NEW UZBEKISTAN: THE "GREEN" PATH OF DEVELOPMENT NEW UZBEKISTAN: THE "GREEN" PATH OF DEVELOPMENT

In the 21st century, "green" development has become not just a trend, but an unavoidable path for all of humanity. In the face of rapid climate change, intensifying water resource scarcity, and loss of biodiversity, sustainable development has become a priority for every nation. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh.M. Mirziyoyev, speaking at international, regional, and national forums, consistently promotes the agenda of sustainable "green" development as the key to the prosperity of future generations.

The recently published book "The Path of 'Green' Development for New Uzbekistan" presents 310 quotes and 54 initiatives by Sh. Mirziyoyev, proposed during the period of 2017-2025, addressing climate change mitigation, rational use of water and natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and transition to a "green" economy.

Structurally, the book is divided into three chapters: "'Green' Development - the Path Chosen by Humanity," "Central Asia - The Course Towards 'Green' Development and the Future," and "New Uzbekistan on the Path of Sustainable Development."

The first meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia to take place in Termez from May 19 to 21

On May 19-21, 2025, Termez will host the first meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia on the topic: “Building a Common Space of Peace, Friendship and Prosperity”.

The event is organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan nominated for Chairmanship of the UN Tourism Comission for Europe for 2025–2027 term

Uzbekistan has nominated its candidacy for the Chair of the UN Tourism Comission for Europe (CEU) for the 2025–2027 term.

This marks the first time in its history that Uzbekistan has put forward a candidate for this prestigious position, underscoring the country’s growing engagement in global tourism affairs and the high level of trust it has earned within international tourism bodies.

Termez platform – dialogue for ensuring security and stability in Central and South Asia

Since ancient times, Central and South Asia have been closely connected through trade, cultural exchange and political processes. Geographical proximity and ancient trade routes contributed to active dialogue between peoples and civilizations, the exchange of goods and culture as well as the formation of a shared historical and cultural identity in the region. Following the acquisition
of independence, the Central Asian states began gradually developing their own foreign policy and economic strategies toward South Asia.

Given the significance of Central and South Asia, shaped by their strategic location, abundant natural resources, demographic potential and historical heritage, these regions have become the subject of extensive scientific research. Thus, from the perspective of the regional security complex, scholars consider Central and South Asia as two independent yet equal regions. In this context, it is important
to emphasize the transformation of Afghanistan’s role as a key component of the regional security complex, facilitating interconnectedness and the gradual rapprochement between South and Central Asia[1].

The development of transport interconnectivity is the foundation for revitalizing connectivity between Central and South Asia

I. Historical foundations of the interconnectedness of Central and South Asia

From ancient times, Central and South Asia have been closely intertwined through a network of trade, cultural, and intellectual ties. Their geographical location at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road facilitated the active exchange of goods, knowledge and ideas. Through this interaction, knowledge, scientific advances in medicine, astronomy, mathematics and architecture were disseminated, while spiritual and cultural values were formed that influenced the development of world civilization.

Over the centuries, these regions not only engaged in active trade but also frequently became part of common political entitiesIn different epochs, mighty powers such as the Greco-Bactrian and Kushan kingdoms, the Turkic Khaganate, and the states of the Ghaznavids, Timurids, and Baburids emerged in this region. Figures who left a profound mark on the history of science and literature—ranging from Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn Sina to Alisher Navoi and Rabindranath Tagore—became symbols of the significant intellectual and spiritual progress fostered by the close ties between Central and South Asia.

Strengthening the international legal aspects of cooperation between Central and South Asia

In recent years, interregional cooperation between Central Asian and South Asian States has been developing. The Central Asia region includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The South Asia region includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with a population of 40% of the population of Asia and 22% of the world's population.

In terms of strengthening cooperation between the two regions, it is worth noting such an important aspect as historical, which is associated with the ancient trade routes of the Great Silk Road, which took place since the III century BC.

Uzbekistan pursuing its active foreign policy within the framework of international organizations, especially in the last decade has been actively promoting international treaty initiatives from the rostrum of the United Nations. For example, on July 11, 2022, the General Assembly unanimously approved resolution 76/295 “On strengthening the interconnectedness between Central and South Asia”, initiated by Uzbekistan in co-authorship with 40 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Angola, Angola, Cuba, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, China, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Iran, Nepal, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Philippines, Qatar, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam and others.

Development of regional interconnectivity is the key to security and stability in Central and South Asia

entral and South Asia, with its significant economic, demographic and resource potential, remains one of the least integrated regions of the world. Strengthening interconnectivity between them is not only an economic necessity, but also a strategic imperative dictated by the tasks of ensuring regional security, sustainable development and stability.

Historically, the two regions were closely linked by trade and cultural routes, primarily along the Silk Road. However, the geopolitical upheavals of the 19th and 20th centuries, including the protracted conflict in Afghanistan and competition between external powers, led to the severance of these ties and increased mutual isolation.

Today, under conditions of globalization, the restoration of these lost links becomes an objective requirement of international trade and economic integration. Access to seaports is critical for Central Asian countries to expand their foreign economic activities. South Asia, in turn, is interested in energy and water resources, as well as access to new markets. The economic complementarities between the regions provide ample opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.