ANTALYA, November 12. /Dunyo IA/.   Leah Gutierrez, ADB Department Director General of Central and West Asia, shared her impressions of the Uzbekistan Pavilion opened on the sidelines of COP31 and outlined the Bank’s priorities in the field of “green” development in an interview with a Dunyo IA correspondent.

– Uzbekistan Pavilion leaves a very pleasant impression. In my view, it wonderfully reflects the country’s rich agricultural potential and the diversity of its produce. The vineyard concept has been conveyed particularly well: the architectural and design solution harmoniously highlights Uzbekistan’s natural and environmental focus. The pavilion not only draws attention with its design, but also stands out for its uniquely welcoming atmosphere. Visitors stop by, show interest in the country, ask questions, and seek to learn more about Uzbekistan. Thus, it becomes more than just an exhibition space, serving as a true platform for introducing the country’s culture, potential, and achievements. I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in creating it.

I would separately like to highlight the consistent policy of the President of Uzbekistan in the field of green development. I noted how actively the country is advancing the development of renewable energy sources. In particular, the presentation at the pavilion clearly demonstrated the scale of investments being channelled into this sector. Uzbekistan is demonstrating a truly forward-looking approach by shaping a promising investment program in the field of renewable energy. This deserves high praise, as such initiatives are of great importance not only for achieving national climate goals, but also for ensuring long-term energy sustainability.

As for the participation of the Asian Development Bank in advancing the green agenda, we are already investing in the development of solar and wind energy and are interested in further expanding support for this area. At the same time, our approach is not limited to individual technologies or specific countries. We consider opportunities for renewable energy development comprehensively, taking into account the specific characteristics and needs of each state in Central Asia. In addition to solar and wind power, hydropower also holds significant potential. Choice of priority areas depends on the natural conditions, energy capabilities, and national specifics of each country. Therefore, the Asian Development Bank stands ready to consider various projects and support solutions that will contribute to a sustainable energy transition both in Uzbekistan and across the entire region.