AGP Executive Report

One Health & Avian Flu: A regional online webinar on “Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza” will run July 21, focusing on wildlife surveillance, safe handling of dead birds, lab diagnostics, and cross-sector coordination across Central Asia. Green Education: CAREC’s Turkmenistan office visited Uzbekistan’s Green University to expand environmental education and skills for sustainable development, including six study quotas for Turkmen citizens. Climate Policy in the Region: Kyrgyzstan adopted Central Asia’s first framework climate law, covering emissions cuts, adaptation, climate finance, carbon registries, and training from Jan 1, 2027. Air Quality Transparency: Tajikistan launched an official air-quality website for multiple cities, aiming to improve public access to monitoring data amid disputes over external assessments. Water & Food Security: A regional “One Health” coordination meeting approved shared rules and plans, with preparations for joint outbreak drills and unified lab standards. Trade & Transport Greening: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan discussed trans-Caspian logistics upgrades, including a joint cargo fleet and a logistics hub to cut transit times and costs.

Air Quality Transparency: Tajikistan launched an air-quality monitoring website (airquality.meteo.tj) for Dushanbe and other cities, aiming to standardize readings and respond to criticism from international platforms. One Health Coordination: CAREC convened regional “One Health” meetings where Central Asian states approved a security framework (council regulations, action plan, communication plan) and began planning joint outbreak drills, shared lab standards, and a digital portal. Climate Law Milestone: Kyrgyzstan adopted Central Asia’s first framework climate law, covering emissions policy, adaptation, climate finance, carbon neutrality tools, and a national registry—effective from Jan 1, 2027. Cross-Border Air Pollution: Tashkent and Astana launched a joint effort to tackle cross-border air pollution. Green Tech & Water: Korea Water Resources Corporation joined GGGI’s Green Business platform, building on cooperation tied to smart irrigation in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan Industry Push: Uzbekistan’s ferrous metallurgy sector is urged to boost efficiency via AI and digitalization while addressing high energy use and reliance on imported raw materials. Regional Infrastructure: Construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway moved into an active phase, with Kyrgyzstan stressing environmental standards and local materials.

Transboundary Air Pollution: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to form a joint working group of scientists and sector experts to strengthen air-quality monitoring and cut cross-border pollution, focusing on PM2.5 and PM10 and coordinated decision-making. Smart Water & Climate Finance: Korea Water Resources Corporation joined GGGI’s Green Business Platform, aiming to speed up commercialization of water and energy projects; it also highlighted joint work on a Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan smart irrigation system. Green Tech in Agriculture: Chinese and Pakistani universities launched a joint lab for smart, sustainable farming in arid regions, reporting collection of stress-resistant crop germplasm from Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Rail With Environmental Guardrails: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway entered an active construction phase in Kyrgyzstan, with officials stressing use of local materials and compliance with environmental standards. Water Stress Focus: UN reporting says Uzbekistan has made major progress reducing water stress, while challenges remain. Energy Transition Push: The ADB debuted its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative in Samarkand, linking clean power infrastructure across Asia to support the region’s growing demand. Coal Market Shift: Uzbekistan ended state price regulation for coal, with prices rising sharply as production also fell in early 2026.

Transboundary Air Quality: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to set up a joint working group of scientists and sector experts to strengthen air monitoring and cut cross-border pollution, focusing on PM2.5 and PM10 and coordinated decisions. Water Security: A new UN-Water case study says Uzbekistan has achieved one of the world’s fastest reductions in water stress through water-saving reforms and irrigation modernization, while warning climate change and rising demand still threaten gains. Green Energy Grids: The ADB launched its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative in Samarkand, aiming to connect fragmented regional power networks and support the clean-energy push alongside a wider digital highway plan. Green Tech for Agriculture: Japan’s Sumitomo proposed a pilot to replace coal-fired greenhouse heating with energy-efficient heat pumps, including a demonstration site in Samarkand’s Green Territory project. Coal Market Shift: Uzbekistan’s coal prices jumped after the abolition of state price controls, with production also falling sharply in early 2026. Investment & Jobs: A World Bank report says Uzbekistan could draw $5.2–$6.4bn in private investment and create 300,000+ jobs by reforming logistics, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. Climate-ready Education: UNESCO and partners are convening a summit to speed up climate-ready education, with Uzbekistan’s region highlighted through cooperation themes.

Transboundary Air Quality: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to set up a joint working group of scientists and sector experts to strengthen atmospheric monitoring and cut cross-border air pollution, including shared tracking of PM2.5 and PM10 and coordinated steps under the Clean Air project. Water Security: A new UN-Water case study says Uzbekistan has achieved one of the world’s fastest reductions in water stress through water-saving reforms, irrigation modernization and regional cooperation, while warning climate change and rising demand still put pressure on freshwater. Green Heating for Industry: Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation proposed a pilot to help Uzbekistan replace coal-fired greenhouse heating with energy-efficient systems like heat pumps, including a demonstration site planned in Samarkand’s Green Territory project. Clean Energy Grids: The ADB unveiled its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative (PAGI) in Samarkand, aiming to connect fragmented regional power networks and speed up clean energy deployment across Asia. Climate Policy Framework: Kyrgyzstan adopted a new “Climate Activity” law that creates a legal framework for state climate policy, taking effect January 1, 2027. Coal Market Shift: Uzbekistan’s coal prices jumped after the abolition of state price controls, with output also falling sharply in early 2026.

Transboundary Air Pollution: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to set up a joint working group of scientists and sector experts to strengthen air quality monitoring and cut cross-border pollution, focusing on PM2.5/PM10 and coordinated decisions. Water Security: A UN-Water case study says Uzbekistan has achieved one of the world’s fastest reductions in water stress through water-saving reforms and more efficient irrigation, while warning climate change and rising demand still threaten supplies. Green Heating for Greenhouses: Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation proposed a pilot to help Uzbekistan replace coal-fired greenhouse heating with energy-efficient systems, including heat pumps, with a demonstration site planned in Samarkand. Coal Price Shock: Uzbekistan lifted state price controls on coal from June 1, moving to market-based exchange pricing—coal prices jumped while early-2026 production fell sharply. Education for Sustainability: UNESCO and partners are convening a ministerial summit on climate-ready education; Uzbekistan is among ministers discussing how to align training and curricula with international standards. Labor Standards: Uzbekistan held a Tashkent conference on implementing global trade union standards to strengthen workers’ rights and social dialogue in energy, oil and gas, and mining. Industrial Weighing Tech: Multiple releases from BINCEN highlight anti-cheating weighbridges and automated weighing/batching systems, including guidance for harsh heat and humidity conditions—relevant for cleaner, more reliable logistics and construction operations.

Transboundary Air Quality: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to set up a joint working group of scientists and sector experts to strengthen atmospheric monitoring and cut cross-border air pollution, focusing on PM2.5/PM10 and coordinated decision-making. Water Security: A new UN-Water case study says Uzbekistan has achieved one of the world’s fastest reductions in water stress through water-saving reforms, irrigation modernization and regional cooperation—while warning climate change and rising demand still threaten progress. Green Heating for Agriculture: Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation proposed a pilot to replace coal-fired greenhouse heating with energy-efficient heat-pump technology, including a demonstration site planned in Samarkand’s Green Territory project. Clean Power Grids: The Asian Development Bank launched its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative in Samarkand, aiming to connect fragmented regional energy networks and speed up clean power integration across Asia. Private Investment Push: A World Bank report estimates Uzbekistan could draw $5.2–$6.4bn in private investment and create 300,000+ jobs by reforming logistics, tourism and pharmaceuticals. Coal Market Shift: Uzbekistan’s coal prices jumped after state price regulation was removed, while production fell sharply in the first five months.

Water Stress Update: A new UN-Water case study says Uzbekistan has cut water stress faster than most countries by conserving water, modernizing irrigation, and boosting regional cooperation—while warning climate change and rising demand still threaten freshwater security and Aral Sea-linked environmental damage remains. Clean Power Grids: The Asian Development Bank debuted its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative in Samarkand, aiming to connect fragmented regional energy networks and accelerate clean electricity deployment across Central Asia and beyond. Climate Risk Data: Central Asian partners in Bishkek discussed a regional online catalogue to map climate-induced natural hazards, improve geospatial data sharing, and strengthen public safety planning. Sustainable Education: UNESCO and the Greening Education Partnership highlighted climate-ready education approaches, with Uzbekistan joining a panel on preparing education systems for climate change. Policy & Finance: Uzbekistan’s Senate approved the constitutional law for the Tashkent International Financial Centre, creating a special legal regime and incentives to attract international investment. Biodiversity Note: Tajikistan reports markhor numbers rising to over 7,000 after conservation efforts—species range includes parts of Uzbekistan.

Desertification Fight: President Mirziyoyev approved a 2026–2030 anti-desertification push and the “Green Samarkand” plan, targeting 1.27mn hectares of new forests, protective belts, and a “green wall” in Syrdarya to curb dust and protect livelihoods. Circular Transport Policy: Uzbekistan dropped a proposed eco-fee for owners of 30-year-old and older cars, replacing it with a market-based system using independent vehicle assessment and recycling companies. Climate Risk Data: Central Asia is moving toward a regional online catalogue of transboundary climate hazards, with plans for shared geospatial layers covering floods, droughts, mudflows and satellite monitoring. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Tajikistan reports markhor numbers rising to over 7,000 after conservation efforts, improving the species’ status from earlier IUCN listings. Nuclear Fuel Watch: India’s NTPC is seeking overseas uranium mines to support major nuclear expansion; the move keeps uranium supply and environmental concerns in the spotlight, including links to Uzbekistan in current import flows. Green Energy Industry: Uzbekistan’s desert economy and reforestation efforts align with broader low-carbon plans, including a SAF complex concept using agricultural residues and solar power. Tech for Sustainability: ITU’s “AI for Good Lab” initiative includes Uzbekistan, aiming to scale locally relevant AI for sectors like agriculture and health.

Desertification Fight: President Mirziyoyev approved a 2026–2030 push to curb desertification, including reforestation across 1.27mn hectares, protective forest belts on 16,000 hectares, a 10,000-hectare green expansion in Surkhandarya, and an 84km “green wall” in Syrdarya—part of a broader “desert economy” plan to protect ecosystems and livelihoods. Clean Aviation Push: Sinopec Engineering signed FEED work for Central Asia’s first integrated sustainable aviation fuel complex in Uzbekistan, targeting biomass-based SAF plus e-SAF and green diesel, using residues like straw and rice husks, with solar power supporting production. Climate Resilience in the Region: Kyrgyzstan’s RESILAND Kyrgyzstan and RESILAND CA+ programs are advancing glacier, snow, mudflow and flood monitoring, while building a unified regional knowledge and digital portal to share restoration and climate adaptation know-how across Central Asia. Digital Governance for Sustainability: Uzbekistan is also moving toward a national navigation system and a unified digital platform for public administration, with plans to consolidate data on environmental issues and improve early problem detection.

Desertification Fight: President Mirziyoyev approved a 2026–2030 plan to strengthen Uzbekistan’s anti-desertification push, including reforestation across 1.27mn hectares, protective forest belts on 16,000 hectares, new green cover in Surkhandarya, and a planned 84km “green wall” in Syrdarya—aimed at cutting risks from soil salinisation, shifting sands and dust storms. Green Samarkand: The same package launches the “Green Samarkand” initiative to turn the city into a climate-resilient urban centre. Clean Aviation Push: Sinopec Engineering signed FEED work for Central Asia’s first large-scale integrated sustainable aviation fuel complex in Uzbekistan, targeting biomass-based SAF and e-SAF production and using agricultural residues plus solar power. Digital for Resilience: Uzbekistan is also moving toward a national navigation system and a unified digital platform for public administration, with plans to integrate environmental and spatial data for better planning and faster problem detection. Climate Data from the Sky: China plans a 1,000+ satellite remote-sensing network for Central Asia, with environmental and disaster monitoring as the stated goal.

Clean Aviation Fuel Deal: Sinopec Engineering signed FEED work with Uzbekistan’s Allied Biofuels for a Central Asia SAF complex (~160,000 tons/year), using straw, rice husks and sorghum, with solar power as the main electricity source—aimed at cleaner aviation and export markets. Digital Transformation for Cities: Uzbekistan is moving toward a national navigation system and a unified digital platform for public administration, consolidating geospatial data and topics like environmental issues and public safety to improve planning and resource allocation. Islamic Heritage Forum in Uzbekistan: A first International Forum on Islamic Civilization is underway in Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez, with Mirziyoyev stressing education, science and cultural dialogue as foundations for peace and sustainable development. Biodiversity & Climate Finance: IUCN secured nearly $5m in GEF funding for projects in Southern Africa, including ecosystem-based approaches that protect livelihoods and strengthen water and coastal resilience. Wildlife Monitoring: WWF shared new snow leopard camera-trap images from China’s alpine areas, highlighting ongoing patrol efforts and sightings of the elusive big cat.

GEF Funding for Nature: IUCN says it has wrapped up its GEF-8 portfolio in Samarkand, approving about US$237.3M for projects including blue-carbon coastal resilience and a transboundary water fund across Southern Africa. Wildlife Monitoring: WWF shared new camera-trap results from China’s alpine parks, capturing rare snow leopard sightings and a wider mix of mountain wildlife. Uzbek Digital Green Governance: President Mirziyoyev reviewed plans for a national navigation system and a unified government digital platform that would consolidate data on transport, logistics, emergency response, and even environmental issues. Tourism + Waste Pressure in Tashkent: With nearly 3 million foreign visitors since the start of the year, Tashkent plans free digital tourist maps, more public toilets, and expanded waste bins to handle growing foot traffic. Fuel Shortage Pressure: Regional reports highlight rising import dependence and tightening supply dynamics, with Uzbekistan’s refining system increasingly stressed by higher demand. Islamic Civilization Forum: An international forum in Tashkent runs through July 11, with Mirziyoyev stressing education, science, and heritage as foundations for peace and sustainable development.

Digital Governance: President Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to speed up Uzbekistan’s digital transformation, including a national navigation system and a unified AI-powered public administration platform that would consolidate data on regional economies, investment, environmental issues, safety, citizens’ concerns, and spatial maps. Tourism & Clean Cities: Tashkent plans practical upgrades for nearly 3 million foreign visitors this year—free digital tourist maps, more public toilets, and additional waste bins to improve pedestrian navigation and sanitation. GEF & Biodiversity Finance: At the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, IUCN secured nearly $5m in GEF funding for projects using blended finance to protect coastal ecosystems and secure water resources, with delegates focused on mobilizing private money for climate and biodiversity goals. Wildlife Monitoring: A WWF camera-trap survey in China captured rare snow leopard sightings, adding to ongoing alpine biodiversity monitoring. Airport Expansion: Uzbekistan signed a contract for a new Tashkent airport in the Tashkent region, with construction running through 2030 on a 1,310-hectare site. Fuel Pressure: Central Asia faces fuel and lubricants shortages; Uzbekistan’s rising gasoline imports highlight growing demand pressure despite domestic refining capacity. Resilient Landscapes: Turkmenistan and partners discussed RESILAND CA+ to tackle land degradation and restore ecosystems using nature-based solutions and integrated landscape management.

RESILAND Push: Turkmenistan is stepping up preparations for the World Bank-backed Central Asia Resilient Landscapes Restoration Program (RESILAND), aiming to curb land degradation, restore ecosystems, and boost resilience to climate impacts through nature-based solutions and integrated landscape management. Regional Climate Risk: Central Asian countries are also set to meet in Kyrgyzstan to coordinate joint solutions to reduce mudflow and flood risks and improve natural hazard monitoring as climate change intensifies. Water & Environment Watch: A new report flags a sharp decline in Amu Darya flows, raising fresh concerns for water security across the basin. Green Energy Research: The SCO green energy forum in Bishkek brought together scientists and policymakers, with Uzbekistan noting green energy’s growing share of its energy mix and pushing for cross-border projects. Local Tourism Pressure: Tashkent plans upgrades for nearly 3 million foreign visitors this year—more public toilets, free digital walking maps, and better waste bins—highlighting how environmental services matter for sustainable city life.

Tashkent Tourism Upgrades: After nearly 3 million foreign visitors since the start of the year, Tashkent plans free digital tourist maps, more public toilets, and extra waste bins to make walking routes easier and cleaner for independent travelers. Urban Safety & Green Living: A videoconference led by President Mirziyoyev focused on Sergeli district’s rapid growth—new flats, parks, clinics, schools, and transport links—along with steps to create a safer environment in mahallas. Railway Environmental Checks: Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Natural Resources inspected the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway construction site, stressing waste control and protection of land and water; no environmental violations were found. Water Stress Reality Check: A new global map highlights extreme water stress worldwide and places Uzbekistan among the most water-stressed countries, underscoring pressure on freshwater supplies as climate patterns shift. Green Energy Cooperation: The SCO green energy forum in Bishkek gathered scientists and diplomats, with Uzbekistan noting green energy’s growing role in its energy mix and calling for joint projects. Agriculture & Water: A report flags a sharp decline in Amu Darya flows, raising fresh concerns for irrigation-dependent regions.