Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The third scientific conference of the Institute for Regional Economic Cooperation in Central Asia (hereinafter referred to as the “Central Asia Institute”) on the topic “Prospects for inclusive green and sustainable growth in the CAREC region” was held online.

The conference took place over two days. During this period, experts and scientists from the participating countries of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation conducted in-depth research on various aspects of green growth and sustainability, examined the problems in detail, searched for new solutions, and jointly discussed how each participating country could achieve green sustainable development in the context of global climate change.

Kabir Jurazoda, rector of the Central Asia Institute, spoke at the opening ceremony. The urgency of addressing climate change, achieving sustainable economic growth and promoting inclusive development has never been clearer, he said. He noted that as we witness the impact of global changes on the environment and society, the need for green growth and sustainable solutions becomes critical.

According to the vice-rector of the Asian Development Bank Institute, Senju Baek, development must be sustainable and carried out at the environmental, social and economic levels. Despite the current challenges facing Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) countries, he believes that the potential for green growth and sustainable development remains very promising. He also noted that the holding of this conference could not have come at a better time, and the topic corresponded to the current situation.

Regional Head of the Department of Cooperation and Integration for Central and West Asia of the ADB Lyaziza Sabyrova said that climate change is already having a serious impact on the world. In her speech, she cited examples of climate change that are already happening today, including massive floods in Pakistan, drought in Afghanistan and the shortage of water for irrigation facing Central Asian countries.

“We must move to cleaner energy sources, prioritize energy efficiency, and promote sustainable agriculture. We are looking for every opportunity to further strengthen green and sustainable development in the CAREC region,” she noted.

Pu Zhishui, chief economist of the Asian Development Bank, gave the keynote speech. He expressed hope for the economic development prospects of CAREC countries and analyzed the current position of CAREC countries in the global transition to net zero emissions. He noted that Asia has a special interest in the global climate crisis, since the region is vulnerable to climate change, achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement is important for it. He also noted that developing Asia has ample opportunity to accelerate transformation through price reform, improved regulation and a focus on equity.