TASHKENT, November 12. /Dunyo IA/.  Shakhzoda Orynbekova, Leading Researcher at the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and International Initiatives, has commented to Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the UN World Leaders Climate Summit held in Antalya on November 10–12^th.

As the expert noted, participation and address of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at COP31 in Antalya reflect the country’s aspiration to strengthen its role in the international climate agenda and to promote practical mechanisms of cooperation in Central Asia. The region’s climate threats - melting glaciers, water scarcity, desertification and droughts - require coordinated action by all states.

“Today, climate security in Central Asia is directly linked to economic and food sustainability, as well as to the quality of life of the population, notes Shakhzoda Orynbekova. - Therefore, addressing shared environmental problems should become one of the priorities of regional cooperation”.

According to the expert of the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and International Initiatives, Uzbekistan’s initiatives on the restoration of the Aral Sea region, the expansion of afforestation, the rational use of water resources and development of renewable energy are of great importance. The results achieved in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy and the set goal of cutting emissions by 50 percent by 2035 demonstrate the country’s consistent movement towards a low-carbon development model.

Particular attention should be paid to the proposed “Climate Integration Model in Central Asia”, which combines information exchange, the introduction of environmental technologies and the attraction of targeted financing. According to the analyst, its implementation will help strengthen joint monitoring of natural risks, develop early warning systems and expand opportunities for the implementation of regional environmental projects.

“The main value of this initiative is the shift from individual environmental projects to permanent mechanisms of regional interaction, emphasizes Shakhzoda Orynbekova. - Joint solutions in the areas of water security, land restoration and attracting international financing will help the states of Central Asia to counter climate challenges more effectively”.

Expert also noted that the upcoming chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the development of ECO EXPO as a permanent investment and technology platform could give new impetus to regional environmental diplomacy and the introduction of innovative solutions.

Practical implementation of the announced initiatives will be a key condition for success. Their effectiveness should be measured by tangible changes, including improved efficiency of water use, restoration of ecosystems, enhanced climate monitoring and attraction of investment. “Thus, the address of the President of Uzbekistan at COP31 marks an important step towards shaping a unified and long-term climate agenda for Central Asia”, concludes the representative of the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and International Initiatives.