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The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
"We hope that this forum will be a practical step towards creating the "Samarkand Dialogue for the Sake of the Future" to find answers to the global threats of sustainable development," stated the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The forum will bring together the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, alongside the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and host country Uzbekistan.
Experts say a coordinated regional response is essential, and Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a platform for dialogue and regional cooperation. In the same week, Uzbekistan is also hosting the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit, which “will solidify our commitment to work together for peace, security, and sustainable development in full respect of international law,” António Costa said ahead of the summit.
Policymakers, experts, and environmental activists will gather a strategic dialogue on climate change, renewable energy, integrated water resource management, and sustainable urban development, along with efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation.
A key outcome of the forum will be the presentation of the Regional Green Development Concept, which outlines a unified approach to tackling climate change in Central Asia, in alignment with global best practices.
Topics of Discussion:
- The Green Economy as a Path to Sustainable Development
- Preserving Biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems in Central Asia in Response to Climate Challenges
- Clean Energy: The Foundation of Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Development
- Integrated Water Resource Management in the Context of Climate Change in Central Asia
- Youth: Looking to the Future with Optimism
- Sustainable Cities and Climate Challenges: Integrated Planning and Management
- Scientific Approaches and Innovative Solutions to Climate Change: Global Challenges and Local Strategies
As part of the forum, a special exhibition titled "A River Flowing in the Footsteps of Women" will be showcased. This exhibition will explore the intersection of social role transformations and environmental changes during the socialist development era through an intersectional lens.
One of the key sessions, “Sustainable Cities and Climate Challenges: Integrated Planning and Management," will focus on urban development and adaptation to climate change in a region known for its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.
“Sustainable urban development is a cornerstone in addressing climate challenges,” said Khalilillo Khamidov, deputy director of Uzbekistan’s Institute of Macroeconomics and Regional Research. “Uzbekistan is demonstrating its commitment through projects that enhance environmental resilience and introduce innovative technologies.”
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” amid talks over ending the war and securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A cargo vessel near Qatar was hit by a projectile as Kuwait reported hostile drones in its airspace.
President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to a US war proposal “totally unacceptable” after Tehran sent its reply through mediator Pakistan, according to IRNA. Qatar’s al-Thani also warned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as “a pressure tool”.
A Turkish Airlines plane caught fire in its landing gear tyres after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday (11 May) morning, temporarily disrupting airport operations, officials said.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cited Azerbaijan as an example of what he described as a sovereign foreign policy, recalling remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev during talks in Yerevan, where he sharply criticised resolutions adopted against his country by the European Parliament.
Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.
Kazakhstan has ratified a regional green energy agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, signalling Central Asia’s ambition to become a key supplier of renewable energy to international markets.
China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.
Global weather forecasters predict a strong El Niño will develop in the second half of 2026, bringing hotter, drier conditions to much of Asia while increasing rainfall in parts of North and South America.
Communities in Mexico have taken to the streets to protest against an ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has killed wildlife and damaged coral reefs over several weeks.
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