ISLAMABAD, October 22 /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan and Pakistan have agreed to advance joint scientific research, biodiversity conservation and cooperation on climate change following the first meeting of the Joint Working Group between the two countries, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The meeting was held via videoconference with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan and focused on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on environmental protection and climate change.

Participants included representatives of Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the National Climate Change Center, and the Central Asian University for Environmental and Climate Change, known as Green University. Pakistan was represented by officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the Global Change Impact Studies Centre, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

One of the key topics was the establishment of institutional cooperation between Green University and relevant universities in Pakistan. The sides also discussed joint efforts to conserve the great bustard and protect migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), including joint research and monitoring.

Particular attention was given to cooperation between research institutions in climate modelling, expert exchanges, the organization of seminars, the preparation of scientific publications, and professional development for specialists.

Other priority areas included combating climate change and air pollution, preserving biodiversity, glacier management, addressing desertification, preventing natural disasters and mitigating their consequences, as well as introducing early warning systems for emergencies.

During the meeting, Green University representatives delivered a presentation on the institution’s activities. The Pakistani side expressed interest in studying Uzbekistan’s experience in establishing and developing the university.

Following the meeting, the sides agreed to establish a joint expert committee to strengthen institutional ties between the two countries’ green universities, identify promising areas of cooperation, conduct joint scientific research, and develop research projects for participation in international grant programmes.

Uzbekistan also invited Pakistani representatives to participate in the international Eco Expo exhibition, scheduled to take place in the country in 2027.