The event was attended by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Bahodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Committee of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan; UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstanv Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa; Director of the UNECE Sustainable Energy Division Dario Liguti; and UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia.

The meeting focused on preparations for the Central Asian Regional Environmental Summit, scheduled to take place in Astana in 2026. Particular attention was given to finalizing the summit concept and developing a unified approach to addressing pressing regional environmental and climate challenges — including the shrinking of the Caspian Sea, the disappearance of the Aral Sea, and the retreat of glaciers.

Minister of Ecology of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov, emphasized that environmental challenges are transboundary in nature and cannot be tackled by any single country alone:

"Uzbekistan advocates for joint efforts, the development of shared solutions, and the creation of resilient mechanisms for institutional cooperation. The strategic goal of New Uzbekistan is to turn challenges into opportunities by ensuring environmental sustainability and economic growth through a transition to a resource-efficient, green development model," Abdukhakimov stated.
"In this regard, a number of concrete steps are already being taken. The year 2025 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and "Green" Economy. As part of the implementation of the Uzbekistan – 2030 Strategy, a State Program has been approved to integrate environmental sustainability into the economy and improve the quality of life for the population."

The Minister also presented the project for the Green University — a regional higher education institution on environmental and climate issues in Central Asia. The university aims to train highly qualified specialists in environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate policy.

Abdukhakimov praised Kazakhstan’s initiative to convene the Regional Environmental Summit:

"Establishing a sustainable environmental and climate agenda in Central Asia is directly linked to the region’s stability, security, and development. We face major tasks: mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, adapting to them, and transitioning to a new, resilient model of green growth.
In this context, the summit should serve not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a mechanism for launching concrete initiatives to restore and protect the region’s natural assets. Uzbekistan is ready to take an active part in preparing for the summit, contribute to shaping its substantive agenda, and continue open, constructive cooperation with all partners," the Minister noted.

During the event, participants also discussed a draft version of the Declaration on Environmental Solidarity in Central Asia, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in ecology and sustainable development. The agenda further included issues related to the development of green technologies and climate innovations, enhanced climate adaptation, the promotion of environmental diplomacy, the integration of science and policy and the formulation of a regional policy and action mandate for the summit.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to intensify preparatory activities for the summit, which is set to take place in April 2026 in Astana.