President Mirziyoyev calls for global cooperation on climate change at COP29 summit

With more than 80 heads of state, government leaders, and prominent international organizations in attendance, Mirziyoyev began by congratulating Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on organizing the summit and commending Azerbaijan’s leadership in fostering international cooperation on climate issues.

Mirziyoyev highlighted that climate change has become a predominant global issue, exacerbating poverty, food and energy insecurity, and access to water, especially impacting Central Asia. These climate challenges hinder the quality of life improvements and obstruct national development strategies, he emphasized. Under the Paris Agreement framework, Uzbekistan aims to limit temperature increases to within 1.5–2 degrees Celsius over this century.

As part of its national climate strategy, Uzbekistan has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The country’s green energy share is set to reach 40 percent, supported by green hydrogen and electric vehicle clusters as well as expanded solar and wind power generation hubs. Additionally, through the “Green Space” initiative, Uzbekistan is increasing its forested areas and collaborating with neighboring countries on a regional climate strategy. This includes a forthcoming multilateral agreement for supplying green energy to Europe.

The Uzbek president also proposed several initiatives to strengthen international cooperation in mitigating climate impacts. Key proposals included establishing an International Center for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment to support developing countries in assessing climate risks, along with an international declaration under UN auspices to protect transboundary water resources and preserve river ecosystems.

In another significant move, Mirziyoyev suggested creating a genetic resource bank in Uzbekistan to improve crop resilience to climate change and launching a UN-supported agricultural innovation hub for landlocked nations. He further proposed founding the Alliance of Climate Capitals to promote sustainable urban development practices, with Tashkent as the site of its inaugural forum.

President Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to COP29 member nations to attend the Global Youth Festival of Digital Green Initiatives in the Aral Sea region on May 15, celebrated as International Climate Day.

Concluding his remarks, Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to open dialogue and international partnerships for green growth and shared prosperity.