The President of Uzbekistan called for the unification of international efforts within the framework of the "Green" Silk Road

On October 18, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the opening ceremony of the Third International Forum "One Belt, One Road" and its plenary session on the theme "Joint construction of the "Green" Silk Road in the interests of harmonious coexistence of man and nature" in Beijing.

The summit, moderated by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, was also attended by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, heads of State and Government, heads of financial institutions.

In his speech, the head of our state sincerely congratulated all participants of the event on the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road initiative.

It is noted that in a short period of time this grandiose idea of the revival of the Great Silk Road has gained many supporters, becoming a new model of international cooperation.

Uzbekistan, as a comprehensive strategic partner of China, was among the first to support the Belt and Road initiative. Uzbekistan's firm commitment to further advancing its main goals and objectives was expressed.

The President of our country stressed that the Green Silk Road initiative essentially forms the agenda of a common "green" future.

Uzbekistan fully supports this initiative, which Chinese President Xi Jinping first put forward in our country in 2016.

Pointing to the difficult ecological situation in the region, manifested in the form of abnormal weather conditions, droughts, dust storms, land degradation and desertification, loss of biodiversity, the head of our state said that Central Asia is becoming one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

It was noted that Uzbekistan is implementing a large-scale program to create a Zone of environmental innovations and technologies in the Aral Sea region within the framework of the adopted special resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.

In this context, the results of the Summit of Ambitious Tasks in connection with Climate Change, held at the initiative of the UN Secretary-General in September this year, were highly appreciated.

To exchange views and join efforts in achieving the goals of "green" development in Central Asia, the head of Uzbekistan put forward the initiative to hold the Samarkand International Climate Forum in 2024.

"We hope that this forum will be a practical step in creating a "Samarkand Dialogue for the Future" to find answers to global threats to sustainable development," the President of our country said.

 The interest in the development of broad international cooperation within the framework of the "Green" Silk Road was noted.

In this regard, the leader of Uzbekistan shared his vision of further deepening partnership with China and other participants of the Belt and Road.

Within the framework of the integration of conceptual initiatives – the "Green Agenda of Central Asia" and the "Green Silk Road", it was proposed to develop a full-scale Program of "green" development, including measures and projects of "green" transformation and digitalization of economic sectors, creation of sustainable infrastructure in the transport and energy sectors, launch of "green" industrial capacities, poverty reduction, and also the development of "smart" agriculture.

Another important task on the way of building a "Green" Silk Road is the development of "green" production chains and innovations.

Readiness was expressed to create a Special demonstration technopark in the Aral Sea region with the involvement of leading Chinese companies and other foreign partners to promote industrial and socially significant programs based on the widespread introduction of "green" technologies.

The Head of our state proposed to establish a Green Financing Fund in Uzbekistan for the development of a low-carbon economy and "clean" technologies, the introduction of high environmental standards in the countries of the region.

The leader of Uzbekistan also called for the reduction of restrictions and barriers in mutual trade in "green" goods, especially agricultural products.

It is also proposed to intensify the dialogue on the transition to "green" energy and hold regular meetings of the ministers of the countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. 

The President of Uzbekistan has put forward an initiative to create a scientific and information platform for the transfer of "green" knowledge and solutions on the basis of the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea region.

Taking into account the growing shortage of qualified personnel for the field of "green" development and ecology, the leader of our country called for the development of a program for training specialists and the development of academic exchanges in the field of "green" development and ecology on the basis of the Central Asian University for the Study of the Environment and Climate Change together with leading foreign universities and educational centers.

In addition, the head of our state focused on the issues of respect for natural resources and the environment.

It is proposed to launch a Global program for the development of "green" culture within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, which provides for the holding of ethno-ecological festivals, forums, presentations and other events with the participation of well-known public figures, representatives of science, business and culture.

At the end of his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the fruitful results of the forum will be an important contribution to the common cause of building a "green" future of humanity.