AGP Executive Report

Uzbekistan’s Green Push in Agriculture: President Mirziyoyev signed a decree to modernize intensive fruit orchards and vineyards, aiming to bring 172,000 hectares online by end-2028, with fast reclassification rules and tough penalties for delays. Climate Finance & Energy Reform: Uzbekistan received a $5M World Bank iCRAFT grant tranche after verified emissions cuts, tying payments to monetized carbon units and results-based financing for grid modernization. Water, Land & Ecosystems: Central Asia consultations on “One Health” wrapped up, aligning regional pandemic prevention, food-system resilience, and ecosystem health plans ahead of a June 25 council meeting. Wildlife & Biodiversity Cooperation: Uzbekistan joined regional efforts to protect mountain ecosystems and wildlife, highlighting species like snow leopard, argali, and saiga as shared transboundary priorities. Forests as a “Green Shield”: CAREC-backed analysis supports Uzbekistan’s updated Forest Code, shifting forest law toward ecosystem services to fight desertification and protect hydrology. Green Procurement Finance: Uzbekistan and the Islamic Development Bank discussed using Islamic finance tools to expand sustainable, green public procurement and improve access for SMEs. Policy Watch: The Senate plenary on June 13 includes noise pollution protection and hunting regulation oversight alongside judicial and anti-corruption reforms.

Green Procurement Finance: Uzbekistan’s Agency for Industrial Cooperation and State Procurement met the Islamic Development Bank to expand small and medium firms’ access to state contracts, using Islamic finance tools and pushing sustainable and green public procurement, with a strong focus on anti-corruption and digital transparency. Wildlife & Mountain Ecosystems: Central Asian countries signed a mountain ecosystem declaration at a GEF-linked event, spotlighting transboundary wildlife like snow leopard, argali and saiga, and calling for ecological corridors and community-linked conservation. Forest Code Update: CAREC-backed analysis says Uzbekistan is updating its Forest Code to build a legal “green shield,” treating forests as climate resilience infrastructure and ecosystem-service providers to fight desertification and protect water. Climate Results Funding: Uzbekistan completed a $5M World Bank iCRAFT tranche after verified emissions cuts, monetizing carbon units tied to energy transformation and grid modernization. Agri Tech for Climate-Smart Farming: Uzbekistan is moving toward AI farming and genomics to breed climate-resilient crops, while a 5-year pact links an agriculture university with a soil analysis centre for dual education and applied soil science. Land Restoration Cooperation: A new RESILAND CA+ report urges harmonized cross-border policies for degraded land restoration, biodiversity, and wildfire prevention across Central Asia. Aquaculture Expansion: Uzbekistan plans to more than double fish output to 500,000 tons using water-efficient intensive systems, solar support, and digital oversight—aimed at sustainable food production.

School Nutrition & Ecology: A Nestlé-backed “Health Routes” program is now reaching 12,000+ Uzbek students nationwide, adding a hands-on “Food Laboratory” format to teach nutrition, hygiene, physical activity, and environmental responsibility. Wildlife & Health Research: A Caspian cobra sighting on Uzbekistan’s steppe is again sparking interest in how its venom could support future medical research, as human activity increasingly overlaps with snake habitats. Climate Governance in Central Asia: Uzbekistan-linked coverage highlights the push to turn regional climate talks into a practical joint-action platform, aiming to coordinate water, land, energy, and climate finance across borders. Pharma Regulation: Uzbekistan has moved to align drug registration rules with international standards, including new disclosure requirements for GMO and prion-related risks. Energy & Power Outlook: Fitch upgraded the outlook for key Uzbekistan state utilities after a sovereign rating improvement, signaling steadier conditions for the power sector. Digital Mapping for Resilience: Volunteer mappers have added 1M+ objects to Yandex Maps across Uzbekistan since 2020, improving navigation and emergency access. Cybersecurity Alert: Uzbekistan’s cybersecurity center warns of phishing surges after breaches of government and university email accounts.

Climate Action Platform: Uzbekistan-backed Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC) is being built into a regular regional mechanism to turn NDC/NAP promises into joint action, climate finance mobilization, and cross-border coordination. Sustainable Cotton: Uzbekistan and Better Cotton agreed to expand cooperation on environmentally and socially responsible cotton production and strengthen compliance with global sustainability standards. Mining & ESG: Uzbekistan and Sweden signed a mining MOU to deepen technology transfer, workforce training, and ESG-aligned sustainable development in the extractives sector. One Health in the Region: A One Health regional secretariat for pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health is coordinating cross-border work on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety across Central Asia. Biodiversity Funding: GEF approved a conservation initiative in Papua New Guinea to protect 700,000 hectares of highlands by centering Indigenous communities—highlighting how nature finance can scale biodiversity protection. World Cup Carbon Scrutiny: New estimates warn the 2026 World Cup could be the most polluting ever, with emissions driven mainly by long-distance travel. Mapping for Resilience: Yandex Maps volunteer mappers added 1M+ objects across Uzbekistan since 2020, improving navigation and emergency response data.

One Health Coordination: Uzbekistan-hosted regional One Health Secretariat in Central Asia was set up to coordinate cross-border action on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety, with capacity-building and a shared One Health portal. Sustainable Development Ties: Uzbekistan and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation on energy efficiency, agriculture, healthcare, and workforce development, including resource-saving technologies and rural “One Village – One Product” expansion. Urban Planning Overhaul: President Mirziyoyev reviewed reforms to modernize Uzbekistan’s urban planning and construction, aiming to expand master plans, digitize planning data, and better link infrastructure, land use, and environmental protection. Water & Land Resilience: At the GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Central Asia launched the CAWLN Water–Land Nexus Programme to tackle shrinking rivers, degraded soils, and rising temperatures through more integrated management. Climate Finance Push: Egypt urged stronger, predictable climate finance for developing countries at the GEF assembly, stressing biodiversity loss, land degradation, and drought resilience. Clean Mobility for Kids: Bukhara held a World Environment Day bike marathon for toddlers to build early eco-minded habits and promote cleaner transport. Aviation Safety & Green Fuel Pressure: IATA warned aviation faces compounding safety risks and a SAF shortfall, threatening progress on aviation’s green goals. Critical Minerals Strategy: Central Asia’s critical minerals drive is accelerating cooperation and investment talks, with the region positioned as a key supplier for batteries, renewables, and advanced tech.

Clean Energy Push: Uzbekistan’s solar and wind output surged 28% in 2026, reaching 5 billion kWh by June 8 and cutting gas use by about 1.3 billion cubic meters while preventing 2.9 million tonnes of emissions. Water & Land Cooperation: At the GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Central Asia launched the CAWLN Water–Land Nexus Programme to tackle shrinking rivers, land degradation and climate-driven stress across five countries. Buildings Decarbonization: Uzbekistan approved phased Zero Energy Building standards by 2040, aiming to cut natural gas dependency in public construction and tighten energy-efficiency rules. Local Eco Education: Bukhara held a kids’ bike marathon on World Environment Day, linking early cycling habits with ecological responsibility. Aviation Safety & Climate: IATA warned that conflicts are disrupting air routes and navigation systems, while also flagging pressure on aviation’s green fuel goals. World Cup Footprint: New estimates put 2026 World Cup emissions at 7.8 million tonnes, with travel driving most of the carbon cost.

Renewables Boom: Uzbekistan’s solar and wind plants hit 5 billion kWh since Jan 1, up 28% year-on-year, cutting about 1.3 billion cubic meters of gas use and preventing 2.9 million tonnes of emissions. Green Buildings: The government approved phased Zero Energy Building standards by 2040, aiming to cut natural gas dependency in public construction, with strict energy-efficiency rules and a 2025 rollout. Water Security: GEF launched the Central Asia Water-Land Nexus (CAWLN) program across five countries to tackle water stress and land degradation in the Amudarya and Syrdarya basins supporting 60 million people. Investment for Sustainability: Tashkent’s Investment Forum 2026 (June 16–18) will bring 8,000 guests from 99 countries, with deals spanning energy, transport, agriculture, digital tech and AI. Policy Integrity: Uzbekistan plans an automated income and asset declaration system for judges and court staff, backed by a new compliance control service to curb corruption risks. World Cup Climate Watch: New estimates warn the 2026 World Cup could generate 7.8 million tonnes of CO2, driven mainly by travel.

Renewables Surge in Uzbekistan: Solar and wind generation in Uzbekistan topped 5 billion kWh since the start of the year, up 28% year-on-year, with solar contributing about 60% and the output helping save gas and cut millions of tons of harmful emissions. Cleaner Pest Control in Central Asia: Kazakhstan and China completed field trials of a fungal locust biocontrol agent targeting Moroccan locusts, pointing to a potentially lower-impact alternative to conventional insecticides. Water-Land Cooperation: A Central Asia Water-Land Nexus programme moved into implementation under the GEF, bringing five countries together to strengthen integrated land and water management amid rising climate pressure. Judicial Integrity Push: Uzbekistan plans an automated income and asset declaration system for judges and court staff, plus a compliance control service to detect corruption risks and conflicts of interest earlier. GEF Assembly Momentum in Samarkand: The GEF-8 cycle wrapped with renewed focus on nature, climate and pollution, while countries used the Samarkand meetings to press for faster, fairer access to environmental finance. World Cup Climate Scrutiny: Reporting ahead of the 2026 tournament warns its expanded footprint could more than double the climate cost of Qatar 2022, driven largely by travel emissions.

GEF Nature-Finance Push: The Eighth GEF Assembly in Samarkand kicked off the GEF-9 cycle (2026–2030) with a Nature–Climate–Pollution agenda, while GEF Council decisions approved $232.5m for 24 projects and endorsed a $3.9b replenishment “final sprint” toward 2030 goals. CTBT Anniversary Diplomacy: Uzbekistan joined a high-level regional meeting in Ashgabat marking the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, with Central Asian states reaffirming disarmament and non-proliferation commitments. Aviation Green Fuel Warning: IATA says the SAF supply crunch is worsening—SAF is under 1% of jet fuel demand—and jet fuel shocks plus policy gaps could derail aviation’s green targets, raising the stakes for sustainable fuel scaling. Uzbekistan Climate & Water Work: Uzbekistan’s climate resilience efforts in the Zarafshan basin drew high recognition at an exhibition tied to integrated water resources management, highlighting progress on water governance and climate adaptation. Construction & Environment Rules: Tashkent introduced stricter environmental and safety regulations for construction sites, aiming to improve compliance and reduce local impacts. Regional Water Risk Lens: A new focus on Central Asia’s water crisis frames it as an economic risk, stressing that climate pressures are outpacing regional coordination.

Aviation Green Goals Under Pressure: IATA warns the jet fuel crisis and a severe SAF shortage are pushing airlines toward billions in potential compliance penalties, noting SAF is still under 1% of global demand despite rising capacity. Uzbekistan’s Carbon Credit Boost: IATA chief Willie Walsh singled out Uzbekistan as a top supplier of eligible aviation carbon credits (EEUs) for CORSIA, praising the country’s administrative progress. Climate Resilience in Water Management: Uzbekistan’s Zarafshan River Basin project pavilion drew high-level attention, with Swiss partners highlighting gains in climate resilience and water resources management. Uzbekistan–Russia Energy Move: Mirziyoyev joined Putin in launching construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear plant power unit, with IAEA oversight cited for safety and international standards. Nature Finance Push at GEF: The GEF council approved a major $232.5M package for 24 projects, while leaders urged faster, more transformational nature and climate funding toward 2030. Local Environment Capacity: Tashkent Pharma Park’s delegation studied India’s cluster model, including common effluent treatment plants and wastewater sustainability practices.

GEF in Samarkand: The 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly wrapped in Uzbekistan with a $3.9bn funding push toward 2030, while Interim CEO Claude Gascon warned the world’s nature and climate crises still outpace available money. Aviation climate push: IATA says Uzbekistan is among the top countries supplying eligible aviation carbon credits for CORSIA, and urges Uzbekistan to adopt a stronger national aviation strategy. Nuclear energy milestone: Uzbekistan and Russia moved ahead on construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant unit, with IAEA oversight highlighted. Green finance gap calls: Small island states and other vulnerable countries pressed for faster, simpler climate funding and more blended finance as the GEF cycle ends. Construction oversight reform: Uzbekistan proposed a risk-scoring system for developers using permits, violations, complaints, and public sources to guide inspections. Regional sustainability cooperation: SCO industry ministers backed low-carbon initiatives and plans for special industrial zones, tech exchange, and joint exhibitions. Cyber and privacy risk: A report claims some smart TVs and apps can be used as proxy nodes for data scraping, raising new concerns for digital safety.

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.