At COP29, held on November 11-22 in Baku, the focus was not only on addressing climate agenda issues but also on promoting energy transition - a key element of sustainable development. The Uzbekistan delegation participating in COP29 supported initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and expanding renewable energy implementation.
The minister of ecology, environmental protection and climate change of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, in an interview with Report, noted the significance of decisions made in Baku for the global fight against climate change, as well as their impact on the Central Asian region.
The head of the ministry also noted that the Central Asian region faces climate challenges such as droughts, desertification, and water scarcity. Therefore, cooperation with international partners and implementation of decisions made at COP29 will be an important step in ensuring the region's sustainable future.
- How do you assess the results of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku in November this year?
- The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku led to significant results. One of the key achievements was the agreement to allocate $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in their fight against climate change. This agreement can be seen as a significant step forward in the global climate agenda, demonstrating countries' readiness for joint action.
- Which decisions made at COP29 could have the greatest impact on the development of Uzbekistan's environmental policy?
- For Uzbekistan, the priority is the approval of international carbon credit trading rules, which creates new prospects for attracting investments in environmental projects. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at COP29 proposed creating an International Center for Climate Loss Assessment and a World Climate Capitals Alliance, which demonstrates the country's desire to actively participate in the global environmental agenda. These initiatives are planned to be integrated into national strategies aimed at sustainable development and climate impact reduction.
- In your opinion, how will the COP29 results affect global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change? What benefits can Uzbekistan gain from participating in these initiatives?
- During the climate conference in Baku, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan signed the "Agreement between the governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on strategic partnership in green energy development and transfer." The results of COP29 can strengthen global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing developing countries with financial and technical resources for transitioning to low-carbon technologies. Uzbekistan, in turn, can take advantage of these initiatives to modernize its energy infrastructure and implement renewable energy sources. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at the signing ceremony of this agreement, emphasized that renewable energy is not an economic goal but an investment in the future, resulting from a sense of responsibility to future generations.
- What are the main challenges for Uzbekistan in fulfilling the commitments made at COP29? What steps does the Ministry of Ecology plan to take to overcome them?
- The main challenges for Uzbekistan in fulfilling COP29 commitments include the need for significant investments in environmental projects and adapting the national economy to new environmental standards.
- What role can Uzbekistan play in implementing regional climate projects initiated or supported under COP29? Do you see opportunities for cooperation with Central Asian countries?
- Uzbekistan can play a key role in implementing regional climate projects initiated at COP29, especially in cooperation with Central Asian countries. Joint efforts in water resource management, renewable energy development, and combating desertification can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits for the entire region.
Uzbekistan is already taking steps in this direction by participating in regional initiatives and proposing its own projects aimed at sustainable development and strengthening environmental security in Central Asia.
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku led to several significant decisions that could substantially influence global climate policy and the development of environmental strategies in individual countries, including Uzbekistan.
Thus, the outcomes of COP29 create both opportunities and challenges for Uzbekistan. Active integration of international decisions into national policy, development of cooperation with neighboring countries and international organizations, as well as implementation of specific projects can contribute to sustainable development and effective response to climate change.
https://report.az/en/cop29/uzbek-ecology-minister-cop29-decisions-to-be-key-for-global-environmental-strategies/