Eco Expo Central Asia 2026: Samarkand opened Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 on June 2, running through June 4, with participation from 100+ countries and major UN and IUCN leaders; the event is framed as a “green technological bridge” linking climate, water, biodiversity, clean tech, green finance and Aral Sea priorities. Biosafety & Biodiversity: Uzbekistan launched a national biosafety initiative under the Cartagena Protocol, financed by the GEF, aiming to strengthen biosafety policy, inter-agency coordination, lab capacity, and risk assessment to protect biodiversity. GEF Momentum in Samarkand: Uzbekistan’s Environment Authority and Tashkent Zoo took part in the 8th GEF Assembly, while experts urged better whole-of-government coordination so environmental funding delivers lasting results. Water & Resilience Funding: At the GEF Council meeting, new resilience funding was approved for vulnerable countries, including projects targeting flood/coastal risks and food and water security. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan will host the second Termez Dialogue on June 4–6, with discussions spanning connectivity, security, climate change and cooperation with Afghanistan. Agriculture Support: Uzbekistan donated certified seeds to Afghanistan to boost food security and rural livelihoods, including cotton, rice, and vegetable/melon varieties.