BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. Uzbekistan and
Switzerland discussed expanding cooperation on water management,
climate resilience and environmental research, including a
potential second phase of a project in the Zarafshan River Basin,
during a meeting in Tashkent.
This was reflected in the statement by Uzbekistan’s National
Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, following a meeting
between Aziz Abdukhakimov, adviser to the Uzbek president on
environmental issues and chairman of the National Committee on
Ecology and Climate Change, and Swiss Ambassador to Uzbekistan
Simone Giger to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation and
regional environmental initiatives.
Particular attention was paid to the Climate-Resilient
Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin
project, implemented by Caritas Switzerland with Swiss support. The
initiative focuses on improving water-quality monitoring,
developing environmental flow methodologies and strengthening
integrated river basin management.
The Uzbek side expressed interest in Swiss support for a second
phase of the project to build on existing results and expand
successful approaches.
Moreover, the discussions covered cooperation through the Blue
Peace Central Asia program, including the possibility of launching
a pilot project on environmental flows in a selected river
basin.
The parties explored opportunities to expand scientific and
educational cooperation with Green University and its Regional
Research Institute for Combating Desertification and Developing the
Desert Economy. Proposals included establishing a Swiss-Uzbek Water
Diplomacy Program and a Young Environmental Diplomats Program to
support regional dialogue, joint research and training for
international environmental negotiations.
The meeting also highlighted the role of ARTepa Gallery in
raising environmental awareness through art and cultural
initiatives.
The sides further discussed Eco Expo Central Asia 2027,
scheduled for June 15–17 in Tashkent. Uzbekistan expressed interest
in welcoming a high-level Swiss delegation to the event, which will
focus on green finance, clean technologies, ecotourism,
environmental education, afforestation, green transport and
energy.
“Both sides expressed their interest in further strengthening
cooperation and advancing practical initiatives to support
sustainable development in Uzbekistan and Central Asia,” the
committee said.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uzbekistan’s
environmental partnerships and develop practical solutions to
shared water and climate challenges across Central Asia.
