Central Asian and Caucasus Countries Sign Declaration on Climate Mobility
Representatives of seven Central Asian and South Caucasus countries, at the initiative of Uzbekistan, signed the 'Silk Road' declaration on population mobility in the context of climate change on the sidelines of COP31.
The ceremony took place at the Uzbekistan Pavilion on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference. It was attended by representatives of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as international organizations and development partners.
Uzbekistan was represented by the presidential advisor on environmental issues and chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov. The document provides for the development of regional dialogue and joint approaches to climate-induced migration, protection of vulnerable communities, and response to the consequences of climate change, taking into account national priorities.
Participants discussed how rising temperatures, glacier melt, water scarcity, desertification, land degradation, and extreme weather events affect population incomes and migration processes. Abdukhakimov emphasized the need for investments in sustainable livelihoods, improved water resource management, ecosystem restoration, and social protection development. He also cited the consequences of the Aral Sea environmental disaster for the health, incomes, and living conditions of the region's population.
The meeting also considered the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to create a Global Framework for International Cooperation on Climate Mobility, presented at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. According to the committee, the regional declaration may contribute to its advancement.
