Uzbekistan to host major global environmental summit in 2026

Country to lead regional efforts with Eco Expo, endangered species summit, and cross-border conservation push

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan will host the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Donor Assembly in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing leadership on environmental and climate issues in Central Asia.

The announcement was made by Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abduhakimov at the Samarkand International Climate Forum.

“Holding the assembly will strengthen cooperation with donor countries and help mobilize additional funding and technical assistance for Central Asian states,” Abduhakimov said.

The initiative was reported by Gazeta.uz, which noted the government’s broader plans to position Uzbekistan as a hub for environmental diplomacy in the region.

In addition to the GEF Assembly, Uzbekistan will organize several major international and regional events focused on sustainability and ecological preservation.

The first-ever Eco Expo Central Asia will be held in Tashkent from 19–21 June.

The event will spotlight environmental education, eco-tourism, green energy and finance, clean-tech innovation, sustainable transport, and best available technologies.

Another major event will follow in November, when Samarkand hosts the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“COP20 in Samarkand will provide an opportunity for discussions on sustainability, the legality of international wildlife trade, species conservation and sustainable resource management,” said Abduhakimov.

He added that the CITES framework remains one of the world’s most effective mechanisms for protecting wildlife, regulating trade in nearly 41,000 species of animals and plants.

These developments were discussed during a forum panel titled “Central Asia Facing the Challenges of the Triple Planetary Crisis,” which addressed climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Key focus areas included mitigating ecosystem damage, preserving endangered species, managing air, water and soil contamination, and fostering cooperation on protected areas and environmental treaties.

According to the Ministry of Ecology, a key strategy involves establishing transboundary protected zones and launching regional conservation programs.

Strengthening collaboration on biodiversity protection, pollution control and climate adaptation will be essential to preserving natural ecosystems, sustaining vital resources, and promoting long-term economic stability across Central Asia.