DUSHANBE, 21.06.2024 /NIAT «Khovar»/— On 19 June 2024, Tashkent hosted the first high-level political regional dialogue under the slogan “Building a clean air future in Central Asia”, organized by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan jointly with the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The regional dialogue brought together representatives of various government agencies in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The event was also attended by leading experts in the field of air quality management from Asia and Europe.

The purpose of the event is to promote coordinated actions by the countries of the region and the exchange of knowledge in the field of air pollution prevention.

“Uzbekistan, like other Central Asian countries, is facing challenges related to air pollution, and we understand that this problem requires urgent and effective measures. We recognize the importance of cooperation and the exchange of experience in this area, since environmental problems have no boundaries. I believe that this event will become a fruitful platform for sharing knowledge, discussing promising approaches, and developing specific measures aimed at improving the quality of atmospheric air in our countries”, said Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Jusipbek Kazbekov.

During the event, participants studied government measures and practices in the field of air quality management in Central Asian countries. A methodology for the exchange of data on the effects of air pollution was presented, and priority areas were identified to accelerate regional cooperation in the field of air quality management. Representatives of the countries participating in the dialogue confirmed the determination of their governments to deepen cooperation and develop appropriate government measures to improve air quality.