UN Tourism and Uzbekistan’s Green University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in sustainable tourism, environmental education, and climate innovation.
The agreement was signed by UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, during a visit to the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies—known as Green University.
Under the MoU, both sides committed to developing joint educational initiatives, promoting best practices in sustainable tourism, encouraging climate innovation, and supporting student and faculty exchange. The document also outlines plans for continued dialogue and collaboration on projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the visit, Pololikashvili toured the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and research facilities. Accompanied by Minister Abdukhakimov and Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, he was introduced to the institution’s programs focused on climate adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation.
Pololikashvili praised the university’s unique mission, calling it a forward-looking model for integrating education and sustainability.
“We were truly impressed and delighted to see this brand-new, forward-thinking university—one that will champion ecology, train environmental professionals, and promote sustainable development,” he said. “Uzbekistan is showing global leadership—not just in the region, but on the world stage.”
Green University is the first academic institution of its kind in Central Asia with a dedicated focus on environmental and climate studies. The collaboration with UN Tourism marks a significant step in aligning Uzbekistan’s environmental and tourism strategies with global sustainability standards.
UN Tourism, a specialized agency of the United Nations, includes 166 member countries and over 500 affiliate members from the private sector, academia, and tourism organizations. The new partnership with Uzbekistan underscores the country’s growing role in shaping sustainable development and green innovation in the region.
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