COP28: Uzbekistan pays special attention to the problem of desertification, land degradation and food security at the climate conference in the UAE

Monday, 4 december 2023

On November 30, the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) began in Dubai (UAE). The large-scale event is attended by 70 thousand people from 200 countries, including state leaders, representatives of diplomatic corps, the public sector, entrepreneurs, experts, scientists, environmental activists, the media, etc.

Within the framework of the conference, Uzbekistan takes an active part, together with neighboring countries, in the global climate agenda, including the issue of combating climate change in Central Asia.

For information: COP – The UN Climate Change Conference is today the highest negotiating body for the implementation of the provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the Paris Agreement (PA). Uzbekistan signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1993, the Kyoto Protocol on November 20, 1998, and the Paris Agreement on April 19, 2017.

The 28th annual Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change aims to achieve ambitious goals of limiting global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, increasing funding for climate change programs in developing countries and increasing investment in adaptation to the climate.

It is planned that the international event will strengthen the voice and position of the Central Asian region. It should be noted that Uzbekistan is in line with the UAE’s COP-28 goal of accelerating inclusive action in the fight against climate change, and the republic is ready to play its role in strengthening multilateral relations and ensuring the success of the conference.

The Conference will include sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI). In addition, if necessary, meetings of special negotiating groups will be convened.

Given that Central Asia is already experiencing severe climate impacts due to the drying up of the Aral Sea and other environmental issues, regional cooperation on climate change and environmental degradation is essential.

Uzbekistan is represented at COP28 as part of a single Central Asian pavilion of five countries, presenting joint efforts to strengthen the position of “One Region, One Voice”.

The Republic is represented in the blue and green zones of the national pavilion of Central Asia. It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan was invited for the first time to present its achievements in the field of green education at the meetings of the UNESCO Environmental Education Partnership (GEP).

It is worth noting that Uzbekistan is actively working on decarbonization, reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, especially gas (CO2). Climate adaptation and decarbonization of Uzbekistan is an important step towards achieving sustainable development goals and improving living standards.

Sustainable urban development is a major global issue today and will also be a major focus at COP28. In urbanization processes, it is necessary to take into account that “green” areas are important for human health and the environment. At the same time, Uzbekistan is actively working to improve sustainable urban governance through initiatives such as the nationwide Yashil Makon (“Green Space”) project.

At the 21st session of CRIC21, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Samarkand, the problems of land degradation and the fight against sand and dust storms (SDS) were discussed. Uzbekistan pays special attention to them at the current COP28 event.

In conclusion, the cultural and historical ties between the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia are deep-rooted. At the same time, this is significantly influenced by geographical proximity and general environmental problems, which must be addressed by constantly strengthening international cooperation.