XIEG Attends First Samarkand Climate Forum

The first Samarkand Climate Forum concluded successfully on April 5th, following two days of discussions on key issues including environmental sustainability, the transition to a green economy, and climate adaptation strategies. 

The forum brought together heads of state and government representatives from Central Asian countries, along with over 2,000 participants from the European Union, the United Nations, international financial institutions, leading environmental organizations, policymakers, and experts.

Participants present at the forum. (Image by XIEG)

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan chaired the forum and delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Other keynote speakers included President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan, President of the European Council António Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Their speeches emphasized the urgency of addressing global warming, enhancing ecological governance, and fostering robust international partnerships.

Keynote speakers at the opening ceremony. (Image by XIEG)

ZHANG Yuanming, Director of the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was invited to attend the forum. During a roundtable session on “Scientific Approaches and Innovative Solutions to Climate Change: Global Challenges and Local Strategies,” he presented the collaborative work done by scientists from China and Central Asia, particularly in the fields of saline-alkali land management and degraded ecosystem restoration. He also proposed to deepen international cooperation in related fields.

A significant highlight of the session was the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement between XIEG and the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) in Uzbekistan. The two institutions will strengthen scientific collaboration in ecology and environmental studies across Central Asia，promoting joint efforts in areas of talent development, technology exchange, and sustainable development.

The Samarkand Climate Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between countries and international organization.It reinforced the collective commitment to advancing environmental protection and improving livelihoods in the face of global challenges posed by climate change.

Participants exchange views at the roundtable session. (Image by XIEG)

Signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement. (Image by XIEG)

Contact

LONG Huaping

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: longhp@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn