On December 21, an open dialogue took place at the Palace of Youth Creativity in the capital, with the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, and representatives of active youth. More than 500 students, studying in higher educational institutions of the country, volunteers, and other young eco-activists participated in the event.

During the meeting, the minister talked about the opportunities provided to youth representatives and the initiatives they have implemented A.Abdukhakimov emphasized the need to further increase the activity of young people in the field of ecology and tourism, as it is an effective way to find solutions to current problems. Every opinion and initiative are important in this regard.

"Today, the government creates opportunities for young people to demonstrate their potential in all areas, and our talented youth responds to this with enthusiasm. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that the contribution of youth to the development of ecology and tourism is invaluable," the minister noted.

For information: this year, numerous events were held in the field of ecology and tourism, where youth representatives showed special activity and demonstrated their concern for environmental issues. In 2023, a total of 2,445,300 young people participated in events involving young eco-activists of the country.

During the meeting, A. Abdukhakimov stated that the current global problems related to environmental pollution, climate change, and inefficient use of natural resources require sustainable development, training of specialists and experts in a new format in the field of ecology and environmental protection, and the implementation of innovative approaches to problem-solving. The minister also mentioned that this is being addressed by the Central Asian Green University, established in accordance with the President's Resolution "On Measures to Organize the Activities of the Central Asian University for the Study of the Environment and Climate Change." It is planned that the University will play an important role in solving environmental problems.

"The activities of Green University, under the auspices of the Ministry of Ecology, are organized on the principle of 'Hub and Spoke.' In other words, the 'Green University' has created an effective platform that brings together international, state, and private higher educational institutions, as well as research centers of Uzbekistan, the region, and the world as a whole. The created University has implemented world-leading educational programs used by leading 'green' institutions," the minister explained.

During the meeting, it was recognized that in recent years, there has been an increased focus on the role of youth and their participation in events in the fields of ecology and tourism. Students also addressed the minister with questions, suggestions, and comments. In particular, important proposals and comments were made regarding reducing the use of plastic waste by the younger generation, combating environmental pollution, tree cutting, increasing environmental awareness, enhancing youth activity, and popularizing Uzbek culture and tourism.

In response to a question about the significance of the Central Asian Green University and its advantages over other universities, Aziz Abdukhakimov emphasized that the university will train specialists who are expected to play an important role in addressing current environmental problems not only in Uzbekistan but also in the Central Asian region.

"Today, there can be no progress in any industry without the participation of youth. In the development of ecology and tourism, we rely on the knowledge, enthusiasm, and new ideas of young activists. Today, after listening to your proposals and ideas for solving current problems, I witnessed the growth of environmental consciousness and responsibility among the future generation. It sincerely pleases me," said Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The minister noted that any proposal that contributes to the development of the industry will be supported. He also expressed special gratitude to young people for their activity and care for the environment.

"If you ask what ecology is, I would say that ecology is YOUTH" - Aziz Abdukhakimov

According to the results of the event, several young eco-activists and volunteers were awarded, including the founder of the ProRun project, Andrey Kulikov, the host of the "Mening yurtim" television channel is Amirkhan Umarov, journalist from Renessans TV channel, Sardor Isroilov, Mutabar Khushvaktova as the "most active eco-blogger," the head of the Uzbekistan Volunteers Association, Shirin Abidova, the deputy director of the Youth Environmental Movement, Ikhtiyor Mahmudov, and a number of eco-volunteers and activists in the tourism sector from Tashkent, Tashkent region, Bukhara, Andijan region, and other regions of the country.