The International Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 Has Officially Opened in Samarkand
The international environmental exhibition Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 has opened in Samarkand, bringing together representatives from more than 100 countries, international organizations, businesses and the expert community, according to the Dunyo News Agency.
The large-scale event is being held at the Expo Centre of the Silk Road Samarkand complex and is aimed at promoting the principles of the green economy, introducing environmental innovations, strengthening international cooperation and supporting sustainable development.
It is worth noting that the first Eco Expo Central Asia, held in Tashkent in 2025, became the largest environmental event of its kind in Central Asia. This year, the forum has significantly expanded both its geographical reach and scale of participation. Around 10,000 domestic and international visitors are expected to attend. The exhibition features 68 pavilions showcasing environmental products and services, as well as 20 startup pavilions representing projects from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.
The event is organized by the National Committee of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change and Business Congress Management. Participants include leading international organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Major international and domestic companies operating in the fields of environmental technologies, sustainable energy, water management, waste recycling and industrial ecology are presenting their latest developments and solutions.
Special attention is being paid to regional environmental initiatives. All regions of Uzbekistan are showcasing projects focused on climate change adaptation, sustainable management of natural resources and environmental resilience. The initiatives presented are designed to attract international investment and donor support.
More than 50 thematic events are scheduled within the framework of the exhibition, including forums, presentations and expert discussions on green energy, water resource management, climate adaptation, waste management and sustainable development.
One of the key events on the opening day was the international side event entitled “Islands of Sustainability: Preserving Ecosystem Services in the Lower Amu Darya and the Aral Sea Basin,” organized under the Aral Sea Wetlands Project, which is being implemented by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Participants discussed ecosystem restoration in the Aral Sea region, biodiversity conservation, improvements in water resource management, the development of climate-resilient agriculture and efforts to achieve land degradation neutrality.
As a result of the event, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture signed the Concept of the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan for the Lower Amu Darya Basin. The document aims to improve water-use efficiency and strengthen the region’s environmental sustainability.
Another important highlight of the exhibition was the official launch of a project to establish Uzbekistan’s national biosafety system in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, financed by the Global Environment Facility.
During a dedicated side event, international experts and representatives of specialized organizations discussed ways to improve national biosafety policy, strengthen interagency coordination, enhance technical capacities and develop risk assessment mechanisms.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Statement of Intent on cooperation and support for the implementation of the project aimed at strengthening the national biosafety system and fulfilling Uzbekistan’s international commitments in the field of biodiversity conservation.
The hosting of Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand confirms Uzbekistan’s growing role in the international environmental agenda and contributes to expanding partnerships, attracting investment in the green economy and promoting innovative environmental solutions at both regional and global levels.
