GREENDT Project at the National Conference on Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Date: October 24–25, 2025
Venue: Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute, Uzbekistan

The GREENDT Project proudly took part in the Republican Scientific and Practical Conference on “Scientific Achievements in Climate Change and Sustainable Development,” held on October 24–25, 2025, at Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute (JizPI).

This significant national event was jointly organized by:

GREENDT Representation and Contributions

The GREENDT Project was represented by:

  • Mr. Jamshid AbdunazarovJizPI Project Manager (on-site)
  • Mr. Sarvarbek YusupovNational Coordinator (online)

Both speakers presented the project’s achievements and its growing impact on enhancing Environmental Engineering education in Uzbekistan. They highlighted GREENDT’s ongoing efforts to align academic programs with sustainable development goals, promote green and digital transition, and foster international collaboration and innovation in higher education.

About the Conference

The conference brought together scientists, researchers, master’s and doctoral students to discuss innovative solutions and research findings in the following thematic areas:

  1. Green technologies in industry and energy, transition to alternative energy sources, and waste management.
  2. Scientific approaches to addressing environmental challenges in natural sciences and agriculture, including the role of artificial intelligence in sustainability.
  3. Eco-friendly construction materials and technologies, and sustainable urban transport systems.
  4. Youth engagement and environmental education through modern pedagogical technologies.

The event provided a national platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and promoting sustainable practices in research, industry, and education.

GREENDT’s Role in Sustainable Transition

Through participation in events like this, the GREENDT Project continues to reinforce its mission of advancing green and digital transformation across higher education institutions in Central Asia. By integrating sustainability-focused engineering curricula and fostering cross-sector collaboration, GREENDT contributes to building a more resilient, environmentally responsible future for Uzbekistan and beyond.

Unprecedented Surge: Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations Reach a New Record

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere has reached record-breaking levels, and the pace of this increase is faster than ever before. This surge is a key driver of global warming and a warning signal that urgent action is needed from governments, organizations, and individuals alike.

The Current Situation

In 2024, global average CO₂ levels reached their highest point since modern measurements began. Atmospheric monitoring stations, including the historic Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawai‘i, recorded averages above 424 parts per million (ppm). This represents a dramatic increase from pre-industrial levels of about 280 ppm and even from recent decades, when the rate of growth was already accelerating.

From 2023 to 2024, the year-on-year rise in CO₂ concentration was approximately 3.5 ppm — the largest annual increase since systematic records began in 1957. This rapid climb underlines how human activity continues to reshape the chemistry of the atmosphere.

Why It Matters

Carbon dioxide is the most important long-lived greenhouse gas. It traps heat in the atmosphere, strengthening the natural greenhouse effect that keeps our planet habitable. However, when CO₂ concentrations increase, more heat remains near Earth’s surface, causing global temperatures to rise.

Scientific data from ice cores and atmospheric measurements show that current CO₂ levels are unprecedented in hundreds of thousands of years. Such concentrations are now driving the climate system into conditions that no human civilization has ever experienced.

What’s Driving the Increase

The main cause of this historic surge is the burning of fossil fuels — coal, oil, and gas — for energy and transportation. Deforestation and industrial agriculture further amplify the problem by reducing the planet’s ability to absorb CO₂ naturally through vegetation and soils.

Natural factors, such as El Niño events, can intensify these effects by reducing plant growth and increasing the frequency of wildfires, temporarily boosting CO₂ levels even higher.

The Consequences

The increase in CO₂ concentrations locks in additional global warming for decades and centuries to come, because this gas remains in the atmosphere for a very long time. The impacts are already visible: stronger heatwaves, prolonged droughts, more severe wildfires, melting ice sheets, and rising sea levels.

If emissions continue at their current pace, some projections indicate that atmospheric CO₂ could exceed 800 ppm by the end of this century — a level last seen millions of years ago, when global temperatures and sea levels were dramatically higher.

More information:

GREENDT Advances with Third Train-the-Trainers Workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Preparation of Didactic Materials on Air Pollution and Climate Change

The GREENDT project continues to advance its mission of transforming environmental and engineering education across Central Asia through its third Train-the-Trainers (ToT) workshop, titled “Preparation of Didactic Materials on Air Pollution and Climate Change.”

Held from 15–17 October 2025 at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the workshop aimed to strengthen educators’ abilities to design, adapt, and implement effective teaching resources on air pollution, air quality management, and climate change mitigation.

Day 1 – Understanding Atmospheric Emissions and Air Quality Fundamentals

The first day provided a scientific foundation for understanding air pollution dynamics. Participants explored the sources and classifications of atmospheric emissions, the interaction between meteorological conditions and pollutant dispersion, and the principles of air quality assessment.

Hands-on exercises using OpenAir, an open-source analytical tool, enabled participants to visualize and interpret real-world air quality datasets. Through guided practice, they learned to process monitoring data, identify pollution episodes, and generate graphical outputs for teaching and policy discussions. 

Day 2 – Pollutants, Health Impacts, and Atmospheric Chemistry

The second day deepened the focus on the chemical and health dimensions of air pollution. Sessions examined the formation pathways of primary and secondary pollutants, their toxicological effects on human health, and chemical transformation mechanisms occurring in the atmosphere.

Participants engaged with the CLASS model (Chemistry Land-surface Atmosphere Soil Slab) to simulate atmospheric processes such as photochemical reactions and pollutant transport. These simulations served as a basis for developing interactive classroom exercises and case studies that link theory to practical environmental scenarios in Central Asia. 

Day 3 – Monitoring, Modelling, and Climate Interactions

The final day focused on integrating monitoring techniques, modelling tools, and climate change considerations. Participants learned about state-of-the-art air quality monitoring networks, data calibration techniques, and forecasting methods for predicting pollution levels.

Practical sessions on remote sensing and satellite data analysis introduced participants to the use of atmospheric imagery for identifying large-scale pollution patterns and climate feedback loops. Laboratory demonstrations on aerosol sampling and chemical analysis further complemented these digital methods, helping educators translate complex scientific tools into accessible learning experiences.

The day concluded with a collaborative session to review and refine the didactic materials developed throughout the workshop. Participants discussed how to integrate these resources into existing curricula, ensuring that future engineers and environmental scientists gain both theoretical knowledge and practical analytical skills. 

Towards Sustainable Air Quality Education

This third ToT workshop marked a major milestone in GREENDT’s effort to empower educators and researchers with advanced methodologies for teaching air pollution and climate change. By combining scientific depth, data-driven analysis, and applied learning, the workshop equipped participants to produce high-quality educational materials that will enhance environmental education across the region.

Through this initiative, GREENDT continues to build a network of trainers capable of fostering sustainability-focused education and supporting evidence-based decision-making in air quality and climate management — contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for Central Asia and beyond.

GREENDT held dissemination conference at CAGU on green and digital transformation

The GREENDT Project held a Dissemination Conference on October 15, 2025, at the Central Asian Green University (CAGU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event brought together representatives from ministries, universities, and related initiatives to exchange perspectives and foster collaboration on sustainable development, environmental engineering educationt and digital transformation in Central Asia.

As hosts of the event, the seminar was opened by Mr. Shakhriyor Nurulloev, Vice-Rector and currently Acting Rector of CAGU, who welcomed participants. Following him, Duarte Alves, coordinator of the GREENDT Project, presented the project’s status, emphasizing its key role in supporting environmental engineering education in Uzbekistan.

The conference then turned to the experiences gained through the Training of Trainers (ToT) activities carried out under the GREENDT framework. Claudio Cameselle (Universidade de Vigo), António Curado (Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo), and Carla Gama (Universidade de Aveiro) shared insights and reflections from the ToT sessions recently held in Ourense, Viana do Castelo, and in parallel with the event at CAGU. Their contributions covered a wide range of topics, including engineering diplomacy, equity and inclusion, and water management; sustainable energy management, natural radiation, and GIS; as well as air pollution and climate change.

The seminar also featured presentations from related initiatives active in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, showcasing their efforts to foster sustainability, innovation, and capacity building across the region.

  • The SPHERE project (2024-2027) is driving Uzbekistan toward a greener future by transforming higher education into sustainable transportation.
  • The GDCAU project (2024-2027) aims to promote sustainable development and green transformation within higher education institutions in Central Asia.
  • The SILKWAY project (2024-2027) is focused on electricity and heat production, which is also particularly important given the current geopolitical situation affecting countries in the Central Asian region.

Through this conference, GREENDT reinforced its commitment to advancing green and digital transformation in higher education, fostering stronger academic cooperation between European and Central Asian institutions.

GREENDT releases Deliverable D2.1: A report on environmental challenges and strategic recommendations for Uzbekistan

The GREENDT project has released Deliverable D2.1 – Survey and SWOT Analysis Report, which is now available on the project website. Developed under Work Package 2, led by Industry, the report provides an in-depth assessment of Uzbekistan’s most pressing environmental challenges and offers strategic recommendations to enhance education, innovation, and sustainability in the country.

The deliverable focuses on key environmental challenges emerging from Uzbekistan’s rapidly developing industrial sector, including air, water, and soil pollution, as well as waste management issues and the urgent need for energy efficiency and green transition. Within the framework of the GREENDT project, the report plays a crucial role in strengthening master’s-level education in environmental engineering and fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry.

To prepare the report, the JizPI team conducted an extensive survey targeting higher education institutions (HEIs) and industrial enterprises. The questionnaire addressed topics such as environmental legislation, educational gaps, industry integration, skills requirements, and innovation opportunities. The collected data was complemented by a SWOT analysis of Uzbekistan’s current environmental policies and educational system.

The findings reveal both significant potential and critical challenges. While there is growing awareness of environmental protection laws and an increasing demand for master’s programmes in environmental engineering, the report identifies key weaknesses, including limited cooperation between universities and industries, insufficient research infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified professionals. Opportunities lie in developing joint programmes with European universities, integrating innovative teaching methods, and expanding practical training through laboratories and internships.

Based on these insights, the report proposes some recommendations, including:

  • Strengthening collaboration between universities and industry.
  • Enhancing practical and technical skills through modern teaching tools and laboratory work.
  • Integrating European best practices into the local education system, including dual degree programmes.
  • Improving systematic monitoring and quality assessment to align local standards with international frameworks.

The publication of Deliverable D2.1 represents an important milestone for the GREENDT project, offering valuable insights and practical recommendations to enhance environmental education and foster sustainable industrial development in Uzbekistan.

The full report is now available for download HERE!

GREENDT advances with Second Train-the-Trainers Workshop in Viana do Castelo, Portugal

The GREENDT project continued its mission to reshape engineering education through sustainability with its second Train-the-Trainers (ToT) workshop, hosted from July 21 to 23, 2025, at the Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo in Portugal. As part of Task 3.3 – Implementation of ToT-Enhanced Training Sessions, the event focused on the capacity building in sustainable energy management, natural radiation, and geospatial technologies for researchers, educators, engineers, and students from across the consortium.

Professors Joana Almeida and Leonel Nunes, both from IPVC, emphasized the relevance of these trainings to capacitate attendees on how to address Uzbekistan’s environmental main issues.

Day 1 – Sustainability, Risk, and Indoor Environmental Quality

Participants explored integrated approaches to sustainability in engineering, covering the following topics:

The sessions reflected the need to address health, safety and sustainability issues, that can be tackled throughout the project.

Day 2 – Renewable Energy, Land Use, and Geospatial Innovation

Building on the first day’s foundations, the second round invited participants to deepen their understanding of sustainability through real-world applications, spatial analysis, and strategic planning tools designed to address complex environmental challenges. Sessions addresed:

  • Fossil vs. Renewable Energies.
  • Technical Visit to the Sustainable Building.
  • Land Management.
  • Practical Geoprocessing and Remote Detection.

Focusing on Uzbekistan’s actual issues, the sessions highlighted the importance of integrated planning for sustainable development.

Day 3 – Field Visits and Final Wrap-Up

On the last training day, participants had the opportunity to connect theoretical learning with real-world practices in renewable energy, water management, and sustainable waste treatment through direct engagement with regional institutions and industry leaders. Visits included:

  • ENERCON (Lanheses): Visit to a major renewable energy manufacturer.
  • Águas do Alto-Minho (Gil Eanes Ship-Museum): Exploration of Portugal’s maritime life and regional water management initiatives.
  • RESULIMA (Vila Fria): Study visit to a waste treatment and sustainability innovation facility.

The day concluded with a final wrap-up session led by IPVC members, reinforcing key takeaways from the training and setting the third workshop to be held later in October, in Uzbekistan.

Towards Sustainable Transformation in Engineering Education

Throughout the three-day workshop, faculty and technical staff from partner institutions engaged in knowledge exchange and co-development of educational materials — also laying the groundwork for sustainable collaboration beyond the GREENDT project.

This second ToT workshop not only delivered specialized technical training, but also reinforced GREENDT’s broader vision: equipping educators to train future engineers capable of addressing global environmental challenges through innovation, equity, and collaboration.

GREENDT Kicks Off First Train-the-Trainers Workshop in Ourense, Spain

The GREENDT project successfully launched its first Train-the-Trainers (ToT) workshop from July 16 to 18, 2025, hosted by the Universidade de Vigo (UVigo) at its Ourense Campus. The event marked a significant milestone in Task 3.3 – Implementation of ToT-Enhanced Training Sessions, bringing together researchers, educators, engineers, and students from across the consortium to co-develop and evaluate educational resources on key themes of the project: Engineering Diplomacy, Equity & Inclusion, and Environmental Engineering. 

Professor Maribel Doval, Associate Professor at UVigo’s Faculty of Education and Social Work and the university’s GREENDT coordinator, opened the session by emphasizing UVigo’s commitment to embedding sustainability, equity, and diversity into engineering education: 

“Our goal is to support our partner universities in designing a Master’s course that remains viable and impactful beyond the end of project funding. This means training future engineers to not only understand environmental systems, but to be able to navigate social and legal dimensions through diplomacy and inclusive practices.” 

A Deep Dive into Multidisciplinary Training Topics 

The training was structured around three key thematic pillars, directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 

  1. Engineering Diplomacy (SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions)

Participants explored how engineers can act as mediators and influencers in global sustainability transitions. Topics included: 

  • European Environmental and Climate Law
  • The European Green Deal and Renewable Energy Law
  • Policy Instruments for Global Environmental Governance 

This module introduced the concept of “engineering diplomacy” as an emerging competence that links technical innovation with regulatory, legal, and policy-making processes. 

  1. Equity and Inclusion in Engineering Education (SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities)

Hosted at UVigo’s Faculty of Education and Social Work, this module emphasized redesigning curricula to serve diverse learner populations. Sessions addressed: 

  • Engineering for All: Inclusive approaches to STEM education 
  • Intersectionality and social justice in higher education 
  • Institutional strategies for inclusive excellence 

The module championed values-based teaching as a core component of engineering training, especially in global contexts. 

  1. Environmental Engineering, Sustainability & Water Issues (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities)

Focusing on practical environmental issues, this segment explored: 

  • Environmental Engineering Curriculum Development 
  • Water Quality, Treatment Technologies, and Ecosystem Health 
  • Integration of Geothermal and Photovoltaic Systems into Education 

Participants also reviewed and provided feedback on Resource Kits developed for each thematic area, supporting the future rollout of the Master’s programme. 

Field Visits and Experiential Learning 

Beyond classroom sessions, participants engaged in hands-on and site-based learning, including visits to: 

  • UVigo’s geothermal and photovoltaic energy systems 
  • The pilot plant, soil, and environmental science labs 
  • The Velle Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), a best practice model for sustainable urban water management 
  • The Botanical Garden and Sil River Canyons, showcasing the region’s ecological and cultural heritage 

These activities highlighted how UVigo’s Ourense Campus operates as a living laboratory aligned with the Agenda 2030 and Spain’s green transition objectives. 

Building Capacity for Long-Term Impact 

Throughout the training, visiting faculty and researchers from partner institutions collaborated with UVigo experts to review, adapt, and co-create teaching and learning materials. The workshop also provided opportunities for cross-institutional networking and interdisciplinary exchange—laying the groundwork for sustainable collaboration beyond the GREENDT project. 

With this first training session completed, GREENDT takes a major step toward institutional transformation in higher education, equipping future engineers with the knowledge and tools to drive systemic change. 

GREENDT highlights intercultural dialogue with Uzbekistan Cultural Day

As part of the second GREENDT project consortium meeting, which will take place in Vigo, Spain on July 14 and 15, 2025, a special event titled “Uzbekistan Cultural Day” will be held on July 15 from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Edificio Redeiras and from 17:00 to 19:00 at the Afundación building. The event is jointly organized by the University of Vigo, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Spain, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in France, and Fergana State Technical University (FSTU) and aims to celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan with an international audience. 

This initiative seeks to foster intercultural dialogue and highlight the significance of cultural heritage in advancing global values such as sustainability, inclusion, and cooperation. A key message of the event will be to promote the upcoming 43rd UNESCO General Assembly session, which will, for the first time in history, be hosted in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — marking a historic milestone as the session traditionally takes place in Paris. 

The event will feature a dynamic program including: 

  • Live performances of traditional Uzbek music and dance. 
  • Exhibitions showcasing national handicrafts, including embroidery, ceramics, and textiles.
  • Short documentary screenings on Uzbekistan’s cultural sites and intangible heritage.
  • Presentation of Uzbekistan’s more than 100-year-old rich history, from ancient civilizations to modern reforms.
  • Tasting of national Uzbek cuisine, offering guests an authentic multisensory experience. 
  • Guest speakers from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Spain and FSTU, who will discuss the role of cultural preservation and exchange. 

Beyond its cultural focus, the event is also an opportunity to reinforce Uzbekistan’s image on the global stage as a country that honors its traditions while embracing innovation and progressive reforms. By sharing its identity, history, and national values, Uzbekistan aims to position itself as a committed partner in the global effort for sustainable development. 

Uzbekistan’s Role in the Global Cultural Landscape 

Like every country, Uzbekistan holds a distinct place in the global cultural mosaic. With its ancient history as a cradle of civilizations and its strategic location along the Silk Road, the nation has for centuries been a vibrant crossroads of knowledge, trade, and cultural exchange. 

Today, the Uzbek diaspora spans many countries, where communities maintain a strong connection to national traditions while actively participating in local cultural life. This strong sense of identity—combined with a spirit of openness—enables Uzbek people to live in harmony with other cultures and contribute meaningfully to shared development. 

Events such as Uzbekistan Cultural Day play a vital role in promoting intercultural understanding and cross-border knowledge exchange. In an increasingly interconnected world, these moments of dialogue and celebration are essential for building trust, encouraging innovation, and reinforcing mutual respect among nations. 

 

Photo 1: MarjonaKhidirova

The GREENDT consortium to hold in Vigo its second project meeting for advancing Environmental Engineering Education

From July 14 to 15, 2025, the GREENDT consortium will gather in Vigo, Spain, for its second project meeting, which will take place at the Edificio Redeiras. Over two intensive days, partners will discuss the progress made, align efforts, and coordinate the next steps. Focusing on sustainable transition, digital innovation and capacity building, the project aims to support an inclusive transition across Uzbekistan’s and Central Asian Higher Education Institutions. 

Day 1 

The meeting will begin with welcome speeches and a brief overview of the agenda, led by Maribel Doval from the University of Vigo (UVigo). 

The morning will focus on project coordination (WP1), where the Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (IPVC) will present updates on the overall status, project deliverables, financial aspects, and the consortium agreement. The session will also include a presentation of the project’s Quality Control Plan and an external evaluation strategy. These tools are essential to ensure that the work stays on track and meets the expected standards. 

In the afternoon, after lunch, the spotlight will turn to the project’s technical work packages. WP2 and WP3 will address the planning of the next training sessions, with input from Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute (JizPI), Universidade de Averiro (UAveiro), Central Asia Green University (CAGU), and the UVigo. WP4 and WP5 will follow, with updates on laboratory equipment procurement, the implementation of the EE Nexus platform, and strategies for implementing training and digital learning platforms in Uzbek partner institutions. The day will wrap up with a group discussion to consolidate key insights and prepare for the strategic planning to come. 

Day 2 

The second day will shift focus toward the implementation of new educational programs. WP6 presentations will outline plans for launching master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering, while WP7 will address dissemination activities, including events in Vigo and Viana do Castelo 

After a short coffee break and informal interviews led by the Fundación Empresa-Universidad Gallega (FEUGA), the group will dive into a planning session to review the project’s timeline, performance indicators, and key takeaways from the meeting. CAGU will also present a preliminary plan for the next consortium meeting. 

In the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to visit the UVigo campus and learn more about the university’s facilities and educational environment. The meeting will close with a special cultural event, “Uzbekistan Cultural Day,” organized in collaboration with UNESCO and Fergana State Technical University (FerPI). It will be a unique chance to celebrate cultural exchange and strengthen the sense of community across the GREENDT partnership. 

Looking ahead 

The upcoming meeting in Vigo will be a key milestone for GREENDT. As the project begins to move from planning into implementation, partners will have the chance to build on the work done so far and take concrete steps toward strengthening environmental engineering education. With everyone’s continued collaboration and commitment, GREENDT is well positioned to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements in higher education systems across Central Asia. 

EU-Central Asia Summit Marks New Chapter in Regional Cooperation

On 4 April 2025, the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a historic milestone in the relations between the European Union (EU) and the Central Asian countries. The summit was chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and attended by the President of the European Council António Costa, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of the five Central Asian countries: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan.

The leaders gathered to elevate EU-Central Asia relations, agreeing to establish a strategic partnership that will guide their collaboration in the years ahead. This summit followed years of intensifying high-level engagements and bilateral cooperation between the two regions, with the leaders recognizing the profound transformation in Central Asia that has led to deeper ties with the EU.

A Strong Commitment to Partnership

During the summit, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the growing need for close cooperation between Central Asia and the EU, highlighting the mutual political will that has driven the transformation in the region. “The development of our multifaceted cooperation is facilitated by the profound transformation in Central Asia, which has become sustainable and irreversible thanks to common political will,” Mirziyoyev said. He stressed that the summit would result in concrete decisions and initiatives to implement the agreements made.

EU leaders also expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation. António Costa, President of the European Council, affirmed, “After years of successful cooperation, it is time to take our partnership with Central Asia to the next level, deepening trade, strengthening regional collaboration, and expanding people-to-people ties.” Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the launch of a €12 billion investment package under the Global Gateway Strategy aimed at strengthening transport links, critical raw materials, and cooperation on energy and water.

Key Achievements and Commitments

One of the key announcements from the summit was the €12 billion Global Gateway investment package aimed at boosting transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and the green transition between the EU and Central Asia. Leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to enhance the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which will link Central Asia with Europe through sustainable transport infrastructure and logistics networks.

To support these initiatives, a €10 billion international investment package was also mobilized to enhance sustainable transport infrastructure in the region. Additionally, EU leaders reaffirmed their support for the accession of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which will further integrate these countries into the global economy.

In terms of sustainable development, the summit saw the endorsement of the EU-Central Asia declaration of intent on critical raw materials, underscoring the shared commitment to building sustainable value chains for these materials essential to green technologies and the energy transition.

Regional and Global Security

The leaders also reiterated their commitment to regional and global stability. They expressed concerns about the ongoing situations in Afghanistan and Ukraine, agreeing to cooperate on security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in these regions. The importance of maintaining the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms was also emphasized as central to the evolving EU-Central Asia partnership.

A New Chapter in EU-Central Asia Relations

In their concluding remarks, EU leaders congratulated President Mirziyoyev for his hospitality and the successful organization of the summit, which marks a new chapter in EU-Central Asia relations. The strategic partnership will serve as the foundation for a deeper, long-lasting collaboration between the two regions, aiming for mutual prosperity, peace, and stability.

With this historic summit, the EU and Central Asia have paved the way for a future of stronger economic ties, sustainable development, and enhanced security cooperation, fostering a partnership that will benefit both regions for generations to come.