The Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili has visited the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) under the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He was accompanied by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee.
During the visit, the Secretary-General was introduced to the university’s academic and research infrastructure—the first institution of its kind in Central Asia with a dedicated focus on environmental and climate studies. He toured its modern laboratories, specialized classrooms, interactive learning platforms and active research projects aimed at climate adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation.
The Secretary General addressing the gathering
Mr. Pololikashvili praised the creation of Green University, emphasizing its unique role in advancing sustainability and environmental education, which serves as an inspiration to other institutions: “We were truly impressed and delighted to see this brand-new, forward-thinking university—one that will champion ecology, train environmental professionals, and promote sustainable development. This is a bold and timely step in the education sector. I congratulate the Minister and commend the President of Uzbekistan for prioritizing sustainable development and tourism at the national level. Uzbekistan is showing global leadership—not just in the region, but on the world stage. Institutions like this are still rare across the planet, and I am proud to see Uzbekistan taking the lead.”
The highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UN Tourism and Green University, aimed at fostering cooperation in the fields of sustainable tourism, environmental education, and ecological innovation. The document was signed by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov.
According to the memorandum, both parties committed to working together to:
– Build Uzbekistan’s capacity in sustainable tourism through education, training, and the promotion of best practices;
– Raise public awareness of sustainable tourism as a driver of positive change for both society and nature;
– Promote tourism as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
– Encourage innovation in environmental protection, resource management, and climate action;
– Support academic exchange and research, including student and faculty mobility;
– Develop joint educational and outreach initiatives.
The agreement also outlines plans for ongoing dialogue between UN Tourism and Green University, the implementation of joint projects, training programs and the sharing of global best practices.
The signing of the memorandum marks a significant step toward aligning Uzbekistan’s environmental and tourism strategies with the global sustainability agenda, reaffirming the country’s commitment to green economy principles and international cooperation.
