A press conference was held at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies ('Green University') under the National Committee of Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, focusing on the international environmental exhibition Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the activities of Green University and 'green' technical colleges.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov, Head of Department at the Ecology Committee Javokhir Abdukhalikov, Department Director at the Ecology Committee Bakhrom Kholkhujaev, Rector of Green University Professor Bakhtiyor Pulatov, staff from the committee and system organizations, regional administrations, and media representatives.
Speaking at the event, Jusipbek Kazbekov noted that Uzbekistan is once again becoming a platform for important international environmental events, with a focus on pressing environmental issues. Discussions will cover climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, combating land degradation and desertification, water resource management, and pollution reduction. He also highlighted the activities of Green University, the only specialized environmental university in Central Asia, and the 'green' technical colleges being established under it.
Javokhir Abdukhalikov provided details on the 8th GEF Assembly, which will feature 9 high-level roundtables, over 50 side events, the announcement of international initiatives, and the launch of new environmental projects. Expected outcomes include attracting grants and investments for green projects, expanding cooperation with international financial institutions, supporting climate adaptation projects, promoting Aral Sea ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and launching cross-border initiatives.
Bakhrom Kholkhujaev spoke about the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 exhibition, which will bring together representatives from over 100 countries, heads of international organizations, diplomats, investors, eco-product manufacturers, eco-innovators, government officials, and experts. The exhibition will feature more than 68 pavilions dedicated to environmental products and services.
The exhibition, organized by the National Committee of Ecology and Climate Change together with Business Congress Management (BCM), will include leading international organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Major foreign companies like Vision Invest (Saudi Arabia), SUEZ (France), Cevia Environment (China), KOMOTO (Japan), EPSOY (Finland), Siberian Wellness (Russia), Bell Energy (UAE), and Oizom Instruments (India) will present corporate pavilions, alongside leading domestic enterprises such as Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine, AKFA, Jizzakh Battery Plant, and Uzkimyosanoat JSC.
An additional 20 pavilions will be organized for startup projects from Uzbekistan and Central Asia to showcase innovative developments. All regions of the country have prepared specific project proposals aimed at climate adaptation, rational use of natural resources, and environmental sustainability, to be presented to international donors and investors.
Rector Bakhtiyor Pulatov emphasized that the quality of education at Green University meets European ESG standards and aims to train globally competitive and socially responsible environmental specialists. The university currently offers bachelor's and master's programs in sustainable development, green economy, environmental law, circular economy, sustainable finance, environmental sciences, and environmental protection. The establishment of 'green' technical colleges across all regions will train specialists with knowledge of local climatic and ecological conditions.
Information was also provided about the Cat X international cat exhibition, to be held from May 29 to 31 at High Town City Mall in Tashkent. Cat X is the only professional cat exhibition in Uzbekistan, promoting responsible animal care, supporting shelters, and developing felinology. In 2025, it featured 80 animals from Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and other countries, with 7,000 visitors. This year, over 12,000 visitors are expected, with participants from Germany, China, Hungary, Latvia, Croatia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
Source: kun.uz