The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $250mn policy-based loan to support Uzbekistan’s efforts in fostering green, inclusive, and resilient economic growth. This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s institutional frameworks for climate action and accelerate its transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
The Accelerating the Climate Transition Program will assist Uzbekistan in three critical areas: enhancing public financial management and institutional capacity, promoting sustainable water and land resource management, advancing climate-smart agriculture, and improving social protection systems. It will also prioritize renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in sectors like transport and energy.
As the first climate programmatic intervention by ADB in Central Asia, the program aligns with Uzbekistan’s updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs), its Strategic Framework for Transitioning to a Green Economy until 2030, and ADB’s country partnership strategy for Uzbekistan (2024–2028).
ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov emphasized that Uzbekistan’s energy-intensive economy necessitates a shift to sustainable practices, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030. He noted that the program focuses on decarbonizing the economy and building resilience against disasters and climate change.
Kanokpan Lao-Araya, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan, highlighted the threats posed by climate change and inefficient water use to Uzbekistan’s water resources. She emphasized that the program would drive investments in irrigation modernization and climate-smart water management to address desertification and protect fragile ecosystems. ADB Principal Public Sector Specialist Hanif Rahemtulla added that the initiative strengthens Uzbekistan’s capacity to tackle climate challenges by improving policy coordination, targeting budget resources, and enhancing accountability for climate-related expenditures.
Since joining ADB in 1995, Uzbekistan has received $12.5bn in loans, grants, and technical assistance to support its development. ADB, established in 1966 and owned by 69 members, continues its mission to foster sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific while working to eradicate extreme poverty. This program underscores ADB’s commitment to helping Uzbekistan achieve its climate transition goals, ensuring economic resilience and a sustainable future for its people.
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