SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan

Upon invitation of the Government of Uzbekistan, SRSG for Central Asia, Head of the UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze participated in the International Climate Forum: Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges Consolidation for Common Prosperity, held on 4-5 April 2025 in Samarkand.

Addressing the plenary session dedicated to the prospects of Integrated Water Resources Management under Climate Change in Central Asia, SRSG Imnadze noted a qualitatively new stage of development and notable progress in the regional political dynamics in Central Asia and highlighted the Regional Centre’s key activities in the field of supporting cooperation on water-energy, environment and climate. He emphasized that in today’s complex geopolitical environment, strengthening partnerships and seeking joint responses was crucial. In this context, UNRCCA would continue its meaningful engagement in trust-building and deepening of regional cooperation, helping the states to address the outstanding issues of the regional agenda and arrive at the mutually beneficial solutions.

The high-level event brought together heads of state of the five Central Asian countries, leaders of UN, EU, regional and international organizations, financial institutions, ministers of ecology, representatives of civil society, academia, and environmental advocates to address key regional and global climate policy priorities and to collectively shape solutions for the peaceful and sustainable development of Central Asia and beyond. Following the event, it is planned to present the final document of the Samarkand Forum, namely the Regional Concept of Green Development with a view of forming a common regional vision of the Central Asian countries in the field of climate change.