The Esteemed President Took Part in the International Forum Entitled “Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Unity for Common Prosperity”

On March 4, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who arrived in Samarkand for the first “Central Asia–European Union” Summit, also took part in the opening ceremony of the international forum “Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Unity for Common Prosperity” held here.

The two-day forum, organized at the Congress Center of the “Silk Road Samarkand” complex, has become one of the most significant global events in the field of ecology and climate change.

Among its participants are the Heads of State of Central Asia, leaders of the European Union, leading global experts, government officials and members of the governments of several foreign countries, representatives of international organizations and major financial institutions.

Among the distinguished guests are the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa, Deputy Secretary-Generals of the UN – Executive Director of UN-Habitat Maimunah Mohd Sharif and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Ibrahim Thiaw, as well as Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS Ivana Živković, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Kyriakos Kakouris and others.

Warmly welcoming the numerous participants of the international climate forum dedicated to the main challenge of modern times – global climate change – President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of ensuring environmental well-being and, in this regard, noted the need to strengthen dialogue and develop joint actions to address climate issues relevant to all humanity as a key factor in universal sustainable development.

A video address by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was then shown, in which the head of the authoritative international organization specifically emphasized the relevance of the topic raised and the initiatives proposed by the countries of the Central Asian region, wishing success in the work of the climate forum aimed at consolidating efforts to address common environmental issues of the modern world.

Next, the floor was given to the distinguished guests of the forum.

Speaking to those gathered, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that issues related to climate change have traditionally occupied a special place within the “Central Asia–European Union” format.

– I believe that our task today is to outline the main, priority directions of cooperation and create solid prerequisites for their implementation, – said the President of Turkmenistan, emphasizing that the European Union is considered a promising partner on fundamental issues of the climate agenda.

The basis for such interaction is the shared commitment to key international conventions, treaties, and agreements, primarily the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

Among the most important issues, the head of Turkmenistan primarily highlighted decarbonization and the reduction of methane emissions.

As is known, Turkmenistan has made a number of significant practical steps in this direction in recent times.

Thus, in 2023, a Commission on the Reduction of Methane Emissions was established. In December of the same year, it was officially announced that Turkmenistan had joined the Global Methane Pledge. In addition, the Government adopted a Roadmap for International Cooperation of Turkmenistan with foreign countries and international organizations on the reduction of methane emissions into the atmosphere.

As a result, by the end of 2024, methane emissions in our country were reduced by 11 percent, which exceeds the planned level.

– An important aspect of the partnership is the implementation of Turkmenistan’s environmental initiatives, which are widely known and have both regional and global significance. Among them are the creation of a Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia and the development of a Program for Transition to a Circular Economy, – continued the head of state, noting that Turkmenistan counts on the support of the European Union in the implementation of these initiatives.

As was emphasized, partnership priorities with the EU also include the “green transition” in energy, industry, transport, and other important sectors of the economy related to production and livelihoods.

– We invite the European Union to substantive and long-term joint work. By proposing to intensify dialogue on “green” issues, we consider it appropriate to allocate this topic as a separate area of activity within our format and to start developing specific plans for cooperation in the near future, – said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Special attention was also given to water-related issues, which are of fundamental importance to the region. Here, according to the head of state, technological and methodological assistance from the European Union can have a positive impact on solving existing challenges.

– Turkmenistan’s position on water policy issues in the region is well known. These issues must be resolved based on three key principles: compliance with international law; mutual consideration of interests; involvement of international organizations, and primarily the UN, – stated the President of the country.

As was noted, in order to preserve and strengthen good neighborliness, development, and cooperation in Central Asia, and to establish a mechanism for water use from the region’s transboundary rivers, Turkmenistan proposed to the UN General Assembly the initiative to create a UN Regional Council on Water Use Issues in the Central Asian countries.

Among the key issues of environmental, socio-economic, and humanitarian well-being in the region, the saving of the Aral Sea was also highlighted. It was emphasized that Turkmenistan expects a more concrete and targeted international discussion of this problem, including the development of support measures for the activities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, based on relevant UN General Assembly resolutions. In this regard, it was proposed to jointly and persistently seek full implementation of these documents.

In conclusion of his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov once again thanked President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the excellent organization of the Summit, and the entire brotherly people of Uzbekistan – for their hospitality and warm welcome.

Tomorrow the forum will continue its work within the framework of specialized sessions: “Green Economy as a Path to Sustainable Development”; “Preserving Biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems of Central Asia in Response to Climate Challenges”; “Clean Energy: The Basis for Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Development”; “Integrated Water Resources Management in the Context of Climate Change in Central Asia”; “Youth: Looking to the Future with Optimism”; “Sustainable Cities and Climate Issues: Integrated Planning and Management”; “Scientific Approaches and Innovative Solutions to the Problem of Climate Change: Global Challenges and Local Strategies.”

At the conclusion of the two-day working visit program, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proceeded to the International Airport of the city of Samarkand, from where he departed for the Homeland.

After the flight, the aircraft landed at Ashgabat International Airport, where the head of the Turkmen state was met by officials.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan