President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressing the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on 20 November, proposed declaring 2025 in Uzbekistan as the Year of environmental protection and green economy.
The head of the state emphasized that the adverse effects of climate change were acutely felt not only in Uzbekistan but across many countries worldwide.
Air and water pollution, soil erosion, desertification and the unchecked use of fossil fuels contribute to global warming, increase in natural disasters and harm to the environment and public health, he stated.
To tackle these challenges, Uzbekistan launched the nationwide “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) initiative three years ago and began implementing a Regional climate strategy in collaboration with neighboring countries. The Central Asian University for Climate and Environmental Studies has been established in Tashkent.
Additionally, Uzbekistan spearheaded two significant UN resolutions on environmental issues. The president noted that green energy was becoming a key driver of the nation’s economy.
“Taking into account the opinions, wishes and recommendations of our citizens, and with the aim of elevating this work to a new, higher level,” the president proposed dedicating 2025 to environmental protection and green economy.
The proposal received unanimous support from the deputies, the president’s press secretary Sherzod Asadov said.
The government is set to develop a state program addressing the year’s key priorities, the president added.
These include adopting green technologies, conserving water, significantly expanding green spaces, mitigating the effects of the Aral Sea crisis, addressing waste management and, most importantly, improving public health, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
2024 in Uzbekistan has been declared the Year of supporting youth and entrepreneurship. 2023 was designated the Year of caring about the people and quality education.
