In light of the recent resolution adopted by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on February 12, 2022, focused on increasing the effectiveness of reforms to transition the nation towards a “green” economy by 2030, a cutting-edge climate innovation center has been inaugurated at the Tashkent State University of Economics (TSUE).
Today, December 12, marks the official opening of this state-of-the-art research facility, which will be led by esteemed Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Ray Kwon Chung. The center will play a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation in the field of sustainable development, fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry to address the pressing environmental challenges faced by Uzbekistan and the world at large.
The establishment of this research center aligns with global trends, as countries worldwide are increasingly adopting ambitious goals to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable growth. According to the World Bank, investments in renewable energy sources have surged, with a 56% increase in global solar capacity and a 36% increase in wind capacity between 2015 and 2021.
Under Professor Chung’s expert guidance, the climate innovation center will focus on a wide array of research topics, including renewable energy, waste management, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture. The center will also collaborate with international institutions and experts, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and best practices to drive the “green” economy transition in Uzbekistan.
In addition to fostering interdisciplinary research, the center aims to develop educational programs and workshops to train the next generation of sustainability leaders and innovators. By equipping students and professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills, the center will contribute to building a robust workforce capable of driving sustainable change across various sectors of the economy.
The establishment of the climate innovation center at TSUE signifies a significant milestone in Uzbekistan’s journey towards a more sustainable future. Under the visionary leadership of Professor Ray Kwon Chung, the center is poised to become a hub of excellence and innovation, generating transformative solutions that will shape the nation’s “green” economy and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.