Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISMI) Eldor Aripov took part in the event.

The event became a platform for exchanging views on international cooperation, sustainable development, climate and energy security, as well as the role of digital technologies in global governance.

Speaking at a session on climate cooperation in the context of global fragmentation, E.Aripov noted that against the background of growing political disunity, climate change increases the interdependence of states.

According to him, climate challenges are becoming not only a source of risks, but also an important incentive for regional cooperation. This is especially evident in Central Asia, where water, food and energy security are closely interrelated.

According to his data, the temperature in Central Asia is rising twice as fast as the global average, and the area of glaciers has decreased by about 30% over the past six decades. At the same time, glaciers play a key role in the formation of almost 90% of the region's water resources, feeding the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, on which agriculture, energy and the lives of millions of people depend.

Demographic and economic growth increases the need for resources. According to forecasts, by 2050 the population of Central Asia will reach 100 million people. Demand for water, food and energy will increase, while climate change makes their availability less predictable.

Speaking about the ways to solve these problems, E. Aripov stressed the importance of regional cooperation. He explained that the UN defines common climate goals, but achieving them requires taking into account the specifics of each region. This is especially important because the preservation of river basins and glacial systems spanning several States is impossible without concerted action.

According to the Director of ISMI, regional formats are especially important in cases where global dialogue is difficult. They allow us to continue practical cooperation and solve common problems.

E.Aripov also paid special attention to climate finance. He noted that international support is largely focused on individual countries and projects, although climate risks affect several states at once.

In this context, the expert called for the development of financial instruments for joint projects on the conservation of natural resources and adaptation to climate change. This approach will allow taking into account the interests of all countries that depend on the state of the common river basin.

The director of the ISMI named adaptation to climate change as one of the key priorities. According to him, along with a long-term energy transition, it is important for developing countries to solve everyday tasks: to provide farmers with water, prepare the population for floods and droughts, and preserve people's sources of income.

In conclusion, E. Aripov stressed that geopolitical differences should not paralyze international cooperation. Water resources management, environmental monitoring, and climate change adaptation should remain areas of sustainable dialogue.

For information: The event brought together current and former heads of state and government, representatives of the United Nations, international organizations, parliaments, experts and business circles. The honorary participants include the current Presidents of Latvia and Montenegro, as well as former presidents and Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Great Britain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Romania, Greece and other countries.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Miguel Angel Moratinos, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) delivered welcoming speeches at the opening Tatiana Molchan, former Chinese Government Special Representative for European Affairs Wu Hongbo.