The IV Samarkand Forum on Human Rights on the theme “Environmental challenges: the future of human rights in a changing world, the search for sustainable solutions” was held on June 13-14. The event was organized by the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan under the patronage of the Government of the Republic.

The purpose of the forum is to provide a platform for dialogue, analysis, exchange of knowledge and best practices, review of legislation, policies, plans and programs related to environmental issues affecting human rights, as well as bring together Governments, international organizations, civil society, academia and business.

The event was attended online by Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Nurlan Seytimov.

Speaking at the forum, he noted that modern environmental problems cannot be solved within the framework of one state. Only by joining efforts can we count on real success in creating favorable human living conditions, preventing negative climate change, and ensuring the sustainable development of our countries.

Therefore, already in the Agreement on the Establishment of the CIS, “cooperation in the field of environmental protection, participation in the formation of a comprehensive international system of environmental safety” were attributed to the sphere of joint activities of the Commonwealth states, implemented on an equal basis through common coordinating institutions.

According to Nurlan Seytimov, such a coordinating body is the Interstate Environmental Council of the CIS states. At the initiative of its members, the Commonwealth has adopted a number of documents aimed at improving the use and protection of the environment. They relate to legislation in the environmental sphere, the formation of an ecological culture, modernization and technical re-equipment of production, stimulating the transition to a “green” economy and other issues on the climate agenda.

“The CIS countries, as well as the world community as a whole, will continue to effectively reduce the negative impact on the environment, as well as restore natural complexes, preserve biological and landscape diversity, and minimize the impact on the climate,” the diplomat believes.

He noted the planned and systematic nature of cooperation between the CIS countries in the environmental sphere. In particular, the updated Concept of Further Development of the Commonwealth adopted in 2020 aims to intensify cooperation in the environmental field and joint activities of the participating states to prevent natural and man-made disasters. The action plan for the implementation of the CIS Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 also provides for a number of measures to improve the efficiency of the use of natural resources. These include the use of environmentally friendly motor fuels, non-traditional and renewable energy sources, innovative energy development and the development of advanced energy technologies.

Nurlan Seytimov stressed that the Commonwealth pays close attention to the environmental education of the population and especially young people. In accordance with the Strategy of International Youth Cooperation for the period up to 2030, one of the main tasks is to develop healthy lifestyle skills, environmental awareness and positive social motives among young people.

“Sustainable development of the CIS member states, high quality of life and public health can be ensured only if the environment is improved. In our opinion, the main efforts of the world community, as well as the Commonwealth countries, in this area should be aimed at improving and harmonizing environmental legislation, implementing international and national guidelines to ensure that all measures to combat climate change and its consequences take into account human rights and especially the most vulnerable groups of the population. Our common task is to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations,” said the Deputy Secretary General of the CIS.

EMBASSYLIFE.RU