being created. Green areas are being expanded under the “Yashil Makon” program.

Together with neighboring countries, a regional climate strategy is being implemented. During these days, a multilateral agreement will be signed to provide “green” energy supplies to Europe.

In order to jointly overcome the consequences of global climate change, the Leader of Uzbekistan has put forward a number of initiatives.

In particular, with a view to expanding technical assistance from leading states and multilateral institutions to identify climate challenges faced by developing countries, it was proposed to establish an International Center for Assessment of Climate Losses and Damage.

Emphasizing the need to develop unified approaches to preventing pollution of transboundary water resources and preserving sustainable biodiversity, the Head of our state advocated elaboration of the Declaration on Obligations to Ensure the Health and Environmental Safety of River Ecosystems under the auspices of the United Nations.

It was also proposed to establish in Uzbekistan a regional bank of genetic resources to increase plant resistance to climate change and the UN Agro-Industrial Innovation Hub for landlocked countries.

An initiative has been put forward to establish an Alliance of the world's climate capitals to transfer advanced knowledge and practices in the field of sustainable development of megacities and cities suffering from climate change and to hold its first forum in Tashkent.

The President of our country invited representatives of COP29 countries to participate in the Global Youth Festival of Digital Green Initiatives that will take place in the Aral Sea region on May 15 next year on International Climate Day.

In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reiterated Uzbekistan's readiness for an open dialogue and partnership on the path to common prosperity and green development.