Photo: iStock
Khalilillo Khamidov
03/04/2025 22:02
Integrated urban development is a process of harmonious and comprehensive improvement of municipalities aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens and maintaining stability in the functioning of all urban spheres. This approach is a strategy that underpins the planning and management of urban areas to create a favorable, safe and functional urban environment. The key element of integrated planning is sustainable urban development. It involves balancing financial, economic, social and environmental objectives, enabling cities to remain resilient, adapt to change, mitigate negative impacts and stimulate positive change.
Many international organizations are developing standards and initiatives to support sustainable urban development. For example, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides recommendations to reduce the impact of cities on climate and promote sustainable practices. The World Bank implements initiatives aimed at solving the financial, economic, social and environmental problems of cities, promoting their sustainable development.
Uzbekistan is actively implementing initiatives to increase the resilience of cities to climate change and environmental challenges. Within the framework of the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, special attention is paid to the creation of favorable environmental conditions, including improving environmental pollution monitoring mechanisms, fully greening public transport, planting 200 million trees annually, improving the quality of drinking water, increasing the level of urbanization to 60%, turning Samarkand and Namangan into million-plus cities and developing master plans for all settlements.
It should be noted that significant progress has been made in this area. In 2023, the second Voluntary National Report of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Sustainable Development Goals was presented. It reflects the country's key achievements in sustainable development, including measures to protect the environment, improve urban planning and reduce carbon emissions. The document demonstrates progress in implementing sustainable urban development and climate adaptation strategies.
As a logical continuation of ongoing reforms, and as part of further improving the urban planning management system, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted a decree on September 11, 2023 titled "On measures for further improvement of state administration in the field of urban planning and the approval of programs for the development of urban planning documentation for settlements in 2023–2027". According to this document, urban planning documentation will be developed for 27 cities, 217 urban-type settlements, and 518 rural settlements. This initiative represents a significant step toward comprehensive planning and the sustainable development of the country’s settlements.
Additionally, in October 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Japan, launched the "Enhancing urban resilience to disaster risks and climate change in Central Asia" project. In Uzbekistan, this project is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, focusing on adapting cities to climate risks and increasing their resilience to environmental challenges.
In October 2024, Uzbekistan announced plans to invest approximately $1.3 billion in the construction of waste-to-energy plants. In collaboration with international partners, it’s planned to process 4.7 million tons of solid waste annually and generate 2.1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity by 2027.
Additionally, in 2024, the "Urban Sustainability Ranking" was published, which evaluates cities based on their environmental resilience and efforts to improve urban conditions. The report highlights the importance of strategic planning and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies in urban areas of the country.
Like many other regions worldwide, Central Asia faces the adverse effects of climate change. Air and water pollution, soil erosion, desertification, and excessive reliance on fossil fuels all contribute to global warming. In turn, this leads to an increase in global warming, resulting in increased cases of natural disasters negatively impacting both the environment and public health. Thus, climate change in Central Asia manifests through multiple interconnected factors, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to effectively address these challenges.
Thus, the Samarkand Forum will serve as a platform for experience exchange, discussion of best practices, and the development of joint strategies for sustainable urban development in the face of climate change. As a key outcome of the event, it’s planned to present a final document – the Regional Concept for "Green" Development, which will lay the foundation for a unified regional vision among Central Asian countries on climate action.
Sustainable urban development is a cornerstone in addressing climate challenges. Uzbekistan is demonstrating commitment to this goal through projects aimed at enhancing environmental resilience and implementing innovative technologies. The upcoming Samarkand Climate Forum will provide a unique opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and develop effective strategies for the comprehensive development of cities amid global climate change.