Tashkent, Uzbekistan [February 15, 2023] – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Uzbekistan marked the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Country Office in Tashkent. At a celebratory event several high-level dignitaries and guests, including H.E. Mr. Hee-sang Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and H.E. Ms. Zehavit Ben Hillel, Ambassador of Israel to the Republic of Uzbekistan, attended to congratulate GGGI and its partners on the remarkable success of the first year of operations. They underscored the commitment to continued cooperation in Uzbekistan for the realization of green growth and climate resilience.
H.E. Mr. Aziz. A. Abdukhakimov, Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources, extended his congratulations to GGGI Uzbekistan, the first Country Office established in Central Asia. In his video remarks, he acknowledged the positive contributions made by GGGI Uzbekistan in the areas of ecology and environment protection, and prevention of desertification.
Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Global Green Growth Institute Director General, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Uzbekistan for their guidance and the steadfast support of the Korean Government for GGGI Uzbekistan. In addition, he introduced GGGI’s global targets and key achievements, including its successful support in developing 76 green growth policies, and mobilizing over USD 5 billion in green and climate finance for member countries. Furthermore, Dr. Rijsberman informed the participants of GGGI Uzbekistan’s launch of 5 Year Country Planning Framework development process.
Following the one-year anniversary event, GGGI Uzbekistan held a signing ceremony for a grant agreement between Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and GGGI, aimed at facilitating the implementation of Strategic Environmental Assessments in Uzbekistan and mainstreaming of sustainable practices. Dr. Rijsberman and H.E. Mr. Abdukhakimov were accompanied in their remarks by Mr. Vincent Caupin, Direct of the AFD Regional Representative Office in Tashkent, in expressing their dedication to this vital endeavor.
GGGI Uzbekistan extends its greatest gratitude to the three representatives for their words of support and encouragement. It looked forward to the future and the dissemination of SEA practices in development and planning processes, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable green growth in Uzbekistan and contributing to a positive environmental impact.