The event became a platform for discussing the deepening of cooperation between the member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, noted that climate change, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, environmental pollution and water scarcity are forming a new reality in which sustainable development is possible only with combined efforts at the regional and global levels.

Special attention was paid to the environmental policy of Uzbekistan. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country is implementing a strategy of "green" transformation aimed at achieving the goals of sustainable development and adaptation to climate change. Among the key initiatives are the projects "Yasil Makon", "Waste-free territory", "Ecoculture", "Bio-heritage" and "Clean Air".

It was noted that a significant part of the SCO countries is located in the global dust belt zone, which makes the problems of desertification, dust and sand storms and transboundary air pollution a common regional challenge.

In this regard, priority areas of cooperation between the SCO and UNEP are proposed: the development of early warning systems for dust storms and air pollution, combating land degradation, preserving biodiversity, and improving waste management.

The importance of using modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and satellite data, for environmental monitoring and risk forecasting was highlighted.

Following the session, an Action Plan was signed to implement the Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme, which will become a practical basis for further cooperation.

In conclusion, the Uzbek side invited international partners to participate in upcoming environmental events in Uzbekistan, including the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility and the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 exhibition.