Samarkand hosts 71st GEF Council meeting on global environment

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 71st meeting of the Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has begun in Samarkand, taking place ahead of the Eighth GEF Assembly and the international Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 exhibition.

The large-scale event has brought together representatives from 186 member countries of the fund, international organizations, financial institutions, environmental agencies, the expert community, civil society, and the private sector.

Over the course of several days, participants will consider funding for environmental and climate projects worth more than US$200 million, and will define key directions for international cooperation for the 2026–2030 period. Meetings of the GEF Council, LDCF/SCCF, and GBFF are focused on accelerating progress toward global environmental goals and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Agenda through 2030.

At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on environmental issues and Chair of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Carlos Gascón, CEO and Chief Strategy and Operations Officer of the Global Environment Facility.

Aziz Abdukhakimov emphasized the symbolic importance of holding such a major international forum in Samarkand.

“For centuries, Samarkand has connected people, cultures and ideas from different continents. Today, the city is once again becoming a platform for uniting global efforts to address shared environmental challenges,” he said.

He noted that the upcoming Assembly theme, “The Last Push to 2030,” is particularly relevant amid growing impacts of climate change and the need to accelerate the implementation of international environmental commitments.

During the address, it was highlighted that Uzbekistan highly values its long-standing cooperation with the GEF.

With the fund’s support, the country is implementing projects on biodiversity conservation, protection of the snow leopard, restoration of the Aral Sea region ecosystems, improvement of climate resilience, and enhancement of land and waste management.

Uzbekistan’s current GEF portfolio includes 13 projects with a total value of US$56 million. In addition, a pipeline of five new projects worth more than US$30 million has been formed.

Participants will also discuss projects on ocean and biodiversity conservation, sustainable infrastructure development, climate adaptation, and mechanisms for blended financing of environmental initiatives. Special attention will be given to the development of renewable energy and energy storage systems, including projects being implemented in Uzbekistan.

The meeting is expected to review and approve the GEF-9 programming strategy, as well as new support mechanisms for least developed countries and small island developing states, which are most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Another key agenda item is strengthening the role of civil society and local communities in achieving global environmental goals. Ahead of the Assembly, Samarkand will host the GEF Civil Society Organizations Forum, serving as a platform for practical initiatives and knowledge exchange.

The official opening of the Eighth GEF Assembly will take place in Samarkand on 4 June, confirming Uzbekistan’s status as one of the key venues for international environmental dialogue.