At the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan delivered a statement at a High-Level Panel Discussion titled “Land Degradation and Climate Change: Losses, Damages, and Opportunities for Strengthening Cooperation among Countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Regions with Arid Climates.” Organized by Uzbekistan, the panel emphasized the nexus between climate change and land degradation, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation to address these intertwined challenges.
Dr. Khan highlighted the vulnerability of the ECO region to these threats and discussed regional initiatives such as the ECO LandCare Programme 2021-2030. He emphasized the commitment of ECO countries to addressing climate change, noting that they are parties to most international climate frameworks. Dr. Khan called for a collective response to tackle climate change, advocating for the implementation of international legal frameworks, adherence to emission reduction commitments, increased climate financing, investment in renewable energy, and enhanced regional cooperation.
ECO’s participation in this event underscores its dedication to combating climate crisis and its attendant challenges. Additionally, during COP29, ECO will launch the ECO Clean Energy Center and the ECO Regional Initiative on Resource Efficiency, Sustainability, and Circular Economy (RESCUE), further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
