Foreign delegations have begun arriving in Samarkand to participate in the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 exhibition. One of the first high-profile guests was Claude Gascon, Acting CEO and Director of Strategy and Operations of the GEF.

At Samarkand Airport, the guest was welcomed by representatives of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, led by First Deputy Minister of Ecology Obidjon Kudratov.

Following the meeting, the delegation headed to the Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex, where the main forum events will be held.

For reference: The 8th GEF Assembly will take place from May 30 to June 6. Held every four years, it is considered the largest event in the environmental field. Delegations from 186 countries, including ministers, international organizations, businesses, and the scientific community, are expected to participate.

Key global challenges will be at the center of discussions: climate change, biodiversity conservation, combating land degradation, water resource management, and reducing environmental pollution.

Special attention will be given to the new GEF financial strategy for 2026–2030, which envisages a comprehensive approach to solving environmental problems.

The Assembly program includes high-level plenary sessions, thematic roundtables, civil society forums, and project presentations. GEF Council meetings are also planned, where key initiatives and financing issues will be considered.

Source: podrobno.uz