AGP Executive Report

GEF in Samarkand: The 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly wrapped in Uzbekistan, drawing 186 countries and spotlighting the “last sprint to 2030” for climate, biodiversity and land restoration; Uzbekistan also signaled a bigger role by moving toward becoming a GEF donor and pitching Samarkand as a “Green Capital” for investment and innovation. Climate risk at home: Uzbekistan’s Uzhydromet reported its warmest May on record, paired with intense downpours that triggered mudslides and flash floods across multiple regions. Aviation emissions push: IATA urged Uzbekistan to adopt a comprehensive aviation strategy and airport master planning, while also launching a CORSIA supply alliance to expand eligible carbon units—amid warnings that sustainable aviation fuel still covers under 1% of jet fuel use. Construction oversight: Uzbekistan proposed a points-based risk scoring system for developers, using permits, past violations, complaints and open-source info to set high/medium/low risk categories. Regional water and nature: SCO industry ministers met in Cholpon-Ata to back low-carbon initiatives and special industrial zones, while Central Asia’s Aral Sea restoration cooperation with Chinese research efforts continues to focus on water conservation and desertification control. Zero-waste spotlight: TIKA showcased recycling and waste-management projects at Istanbul’s Zero Waste Festival, including education and circular economy work across multiple countries.

GEF Summit in Samarkand: More than 2,000 delegates gathered in Uzbekistan to back the $3.9 billion GEF-9 replenishment and push the “last sprint to 2030,” with leaders stressing blended finance, whole-of-government action, and faster support for Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and Indigenous communities. Climate Finance Pressure (SIDS): Barbados’ environment minister warned that climate commitments often fail at delivery for small islands because procedures are too slow and disbursements arrive after damage is done—calling for simpler access and quicker funding. Uzbekistan’s Green Results: On World Environment Day, Uzbekistan reported solar and wind projects prevented 2.6 million tons of atmospheric pollutants in the first five months of 2026, alongside major gas savings. Urban Resilience: Tashkent is planning a $400 million drainage overhaul to tackle flash flooding, while new energy-efficiency rules for public buildings start July 1, 2026. Extreme Weather Watch: Uzbekistan’s May set records for warmth and heavy rainfall, triggering mudslides and flash floods in multiple regions. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Central Asian states agreed to jointly preserve the snow leopard and strengthen mountain ecosystem resilience.

Climate Extremes: Uzbekistan’s spring ended with the warmest May on record, plus historic rainfall that triggered mudslides and flash floods, with temperatures often hitting 34–37°C and local peaks up to 42°C. Urban Resilience: Tashkent is moving to modernize stormwater drainage after heavy downpours, with a reported $400 million drainage overhaul plan aimed at cutting flood disruption. Clean Transport Policy: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for imported new buses, electric buses and trolleybuses until end-2027, tied to Euro-5+ standards, while also rolling out a new exit-based fare payment system from Sept. 2026. Energy & Emissions: The energy ministry says solar and wind generation in early 2026 helped avoid 2.6 million tons of atmospheric pollutants and saved 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas. Nuclear Progress: Uzbekistan issued a construction license for a nuclear plant unit using an RITM-200N reactor, and marked the start of SMR construction with “first concrete.” Nature Finance & Cooperation: At the GEF assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan-linked talks highlighted regional biodiversity and mountain ecosystem priorities, including snow leopard conservation.

GEF & Biodiversity: Central Asian countries agreed to boost cooperation to conserve the snow leopard and other transboundary wildlife, plus protect mountain ecosystems, with a regional push toward GEF-9 biodiversity and resilience planning. Uzbekistan–UNEP/GEF Green Diplomacy: Saida Mirziyoyeva met UNEP and GEF leaders to focus on desertification, land degradation, air quality monitoring, biodiversity, and sustainable resource use, highlighting Uzbekistan’s ongoing green reforms. Clean Energy Results: Uzbekistan marked World Environment Day by reporting 2.6 million tons of emissions avoided in the first five months of 2026 thanks to solar and wind generation. Urban Environment & Flooding: Tashkent’s mayor says modernizing the city’s drainage system needs about $400 million to tackle flash flooding after heavy rains. Energy Efficiency Rules: New mandatory energy-efficiency requirements for state buildings start July 1, 2026, including energy audits and major solar/heat-supply targets. Transport Policy: Uzbekistan extended a zero recycling fee for imported new buses and electric/trolleybuses until end-2027, tied to Euro-5+ standards. Nuclear Step: Uzbekistan issued a license for construction of a nuclear plant unit with an RITM-200N reactor, framed as energy independence and “environmental security.” Corruption Watch: Uzbekistan ranked 124th in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, pointing to ongoing institutional challenges.

GEF Assembly Wrap-Up: The Eighth Global Environment Facility Assembly in Samarkand ended with a push to keep environmental finance “non-optional,” as GEF leaders warned that budgets and geopolitics are squeezing support for clean rivers, forests and resilient communities. World Environment Day: Uzbekistan marked World Environment Day with rallies, tree planting and awareness events under the theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future,” with calls for stronger climate action and public engagement. Aral Sea Cooperation: UNDP and Karakalpakstan’s ecology committee signed a statement to deepen Aral region work on biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, land and water management, and community resilience. AI for Environmental Reviews: Uzbekistan’s State Environmental Expertise Center and Italy’s IAIA chapter agreed to bring AI into environmental impact assessment, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency. Local Greening via Mobility: Yandex Uzbekistan reported that a World Environment Day campaign helped 1,000 trees survive and grow in Tashkent region, funded per kilometer traveled and tied to electric and shared rides. Nuclear Energy Milestone: Uzbekistan began construction of its first nuclear power plant, with “first concrete” poured for a Russian RITM-200N-based unit, marking a major energy shift.

GEF Assembly in Samarkand: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used World Environment Day to push six new ecological initiatives and announced the country will become a donor to the Global Environment Facility, aiming to turn Samarkand into a “green investment and innovation” hub. Climate Finance Access: Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya urged Pacific Small Island Developing States to be present in climate funding decisions, warning vulnerable communities risk being overlooked. Biodiversity & Land Restoration: The GEF Council approved a $6.1m watershed restoration project in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while the wider GEF-8 cycle backed $232.5m in new environmental projects across 22 countries. Uzbekistan Forest Governance: Uzbekistan completed the first-ever full mapping and digitization of forest boundaries, supported by the World Bank, to improve accounting and forest health monitoring. Food Systems & Youth: Side events at GEF-8 highlighted how youth can lead shifts toward regenerative, sustainable food systems. Urban Pollution Control: Tashkent introduced stricter environmental rules for construction sites, including dust-reduction measures and digital monitoring. Climate Risk Outlook: WMO forecasts El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia, alongside drought and heat risks.

Forest Governance Breakthrough: Uzbekistan has digitized the complete boundaries of its state forest territories for the first time, covering over 7 million hectares and 79 forest enterprises, using satellite and aerial mapping under the RESILAND project with World Bank support. One Health Focus: Central Asian countries reviewed progress on a One Health pandemic preparedness program, aligning health, veterinary and environmental actions ahead of a regional report to the Pandemic Fund. GEF Assembly Momentum: At the 71st GEF Council and Eighth Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan signaled a new donor role while GEF approved $232.5m for 24 projects across 22 countries, including ecosystem restoration and biodiversity work. Climate Risk Alert: WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia, alongside heat and drought risks—urging preparedness. Water in the Desert: A new 80 sq km lake formed in Bukhara’s desert after extreme rainfall and water diversion via a 126 km collector canal, raising both habitat opportunities and water-balance concerns. Safer Construction Rules: Tashkent introduced new environmental and safety requirements for construction sites, including dust control, microclimate systems, and digital monitoring. Chemicals & Pesticides: Uzbekistan advanced lifecycle management for pesticides and hazardous chemicals through FAO/UNDP work tied to global conventions. Regional Connectivity Talk: The second Termez Dialogue highlighted Afghanistan’s transit role and calls to reduce barriers for trade and cooperation.

Construction Watch: Tashkent is rolling out stricter unified environmental and safety rules for about 1,700 active construction sites, pushing dust control, water misting, site “passports,” and real-time sensors plus CCTV linked to the Construction Control Inspection. Green Power Update: Uzbekistan’s renewable capacity has hit 8 GW, with “green” power at about 30% of generation; solar and wind make up 5.6 GW and hydropower 2.4 GW, as authorities target 20 GW by 2030. Food Security & Climate Resilience: CIMMYT and Uzbekistan signed an award agreement to start the 18-month bridge phase of the AWIC-UZ wheat innovation push, focusing on elite germplasm and faster disease surveillance for yellow rust and Fusarium. Nature-Health Link: Uzbekistan launched the Nature4Health scoping phase under a One Health approach, aiming to protect ecosystems to reduce zoonotic spillover risks, with Karakalpakstan highlighted. GEF Momentum in Samarkand: The Global Environment Facility’s 71st Council and the run-up to the 8th Assembly are underway in Samarkand, with delegates discussing impact, speed, and scaling up environmental finance. Regional Green Diplomacy: Kazakhstan showcased waste and circular-economy solutions at Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, while ECO environment ministers met and backed the Samarkand Declaration on regional climate resilience. Public Health in Heat: Health authorities urged people to prevent heat-related illness with hydration, light clothing, ventilation, and reduced outdoor exertion during very hot weather.

Construction & Air Quality Control: Tashkent has unveiled a new regulatory project for about 1,700 active construction sites, requiring dust containment, perimeter fencing, site “passports,” water sprayers/misting to cut particulate pollution, plus real-time environmental sensors and surveillance linked to the Construction Control Inspection network. Renewables Push: Uzbekistan’s installed renewable capacity has reached 8 GW, with solar and wind at 5.6 GW and hydropower at 2.4 GW; authorities say “green” power is about 30% of generation and plans target 20 GW by 2030. Nature for Health: Uzbekistan launched the Nature4Health scoping phase under IUCN, focusing on Karakalpakstan to tackle desertification, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem pressures tied to zoonotic disease risk. Wheat & Climate Resilience: CIMMYT and Uzbekistan signed an award agreement for an 18-month “bridge phase” to modernize wheat and strengthen food security against climate impacts and diseases like yellow rust and Fusarium. GEF Momentum in Samarkand: The GEF’s interim leadership highlighted the transition to GEF-9 ahead of the Eighth Assembly, while Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 opened as a hub for green investment and practical environmental partnerships. Tourism, but “Sustainable”: Uzbekistan and the World Bank discussed expanding tourism infrastructure under the Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, including the Central Asia Tourism Ring.

Eco Expo Central Asia 2026: Uzbekistan kicked off a major green investment and technology fair in Samarkand (June 2–4), with the Environment Authority joining sessions on financing green growth, climate adaptation, biodiversity and water-saving solutions. Biosafety & biodiversity: Uzbekistan launched a national biosafety initiative under the Cartagena Protocol, funded by the GEF, aiming to strengthen risk assessment, monitoring and lab capacity to protect biodiversity. GEF momentum: Tashkent Zoo took part in the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, highlighting conservation and public ecological education. Water & climate resilience: A GEF Council update in Samarkand approved new resilience funding (over $67m) for vulnerable countries to cut flood and coastal risks and bolster food and water security. Aral Sea context: A new explainer revisits how terminal-lake collapse—linked to water diversion—has devastated ecosystems, including the Aral Sea region, underscoring today’s water crisis stakes. Regional dialogue: Uzbekistan’s second Termez Dialogue (June 4–6) will include a “shared sustainable development agenda,” with discussions on transit, trade and regional cooperation.

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.

GEF Funding Push in Samarkand: Uzbekistan hosted the 71st GEF Council as delegates reviewed a $3.9bn replenishment package for 2026–2030, with calls to strengthen safeguards so communities, Indigenous Peoples, and smaller partners aren’t left behind while pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate risks stay central. Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: OSCE, UNU-INWEH and CAREC wrapped a seminar on cooperation over shared waters, stressing trust-building through shared data and inclusive policy, alongside a women parliamentarians meeting focused on advancing the water agenda. Salinization Warning: A water expert warned that saltwater intrusion and salinization could threaten food security and trigger migration pressures, linking water management directly to agriculture resilience. Uzbekistan Waste Cleanup: Uzbekistan removed over 70,000 tons of household waste across 14,400 mahallas, using tens of thousands of workers and specialized equipment to improve sanitation and prevent environmental hazards. Green Energy Corridor Talk: Uzbekistan’s energy minister said cooperation with Azerbaijan on the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor is key to exporting clean electricity to Europe, alongside targets for renewable capacity growth. Transboundary Weather Concerns: Kyrgyz experts voiced worries about Kazakhstan’s rain-making “cloud-seeding” and urged negotiations and regional agenda-setting before artificial rain becomes a precedent. Aral Sea Agriculture Innovation: ICBA and Uzbekistan launched a co-op to boost Aral Sea region agriculture with green innovation. Local Governance Check: Tashkent authorities denied claims that Sergeli car market would be demolished, saying renovation and modernization are underway instead.

GEF in Samarkand: The 71st Global Environment Facility Council opened in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand, with delegates reviewing a $3.9B replenishment for 2026–2030 and pushing stronger safeguards so local communities and Indigenous groups aren’t left behind. Waste Cleanup Drive: Uzbekistan removed over 70,000 tons of household waste across 14,400 mahallas in late May, using 33,000 workers and thousands of sanitation units to improve public health and environmental safety. Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: OSCE, UNU-INWEH and CAREC wrapped a seminar on cooperation over shared waters, stressing inclusive negotiation and data-sharing for transboundary trust. Pasture Restoration in Khatlon: Tajikistan’s resilient landscapes project reported improved winter grazing conditions in Shahritus, Qubodiyon and Nosiri Khusrav, citing rotational grazing and pasture user unions boosting forage productivity. Forestry & Desertification: Uzbekistan and Japan’s OISCA signed an MoU to expand reforestation and sustainable forest management, targeting desertification impacts. Green Energy Corridor Talk: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan reiterated plans to strengthen the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor, aiming for large-scale renewable growth and clean electricity exports.

GEF in Samarkand: Uzbekistan kicked off the Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Samarkand, with the 71st GEF Council meeting also underway as donors and developing countries debate how to scale climate and biodiversity finance toward 2030. GEF-8 funding push: The GEF Council approved a final $144.3m disbursement for GEF-8, backing 16 projects—from protecting migratory bird flyways and improving Central Asia water management to blended finance for renewable power and storage in Uzbekistan. Water diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan called for compensation mechanisms and stronger regional cooperation as glacier melt accelerates and water supplies decline across Central Asia. Local environment governance: Uzbekistan’s environmental agenda is also reflected in the Samarkand talks, where officials stress more accessible, equitable pathways to environmental funding. Aral-era agriculture innovation: ICBA and Uzbekistan launched a co-op to boost Aral Sea region agriculture and green innovation. Clean energy context: A UAE renewables analysis highlights how solar plus storage is becoming a resilience strategy, not just a climate fix.

GEF Funding Boost in Samarkand: The 71st Global Environment Facility Council approved a final $144.3m disbursement under GEF-8 and backed a 16-project plan aimed at 2030 goals, including biodiversity work, ocean ecosystem protection, and Central Asia water management, with Uzbekistan-linked renewable power support via blended finance. Water Security in Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan called for compensation mechanisms for shared water and energy resources as glacier melt accelerates, warning that without glaciers there will be no river water—and no life in valley communities. GEF Council Meeting Focus: The Samarkand gathering, ahead of the Eighth GEF Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, will shape climate and environment funding priorities for 2026–2030, with delegates weighing how to expand access to environmental finance. Climate Adaptation Research: A regional webinar highlighted how rainfall shortages and climate shocks are hitting household incomes and food security across Central Asia, stressing the need to turn research into practical protection for vulnerable groups. Termez Dialogue on Resilience: Uzbekistan will host the second Termez Dialogue on connectivity (June 4–6), with sessions including climate adaptation and environmental resilience.

GEF & Eco Expo Build-Up: GEF acting CEO Claude Gascon arrived in Samarkand ahead of the 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, with Uzbekistan’s ecology and climate committee hosting the delegation and setting the stage for talks on climate, the green economy, and sustainable development. Climate Risk Research: An ADB webinar in the Asian Impact series discussed how rainfall shortages and other climate shocks are hitting household welfare across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with a focus on low-income and female-headed families and the need to turn climate data into practical protection. Aral Sea Green Farming Deal: Uzbekistan and ICBA signed a cooperation agreement for the Aral Sea region targeting climate change, water scarcity, and soil salinization, plus a farmer accelerator program supported by an Abu Dhabi Fund for Development grant. Green Industry via Skills: Uzbekistan held talks on shifting to a green economy by embedding green competencies into TVET and higher education, aligning policy across labor and climate areas, and feeding results into a national roadmap under CAREC. Energy Transition Push: JinkoSolar agreed to supply 1 GW of solar modules to Uzbekistan for distributed generation and large-scale plants, as the country accelerates renewable energy despite heat and sandstorm challenges. Sustainable Telecom: ZTE and Ucell rolled out an AI-RAN network in Uzbekistan that improves energy efficiency by optimizing power use during low traffic while keeping service stable.