Antalya, Türkiye — The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) continued in Antalya, where Uzbekistan’s delegation presented a set of initiatives on climate finance, population migration, industrial decarbonization, water conservation and development of the Aral Sea region. On the second day of the summit, officials stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, closer dialogue with international financial institutions and practical project implementation.
Key Takeaways: On COP31’s second day, Uzbekistan proposed a “5+5” dialogue to coordinate climate finance in Central Asia and offered to host its first meeting in Tashkent in 2027. Central Asian and South Caucasus countries signed the “Silk Road” regional declaration on climate migration. Uzbekistan also presented a roadmap for decarbonizing its cement industry and shared experience from the FOLUR-Uzbekistan project on water and land restoration.
The proposals reflect a push to pool financial and technical resources for Central Asia, a region facing growing climate risks. The “5+5” platform would bring together five regional states and five international climate funds to align investment priorities, develop projects jointly and use international resources more efficiently. Supporters say the mechanism could help address the Aral Sea crisis, water scarcity and ecological pressure on border areas, though its effectiveness will depend on clear funding commitments and coordination among donors.
At Uzbekistan’s national pavilion, participants discussed industrial decarbonization and the transition to a low-carbon economy. A roadmap for decarbonizing the cement sector identified energy efficiency, prudent resource use, modern technology adoption and investment attraction as priorities. According to figures presented at the event, industry accounted for 26.8 percent of Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product at the end of 2025.
The conference also focused on the link between demographic growth and climate change. A study prepared by Uzbekistan and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) noted that the country’s population could exceed 52 million by 2050. Over the past six decades, average annual temperatures in Uzbekistan have risen by about 1.6 degrees Celsius, according to the presentation; discussions covered the implications for water and food security, infrastructure and public health.
Practical solutions for water conservation and land restoration were also showcased. At an event held with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), participants presented the FOLUR-Uzbekistan project’s experience, including rainwater harvesting, artificial glaciers using “Ice Stupa” technology and restoration of degraded land. Looking ahead, the delegation expects to seek stronger recognition of regional initiatives in COP31’s final documents, define practical financing steps and begin preparations for the 2027 Tashkent meeting.
Source: kun.uz