The 71st meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council has officially opened in Samarkand ahead of the Eighth GEF Assembly and the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 international exhibition. The event brings together representatives from 186 GEF member countries, international organizations, financial institutions, environmental agencies, civil society and the private sector, according to the Uzbek National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.
Over the coming days, GEF governing bodies will consider the allocation of more than US$200 million for environmental and climate-related projects and discuss strategic cooperation priorities for the 2026–2030 period. The meetings of the GEF, LDCF/SCCF and GBFF Councils are focused on accelerating progress toward global environmental goals under the 2030 Agenda.
The session featured remarks by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Claude Gascon, Interim CEO and Chairperson of the GEF.
Abdukhakimov noted that hosting the GEF Assembly and associated meetings in Samarkand is a great honor for Uzbekistan.
“For centuries, Samarkand connected people, cultures and ideas across continents. Today, the city once again becomes a meeting point — this time for global cooperation in addressing our shared environmental challenges,” he said.
He also emphasized that the theme of the Assembly — “The Last Sprint toward 2030” — is especially timely amid the growing global environmental crisis and the rapidly narrowing window for achieving international environmental commitments.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that Uzbekistan highly values its long-standing partnership with the GEF. Over the years, the Facility has supported the country in biodiversity conservation, including protection of the iconic snow leopard, restoration of ecosystems in the Aral Sea region, strengthening climate resilience and improving sustainable land and waste management.
To date, Uzbekistan’s GEF project portfolio includes 13 projects totaling US$56 million, with an additional pipeline of five projects worth more than US$30 million.
Council participants are also expected to review initiatives related to ocean and biodiversity conservation, sustainable infrastructure, climate adaptation and blended finance mechanisms. Discussions will include renewable energy and energy storage projects, including initiatives planned for Uzbekistan.
The official opening of the Eighth GEF Assembly will take place in Samarkand on June 4.
