Photo: VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO / AFP
Eurasia
14/05/2025 11:37
One of the key steps in the development of environmental dialogue was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on October 4, 2022, between the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Technology and Industry of Hungary. This document marked the beginning of a systematic exchange of experience, joint projects, and institutional collaboration in the field of environmental protection.
Cooperation is also actively developing within international platforms. In December 2022, representatives of the Ministry of Ecology participated in a seminar organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Budapest on the theme "Prospective Green Cities Create Prospective Countries," where sustainable forest development in urban environments was discussed. Budapest, as one of the leading European capitals in green urban planning, serves as an inspiring example for Uzbekistan, which seeks to implement best practices within its own sustainable urbanization strategy.
The youth dimension of cooperation is also actively developing. In June 2024, Hungarian eco-activists participated in the International Environmental Camp in Samarkand, organized by the Zamin Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Ecology, UNICEF, UNDP,FAO, and other partners. This event strengthened the ties between the youth of both countries, laying the groundwork for a new generation of environmentally responsible leaders.
Furthermore, on April 5, 2025, during the Samarkand Climate Forum, a youth session was held, bringing together representatives from Hungary and Central Asian countries. The dialogue between young activists and ministers and experts confirmed the necessity and willingness to consolidate efforts in tackling global climate challenges.
Promising Areas of Cooperation
Amid growing interaction, new areas have emerged for deepening partnership with the Hungarian side:
Water Quality Monitoring. Uzbekistan can benefit from Hungary's experience in implementing the Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River. A similar approach could help create an effective water resource monitoring system in Central Asia.
Green Urbanization. Given the success of the “Budapest 2030” strategy, aimed at transforming the Hungarian capital into one of the greenest capitals in Europe, Tashkent and other Uzbek cities can adopt elements of this model to shape their own “green” urban strategies.
Climate Policy. Hungary has already developed two national climate strategies and set the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. These achievements can serve as a foundation for experience exchange in climate adaptation and decarbonization of Uzbekistan’s economy.
Scientific and Educational Cooperation. The establishment of the Central Asian University for Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) opens new opportunities for partnership with Hungary's leading universities — Eötvös Loránd University, University of Szeged, University of Debrecen. Their recognized expertise in environmental sciences will enhance the quality of specialist training and applied research.
Thus, Uzbekistan-Hungary cooperation in the environmental field is an example of how a shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection can unite countries with different histories and geographies. Expanding this cooperation serves the national interests of both countries and contributes to global goals in combating climate change and conserving natural resources.