Uzbekistan Hosts Landmark ECO Ministerial Meeting On Environment (PHOTO)

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4. The Sixth Ministerial Meeting on Environment was convened with a focus on programs addressing climate change and biodiversity, the Samarkand Declaration, and regional environmental cooperation, Trend reports via the Uzbek Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.

Held within the framework of the international Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, the meeting brought together heads of environmental agencies, representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Secretariat, international organizations, and environmental experts to deliberate on regional responses to climate and environmental challenges.

In his opening remarks, Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of Uzbekistan on environmental issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, underscored the significance of the event.

“Today's meeting carries special importance. For the first time in the past twelve years, environment ministers from ECO member states have convened to develop coordinated approaches to contemporary environmental challenges,” Abdukhakimov stated.

Participants reviewed a series of policy documents, including the ECO Framework Program for Environmental Cooperation 2026–2030, thematic work programs on climate change and biodiversity, and the Samarkand Declaration, described by officials as the foundation for a new phase of regional environmental partnership.

Discussions concentrated on member states' environmental priorities, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable management of natural resources, prevention of land degradation, and biodiversity conservation. Delegates further examined strategies to combat desertification, strengthen scientific and technical cooperation, promote sustainable forest management, and enhance preparedness for sand and dust storms.

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