Uzbekistan and Slovenia possess significant potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development. Although no formal agreements currently exist between the environmental agencies of the two countries, several priority areas offer opportunities for constructive collaboration, knowledge exchange and the implementation of joint initiatives.
One of the key areas of potential cooperation is the exchange of experience in climate policy. In 2021, Slovenia adopted a Resolution on the Long-Term Climate Strategy until 2050, which sets the goal of achieving climate neutrality and net-zero emissions. Notably, from 2005 to 2019, the carbon intensity of the Slovenian economy decreased by 36%, exceeding the European Union average. This experience is particularly relevant to Uzbekistan, which is also steadily progressing on the path toward decarbonizing its economy and adapting to the impacts of global climate change.
Slovenia, with over half of its territory covered by forests, has a well-developed system of protected natural areas, including one national park, three regional parks, 49 landscape parks, 56 nature reserves, and over 1,000 natural monuments. This experience is especially valuable for Uzbekistan in the context of restoring degraded lands, conserving biodiversity, and improving environmental monitoring systems. Cooperation in this area may include the exchange of management practices, scientific methodologies, and conservation technologies.
In the field of waste management and the development of a circular economy, Slovenia ranks among the cleanest and most environmentally conscious countries in the world. Its experience in waste management and the implementation of circular economy principles is particularly noteworthy. Ljubljana is one of the few capital cities globally recognized as a zero-waste city. Uzbekistan, which is pursuing a transition to a green economy, can draw valuable lessons from Slovenia’s experience in building a national system for sustainable waste management and increasing recycling rates.
As part of efforts to strengthen the international activities of the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (“Green University”), establishing partnerships with leading Slovenian universities—such as the University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor—represents a promising direction. These institutions are ranked among the world’s top 1,000 universities in environmental sciences, offering broad opportunities for academic exchange, joint research, and the adoption of innovative approaches to environmental education.
To systematize efforts and build a comprehensive partnership, it is proposed to initiate the development and signing of a cooperation agreement in the field of environmental protection and climate change between the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the relevant environmental authorities of the Republic of Slovenia.
Uzbekistan also invites Slovenia to participate in a number of international events organized within the framework of the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, including:
The International Ecological Exhibition “EcoExpo Central Asia”, to be held from 19 to 21 June 2025 in Tashkent. Slovenia is invited to present a national pavilion showcasing its achievements in green technologies and environmental policy.
The 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CITES Convention (COP20), which will take place in Samarkand from 24 November to 5 December 2025. Slovenia’s participation in this event will contribute to expanding international dialogue on the conservation of rare species of flora and fauna.
Uzbekistan and Slovenia are countries with different climates, natural conditions, and levels of economic development; however, they share common goals in advancing environmental sustainability. Strengthening bilateral cooperation in this sphere will contribute meaningfully to regional and global efforts toward a greener and more sustainable future. Cooperation between the two nations could serve as a model of effective interregional collaboration in the spirit of global climate solidarity.