Central Asia at the forefront of the fight against climate change and Uzbekistan’s regional policy

On April 4–5, the city of Samarkand will host the international conference “Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity.”

The event will bring together the heads of state from Central Asia, leadership of the European Union, high-ranking representatives of international organizations, as well as experts and specialists from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

It is important to highlight that this international climate conference is being organized as part of the practical implementation of the Samarkand Initiative for Solidarity in the Name of Common Security and Prosperity, announced by the President of Uzbekistan in 2022. The essence of this initiative lies in creating a global dialogue platform to address pressing contemporary challenges, facilitating joint reflection and the development of new approaches to ensuring security and sustainable development.

For several days, Samarkand will once again become a hub for international dialogue and cooperation, providing a platform for discussing urgent issues related to climate change.

Without a doubt, this event will make a significant contribution to uniting the global community’s efforts in tackling climate challenges.

The high-profile lineup of participants and the multilateral format of the conference underscore the relevance and importance of its agenda.

Today, climate change represents one of the most serious threats of our time. This issue remains at the forefront of global expert discussions and is regularly raised on the highest international platforms. In this regard, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the current situation as a “triple planetary crisis,” encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.

Of particular concern to specialists is the rise in global temperatures, which leads to numerous adverse effects, including glacier melting, water scarcity, drought, desertification, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and reduced agricultural yields. These challenges are further exacerbated by rapid population growth and intensified economic activities.

For instance, the recently published reports by the World Meteorological Organization and the World Glacier Monitoring Service confirm the accelerating problem of glacier melting.

According to research, over the past 48 years—since 1976—glaciers worldwide have lost nearly 9.2 thousand gigatons of ice, which is equivalent to a 25-meter-thick ice mass covering an area the size of Germany. As a result, global sea levels have risen by 18 millimeters. Experts estimate that with each millimeter of sea-level rise, 200,000 to 300,000 coastal residents face the risk of flooding.

From 2022 to 2024 alone, glaciers experienced their greatest three-year mass loss in recorded history. Additionally, five of the past six years have seen the fastest retreat of glaciers. Many experts warn that in several regions, permafrost may not survive the 21st century.

Moreover, glacier melting triggers a cascade of severe consequences for economies, ecosystems, and communities—particularly in mountainous regions, but also on a global scale. The growing crisis of glacier melt and water scarcity has become a central theme of international discussions, including at forums in New York and Paris on March 21, 2025, dedicated to the first-ever World Glacier Day and World Water Day.

The international community fully recognizes the scale of this crisis and is taking action to address it. In 2015, countries worldwide adopted the Paris Agreement, committing to reducing emissions and working together on climate adaptation measures.

Furthermore, the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP) are held annually, with the most recent 29th session taking place in Baku in November 2024.

However, rising geopolitical tensions and deepening rivalries among major powers have weakened multilateral cooperation, making it increasingly difficult to achieve consensus on crucial issues of international peace and stability. This has also hindered the efforts of international organizations in addressing key global challenges related to sustainable development.

As a result, climate issues—despite their critical importance for the future of humanity—are increasingly pushed to the background, while resources are being redirected toward armed conflicts and humanitarian crisis management.

Against this backdrop, Central Asia presents a markedly different development trajectory. Amid global turbulence, the region has demonstrated resilience, unity, and stability, effectively addressing emerging challenges and threats on its own. A key pillar of this success is the established atmosphere of trust, friendship, and good neighborliness, which serves as the foundation for unlocking the region’s full potential for cooperation.

In other words, the unity among Central Asian nations enables productive dialogue on pressing regional and global issues, earning widespread recognition on the international stage.

At the same time, climate change has become a key driver of regional cooperation. This is hardly surprising, as Central Asia is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. Over the past 60 years, the average temperature in the region has risen by 1.5°C—twice the global average of 0.7°C. Climate change, coupled with inefficient water use and management, has led to increasing water scarcity, a trend that is becoming more severe and irreversible with each passing year.

More than 80% of Central Asia’s water resources originate from glaciers, which have shrunk by approximately 30% over the past 50 years. By 2050, water resources in the Syr Darya basin are expected to decline by 5%, while those in the Amu Darya basin could decrease by 15%.

With Central Asia’s population projected to reach 100 million by 2050, water shortages could escalate to 30%, while demand for irrigation water could increase by 30% as early as 2030.

These challenges also pose serious risks to food security. According to World Bank forecasts, agricultural yields in Central Asia could decline by 20–40% by 2050 due to climate change.

Fully aware of these pressing challenges, Central Asian nations are demonstrating a high level of responsibility for the region’s future. To enhance coordination on climate adaptation efforts, a regional climate dialogue has been launched.

Moreover, Central Asian states are increasingly taking the lead in advancing the global climate agenda, proposing major international initiatives focused on adaptation and mitigation. Over the next three years (2025–2028), the region will host several high-profile events on water and climate issues. Among them – High-Level International Dushanbe Conference on Glacier Conservation (2025), Central Asian Regional Climate Summit in Astana (2026), Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek +” (2027), High-Level Conference on the Final Comprehensive Review of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028 in Dushanbe (2028).

In parallel, Central Asian countries are actively engaging in international cooperation through platforms such as the IFAS (International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea) and the United Nations.

For instance, at the 2023 UN Climate Summit in Dubai, the region showcased its unity through the Central Asian Pavilion under the theme “Five Countries – One Region – One Voice.” This initiative helped amplify the collective voice of Central Asia on the global stage.

It’s worth noting that one of the key drivers of regional cooperation in addressing climate change and a leading force in transforming Central Asia into a hub for green economy and clean energy is Uzbekistan.

Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the strategic goal of New Uzbekistan is to ensure environmental sustainability and economic growth by transitioning to a resource-efficient, green development model.

Green development has become a top priority of Uzbekistan’s state policy, reflected in the adoption of several long-term strategies aimed at tackling environmental challenges, preserving biodiversity, and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).