The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressed global leaders and dignitaries at the "One Belt, One Road" international forum in Beijing on October 18. The focus of the forum was on building the "Green Silk Road," an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering international cooperation to create a sustainable, eco-friendly future.
The forum saw the participation of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, heads of states and governments, and leaders of financial institutions, all convened by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. President Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated all participants on the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road initiative, which has rapidly gained support and emerged as a model of international collaboration in restoring the Great Silk Road.
As a comprehensive strategic partner of China, Uzbekistan has been an early supporter of the "Space and Road" initiative and remains committed to advancing its key objectives.
The "Green Silk Road" initiative, first proposed by the President of the People's Republic of China in 2016, has garnered the full support of Uzbekistan. In his address, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the ecological challenges faced by Central Asia, including anomalous weather conditions, frequent droughts, dust storms, land degradation, desertification, and the loss of biodiversity, all linked to climate change. Central Asia is among the regions most affected by these consequences.
Uzbekistan is taking steps to address these challenges, including the implementation of a significant program to create ecological innovation and technology areas around the Aral Bay, in line with a special resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly.
President Mirziyoyev also commended the outcomes of the climate change summit initiated by the UN Secretary-General in September. In response to the environmental concerns in the region, he proposed hosting the Samarkand International Climate Forum in 2024. This forum aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and foster collaboration in "green" development in Central Asia.
Uzbekistan is eager to promote large-scale international cooperation within the framework of the "Green Silk Road" and is open to strengthening partnerships with China and other participants in the "Space and Road" initiative. The country has suggested several initiatives, including the transformation and digitization of economic sectors to meet "green" development requirements, sustainable infrastructure development, and the establishment of a "Green Financing" fund.
The President also called for the reduction of trade restrictions on "green" products and encouraged dialogue on transitioning to "green" energy. A significant initiative was the proposal to create a scientific and informational platform for the transfer of "green" knowledge and solutions based on the Aral Bay International Innovation Center.
To address the growing shortage of qualified personnel in the field of "green" development and ecology, President Mirziyoyev proposed the development of joint programs for training specialists and academic exchanges.
Furthermore, the President emphasized the importance of fostering a "green" culture and suggested launching a Global program in this regard, featuring ethno-ecological festivals, forums, presentations, and other events as part of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
In closing, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his confidence that the ideas and suggestions put forth during the forum will make a significant contribution to building a sustainable and eco-friendly future for humanity. The call for unified international efforts within the framework of the Green Silk Road has set the stage for transformative changes in the region and beyond.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)