BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 7. Uzbekistan and
Japan have discussed expanding cooperation on climate resilience,
air quality monitoring, and environmental education, with a
particular focus on deploying Japanese technologies and
strengthening academic partnerships.


This was reflected in the statement by the National Committee on
Climate Change and Ecology of Uzbekistan.


The discussions took place at the Central Asian University for
Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) during
a meeting between Aziz Abdukhakimov, adviser to the President of
Uzbekistan on environmental issues and chairman of the National
Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Japan's Ambassador to
Uzbekistan, Kenji Hirata.


A key topic of the meeting was the implementation of the joint
UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-Government of Japan project aimed
at increasing resilience to sand and dust storms in Uzbekistan's
Surkhandarya region through enhanced air quality monitoring and
nature-based solutions. The initiative is scheduled to run from
2026 through March 2027.


The sides also explored opportunities to introduce Japanese air
quality monitoring technologies, advanced forecasting systems, and
early warning mechanisms as part of Uzbekistan's "Clean Air" state
program for the period from 2026 through 2030.


"Particular attention was paid to the introduction of Japanese
air quality monitoring technologies, modern forecasting systems,
and early warning mechanisms, as well as expanding cooperation
within the framework of Uzbekistan's 'Clean Air' program," the
Uzbek side said following the meeting.







The parties also discussed strengthening Uzbekistan's air
quality monitoring system through the possible establishment of a
service center for Japanese analytical instruments manufacturer
HORIBA in the country. They reviewed the implementation of a joint
HORIBA-Sumitomo grant application submitted under the Japanese
government's Economic and Social Development Program.


Academic cooperation featured prominently on the agenda. The
parties discussed establishing partnerships between Green
University and leading Japanese institutions, including the
University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University.
Proposed initiatives include joint bachelor's and master's degree
programs, collaborative research on ecology, climate change, and
green technologies, as well as expanded academic exchanges
involving students, researchers, and faculty.


The meeting also covered plans to invite Japanese professors to
deliver short-term lectures and specialized courses at Green
University, broaden internship and scholarship opportunities for
Uzbek students, and deepen cooperation with the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) on laboratory modernization, technical
assistance, and professional training.


In addition, the officials reviewed a proposal to establish a
Japanese Language and Culture Center at Green University to promote
language studies, business practices, innovation, and advanced
technologies while fostering closer academic and cultural ties
between Uzbekistan and Japan.


The Uzbek side also invited Japan to participate in Eco Expo
Central Asia 2027, which is expected to become one of the region's
largest platforms for discussing sustainable development, climate
policy, and environmental innovation.