Spokesman Report 

Uzbekistan: the International Forum “Global inter-parliamentary cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals” began its work in the city of Bukhara  (23 June 2021).

The Forum participants divided into groups within the framework of the sessions and discussed relevant issues in thematic areas.

In particular, the participants of the 1st session spoke about the role of parliament in ensuring the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The session was chaired by S.Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 

The session was attended by Chairman of the Senate Committee of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the development of the Aral Sea region Boriy Alikhanov, Secretary General of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Mohammad Rezo Majidiy, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Rahmat Gobel, Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of the National People’s Congress of China, Zhang Yesui, co-chairman of the Chinese part of the inter-parliamentary friendship.

It was noted that the Sustainable Development Goals are a kind of call to action from all countries of the poor, rich and middle-developed, which is aimed at improving the well-being and protecting the planet. Today, efforts to end poverty are being pursued in parallel with efforts to boost economic growth and address a range of issues in education, health, social protection and employment, as well as combating climate change and protecting the environment.

In this context, parliaments play an active role in shaping legislation, monitoring and promoting the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Participants discussed the role of parliament in achieving sustainable development in the transition to a green economy.

At the same time, it was noted that the development of a “green” economy, including in the context of reducing the negative consequences of the Aral Sea crisis and socio-economic, ecological rehabilitation of the Aral Sea region, are of great importance not only for Uzbekistan, but also for the whole of Central Asia.

Among the promising areas for the introduction of a “green” economy in the agricultural sector is the development of the production of environmentally friendly agricultural products.

The session also discussed issues of reducing hunger, improving food security and nutrition, promoting sustainable agriculture, the role of the National People’s Congress in promoting the achievement of sustainable development goals, regional cooperation and common interests of Asian countries, and other issues.

They also exchanged views on the work carried out in this direction, on the elimination of emerging problems.