Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, visited Astana as part of an official trip to Kazakhstan, where he took part in events of the regional environmental summit MES-2026.
During the visit on April 22, Mirziyoyev, together with leaders of delegations from Central Asian countries, as well as Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, toured national pavilions at the international exhibition center EXPO.
The MES-2026 summit focuses on eight key priorities reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental policy. These include combating climate change, ensuring food security and ecosystem sustainability, adapting to natural risks, improving economic resilience, reducing air pollution, managing waste efficiently, promoting sustainable resource use, supporting a fair and inclusive green transition, and developing environmental and digital competencies.
The summit agenda also integrates environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable development, highlighting the interconnected nature of these challenges.
National pavilions at the exhibition showcase participating countries’ achievements and future plans across these priority areas.
Uzbekistan’s pavilion, designed as an interactive multimedia space, presents the country’s key policy directions in ecology, climate action, and sustainable development in Central Asia. It also highlights Uzbekistan’s contribution to strengthening regional and international cooperation in environmental protection.
The exhibition features several nationwide initiatives aimed at building a modern model of ecological development, including programs such as “Zero Waste,” “Clean Air,” “Green Space,” “Eco Culture,” “Bio Heritage,” and “Environmental Education.”
Special attention is given to efforts to mitigate the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, as well as to expanding cooperation with international organizations, particularly structures of the United Nations.
Mirziyoyev arrived in Astana on April 21 at the invitation of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He was welcomed at the airport by Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, and other officials.
