AGP Executive Report

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders including Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev, China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Modi and Russia’s Putin met for the SCO’s 25th anniversary, adopting charter amendments and rules for new security bodies, while leaving the proposed SCO Development Bank unresolved. Biodiversity & Wildlife: SCO cooperation highlights snow leopard protection and ecosystem restoration across member states, tying conservation to climate and biodiversity pressures. Water as a red line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the summit water must never be “weaponised,” stressing binding shared-water treaties and warning against coercion. Green diplomacy through culture: The World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with more than 100 countries, framed by the UN as a platform for intercultural dialogue and sustainable development. Uzbekistan-linked climate work: Uzbekistan’s cryosphere monitoring story spotlights glacier tracking in Pskem Valley, showing how local expertise supports climate data and community outreach. Regional cooperation push: Pakistan and Uzbekistan pledged to deepen ties across industry, agriculture and connectivity, with trade and implementation timelines on the agenda.

Green Cover Push: India’s PM Modi and Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev planted a sapling in Tashkent under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Yashil Makon,” pledging to expand green cover and build a more sustainable future. SCO Summit, Bishkek: Leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Modi and Mirziyoyev gathered for the SCO’s 25th anniversary under “Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity,” with talks spanning security, connectivity, energy and trade. Aral Sea & Desertification: India–Uzbekistan ties also touched environmental cooperation, while China urged deeper Uzbekistan work on AI and desertification control and highlighted rail and connectivity projects. Glacier Monitoring in Uzbekistan: A field technician, Muhabbat Sodikova, is helping track changes in the Barkrak Glacier through the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO Cryosphere Project, linking local knowledge with cryosphere data. Uranium + Trade with Environmental Angle: India and Uzbekistan elevated relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting a $5bn trade target by 2030 and agreeing on long-term uranium supply, alongside broader cooperation that includes sustainability and critical resources.

Green Cover Push: PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev planted a sapling in Tashkent under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon,” pledging to expand green cover and build a more sustainable future. Aral Sea & Environment Deals: India and Uzbekistan also agreed to deepen cooperation tied to Aral Sea rehabilitation, adding an environmental pillar to their upgraded partnership. SCO Summit, Sustainability Theme: As the SCO heads to its Bishkek summit (Sept 1) under “sustainable peace, development and prosperity,” leaders are expected to weigh regional security alongside connectivity, energy and digital cooperation—key factors that shape climate and environmental outcomes across Central Asia. Water Diplomacy Signals: UAE participation in World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm highlights how water policy and climate resilience are moving higher on the agenda, echoing the region’s growing focus on water security. Tech for Growth (and Resources): Uzbekistan’s startup boom and cross-border connectivity plans are being framed as a way to strengthen trade and supply chains—an indirect but important driver for greener, more efficient development.

Greening Diplomacy: India and Uzbekistan used PM Narendra Modi’s Tashkent visit to link climate action with bilateral ties, planting trees under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon,” with both leaders pledging to expand green cover and build a more sustainable future. Aral Sea Restoration: The two countries also agreed to environmental cooperation for Aral Sea rehabilitation, with India set to provide a $1 million grant for greening and ecological recovery. Strategic Partnership with a Sustainability Angle: The visit upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with cooperation spanning trade, energy, critical minerals, and digital public infrastructure—while environmental protection and human development were included among the signed MoUs. Water Focus Abroad: The UAE joined World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm to push water and sustainability commitments ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, highlighting water’s role in health, food security, energy systems, and climate resilience. Skills for a Greener Economy: UDST in Qatar wrapped a 10-month vocational training for 15 Uzbek professionals from Namangan, building instructor capacity in electrical work, welding, plumbing, and HVAC—skills that support cleaner, more efficient infrastructure.

SCO Summit Watch: Xi Jinping has arrived in Bishkek as Kyrgyzstan gears up for the SCO Council of Heads of State and “SCO Plus” on Sept 1, with leaders including Putin, Modi, Mirziyoyev and Guterres expected to attend. Regional Connectivity: Kyrgyz officials highlight the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as a long-term boost for transit, trade and investment. Uzbekistan–India Ties: Mirziyoyev told Modi in Tashkent that the partnership has “immense potential,” with a roadmap planned across sectors including digital innovation and sustainable development. Climate & Disaster Risk: Experts warn that Nepal floods/mudslides were triggered by glacier collapse and that glacial disasters are becoming more frequent with global warming; a barrier lake in Xizang is draining naturally after a mudslide. Land & Water Security: COP17 in Mongolia ended with a major green investment pledge, as desertification and land degradation remain a pressing regional challenge. Environment Leadership: Uzbekistan honored ICBA’s Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi for sustainability and climate action with a national independence badge.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders from 17 countries plus UN chief António Guterres will gather for the Sept 1 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting and “SCO Plus,” with Xi, Putin, Modi and Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev among the expected attendees—setting the stage for regional security, connectivity and cooperation. Nuclear-free message for Central Asia: Kazakhstan marked the International Day against Nuclear Tests, recalling the Semipalatinsk test-site closure and renewed calls for disarmament and a nuclear-weapon-free Central Asia. COP17 land-degradation push: Mongolia’s COP17 wrapped with a major Green Investment Pledge of $1.3bn, as delegates stressed that desertification needs real financing, technology and institutions—not just promises. Uzbekistan’s green recognition: Uzbekistan awarded ICBA’s Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi a Badge of Honour for sustainability, climate action and protecting natural resources, including work on biosaline agriculture. Aral Sea climate angle: Reports highlight that Aral Sea restoration could prevent massive CO2 emissions, tying ecosystem recovery to climate benefits. Food safety alert: Hong Kong authorities flagged trace formaldehyde in imported rice vermicelli from Taiwan, urging a recall of the affected batch.

Independence & Green Policy: Uzbekistan kicked off 35 years of independence with major celebrations in New Tashkent, while President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called the next decade an “era of national progress,” pointing to poverty reduction, GDP targets, and seven national programs including environmental protection. SCO in Bishkek: Leaders are converging on Bishkek for the Sept 1 SCO Council meeting and “SCO plus” summit, with President Mirziyoyev and PM Modi among expected attendees; the agenda spans security, economy, and regional cooperation. India-Uzbekistan Talks: PM Modi’s Tashkent stop (Aug 29-30) is set to focus on trade, energy, digital connectivity, education, and defense—tying India’s Eurasian outreach to Uzbekistan’s 2030 vision. Ecotourism Push: Uzbekistan hosted its first international ecotourism summit, bringing 100+ operators to promote sustainable resource management and new cross-border tourism deals. Aral & Land Restoration Angle: China and Uzbekistan discussed restoring the Aral Sea ecosystem, while regional land-degradation efforts remain on the agenda. Railway & Land-Use Safeguards: Kyrgyzstan approved land-category transfers tied to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, requiring drainage, anti-seismic steps, and environmental and safety compliance. Youth & Environment: Uzbekistan’s V International Environmental Congress in Shahrisabz drew nearly 1,000 participants to tackle climate action, natural resource use, and environmental education.

Ecotourism Push: Uzbekistan hosted its first international ecotourism summit, drawing ~100 tour operators from 20+ countries to discuss sustainable resource management and new B2B deals with partners from Canada, the UK and Europe. Aral Sea Restoration: New reporting highlights ongoing Uzbek-Chinese ecosystem work around the Aral Sea, where the lake has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s, while scientists push practical restoration approaches. Green Tech Recognition: The V International Environmental Congress in Shahrisabz (Aug 10–15) brought together nearly 1,000 participants to focus on climate action, conservation and youth environmental education, including an international “Best Ecological Project” competition. Railway Land & Safety: Kyrgyz authorities transferred 3.36 hectares from agricultural to settlement land in Ak-Tala for the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, with instructions to meet environmental, sanitary and fire safety rules and plan safe drainage. Sustainable Connectivity Funding: The ADB approved a $400m CAREC facility to modernize border crossings and cut logistics bottlenecks, noting links to environmental and public health risks from outdated systems. AI Use in Media: A new Uzbekistan-included study warns public-interest outlets to adopt “principled caution” with AI to avoid harmful inaccuracies and legal risks.

Ecotourism Push: Uzbekistan hosted its first international ecotourism summit, drawing ~100 tour operators from 20+ countries, with talks on sustainable resource management and new B2B deals for joint trips. Green Connectivity & Land Care: Kyrgyzstan approved a 3.36-hectare land-category transfer in Ak-Tala for the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, requiring drainage, anti-seismic steps, and environmental/sanitary/fire compliance. Aral Sea Restoration: Uzbek and Chinese scientists shared progress on restoring the Aral Sea ecosystem after decades of shrinkage, highlighting dust and salt impacts across Central Asia. SCO Green Development: Coverage ahead of the Bishkek SCO summit spotlights “green development” as an engine for growth, from renewables to salt-tolerant plants and waste-to-energy ideas. Trade With Climate Angle: Qatar Chamber met Uzbekistan’s light industry agency to explore textile and light-industry investment, with both sides pointing to incentives and logistics advantages. Regional Border Modernization: ADB approved a $400m CAREC facility to modernize border crossings and cut transport bottlenecks, citing links to public health and environmental risks.

Water Diplomacy: The Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy kicked off at World Water Week in Stockholm, aiming to close a major water investment gap by linking diplomacy, trade, and implementation. Land & Climate Pressure: A UNCCD-backed report warns Central Asia has degraded over 80 million hectares, with climate change accelerating warming and boosting sand-and-dust storms—raising risks for food and water security. Green Chemistry Research: Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University is expanding scientific ties with Uzbek universities, including a green chemistry conference in late September and an intelligent industrial automation event in Tashkent in October. Energy & Daily Life: Bishkek and parts of Chuy region face scheduled power cuts, including areas near Ala-Archa Nature Park—highlighting how infrastructure disruptions can hit communities and nature sites. Connectivity for Trade: New cross-border transport links—like the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan highway and railway—are speeding up regional supply chains, with produce reaching China’s Kashgar faster. SCO Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s role in the SCO and the lead-up to the Bishkek summit keep regional attention on security, trade, and connectivity. Private-Sector Industry: Qatar Chamber met Uzbekistan’s light industry agency to explore joint ventures in textiles and manufacturing, with bilateral trade still below expectations.

Land Restoration & Desertification: Uzbekistan, China and Mongolia discussed green technologies for sustainable pasture restoration and combating desertification at UNCCD COP17, with Uzbekistan’s ecology agency stressing that degradation needs a systematic, science-led response. Aral Sea Climate Impact: A new study says exposed Aral Sea lakebed sediments released about 748 million tons of CO2 from 1960–2022, and restoring part of the water cover could prevent another 605 million tons—adding a climate angle to ongoing Aral restoration plans in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Drylands & Food Security: A UNCCD-linked report warns Central Asia has over 80 million hectares of degraded land, with climate change accelerating warming and shrinking glaciers, driving sand and dust storms and hitting agriculture and livelihoods. Green Transition & Energy Security: Analysis highlights Uzbekistan’s widening energy gap as gas output falls and imports rise, arguing renewables can support energy security while easing climate pressure. Water Diplomacy: GWPO and partners launched a Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week, focusing on closing a major water investment shortfall through diplomacy and cross-border cooperation.

Drylands Restoration: Uzbekistan, China and Mongolia discussed green technologies for restoring degraded land and improving sustainable pasture management at UNCCD COP17, with Uzbekistan citing 30 million hectares of desert/arid landscapes and 70% of territory at risk of desertification. Aral Sea Climate Impact: A new study says exposed Aral Sea lakebed sediments released about 748 million tons of CO2 from 1960–2022, and restoring part of the water cover could prevent another 605 million tons. Cross-Border Payments: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank signed an MoU with Cambodia’s NBC on cooperation for cross-border payment systems, including digital settlement and financial inclusion, during the Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum in Tashkent. Nuclear Safety Dialogue: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan coordinated on nuclear plant safety and environmental monitoring after Uzbekistan signaled plans for a second nuclear power plant. Trade & Connectivity: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan ties deepen via Termez-linked cross-border initiatives, while the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan highway and railway are boosting regional logistics for goods like fruit. Business Links: Dubai Chamber of Commerce launched a Uzbekistan Business Council to connect companies and expand trade and investment between Dubai and Uzbekistan.

Cross-Border Finance: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank signed a MoU with Cambodia’s National Bank to boost cross-border payment cooperation, including digital settlement systems and financial inclusion, agreed on at the Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum in Tashkent. Digital Heritage & Media: At an international media forum on Islamic civilization, Uzbek journalists urged responsible AI use to preserve and verify historical and cultural heritage in digital formats, warning about fake materials and misinformation. Land Degradation Focus: A UN desertification conference in Mongolia highlighted Central Asia’s land degradation, drought and rangeland restoration needs, stressing climate-resilient land use and glacier protection. Water Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s water officials said SCO cooperation should prioritize accurate water accounting, digitalization and water-saving technologies to turn water from a conflict driver into a basis for regional cooperation. Biodiversity & Conservation: Genetic research on wild tulips points to Central Asia as the tulip birthplace and warns that many wild tulip species are threatened, calling for urgent conservation action. Nuclear Safety Coordination: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed on next steps to coordinate nuclear plant safety and environmental monitoring, including possible transboundary impacts.

Nuclear Safety & Environment: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are coordinating on safety and environmental monitoring as both move toward new nuclear power plants, with a Tashkent meeting agreeing on a roadmap and follow-up steps. Green Finance & Tech: Tashkent’s Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum drew 6,000+ participants to push digital financial connectivity, with regulators discussing cybersecurity, data protection, and new regulatory sandboxes—key for funding greener infrastructure. SCO Green Development: Ahead of the Bishkek SCO summit (Aug 31–Sep 1), coverage highlights how SCO members are turning green development into an engine of growth, from wind and electric buses to Aral Sea restoration and waste-to-energy ideas. Climate & Water Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s water diplomacy push stresses digital water accounting and water-saving methods, aiming to shift transboundary rivers from conflict to cooperation. Agri Resilience: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are testing olive and hazelnut seedlings for local climate fit, alongside agricultural risk insurance—supporting more climate-resilient farming. Biodiversity/Heritage Angle: An international media forum in Tashkent spotlighted Islamic civilization’s scientific and cultural legacy, including how digital tools can help preserve heritage.

Women’s Entrepreneurship: Visa and Ipak Yuli Bank named seven winners of the first wave of “She’s Next, Empowered by Visa” in Uzbekistan, awarding $22,000 in grants after training and pitch days for 5,000+ participants. Green Energy Leadership: GECF chief Philip Mshelbila praised Qatar’s “responsible” gas leadership at a UNESCO environmental law and sustainable development lecture, linking long-term energy planning with environmental stewardship. Digital Finance for Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s Central Bank and GFTN launched the Silk Road Finance and Technology Forum in Tashkent, drawing 6,000+ delegates to discuss digital currencies, fintech corridors, cybersecurity, and regulatory sandboxes. Water Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s water deputy minister said SCO cooperation should focus on accurate water accounting, digitalization, and water-saving tech to turn transboundary rivers from conflict into collaboration. Climate & Sustainability Debate: An opinion piece challenges “sustainability” claims in fashion, arguing fast-fashion brands shift responsibility to consumers while driving pollution and water overuse. Regional Green Development: A roundup on SCO green growth highlights clean-energy examples across the region, from wind power and Aral Sea-adapted plants to waste-to-energy efforts.

Water Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Water Resources Minister Zakir Ishpulotov says SCO cooperation should shift water from conflict to collaboration through accurate water accounting, digital monitoring and water-saving tech. Green Development in the SCO: A new regional push highlights clean energy wins across Central Asia and beyond, from wind power in Kazakhstan to salt-tolerant farming near the Aral Sea and waste-to-energy efforts in Kyrgyzstan. Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: The ADB is launching an AI-backed project on resilient infrastructure and disaster risk adaptation across Asia-Pacific countries including Uzbekistan, aiming to help protect vulnerable communities. Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Treaty: Tashkent hosted the third Supreme Interstate Council meeting and the “Treaty on Eternal Friendship,” with leaders pointing to long-term stability and expanded cooperation in energy, agriculture and education. Climate & Nature Lens: A proposal to restore the Aral Sea and profit from it returns to the spotlight, while Uzbekistan’s wider environmental cooperation with Azerbaijan is also moving forward through olive and hazelnut farming trials. SCO Summit Watch: As the Bishkek summit nears, India’s role and the bloc’s agenda—security, connectivity and sustainable peace—are drawing fresh attention.