Uzbekistan, 14 June 2024

The IV Samarkand Forum on Human Rights, held on June 13-14, 2024, in Uzbekistan, focused on the theme ‘Environmental Challenges: The Future of Human Rights and Sustainable Solutions in a Changing World’.

This traditional international conference included three plenary sessions, conducted both offline and online, facilitating extensive engagement with global experts.

The main goal of this year’s forum was to explore the intricate relationship between climate change and human rights. Participants discussed these issues on a broad scale, utilizing detailed information analysis.

The forum provided an opportunity for attendees to gain essential knowledge, exchange experiences, and learn from international best practices. It also focused on developing concrete recommendations and solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on human rights.

The discussions served as a platform for experts from various fields to collaborate on effective strategies that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure the protection of human rights in a changing climate.

National and International Collaboration

The forum was organized by the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the ‘Strategy of Development’ center.

The event enjoyed the support of significant international partners, including the United Nations team in Uzbekistan. Key international partners included the Office of the Permanent Coordinator of the United Nations in Uzbekistan, the Regional Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia, the United Nations Development Program in Uzbekistan, and the Office of the Coordinator of Projects in Uzbekistan of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Additionally, the Friedrich Ebert and Konrad Adenauer foundations had representatives participating in the event.

Diverse Participation

The forum attracted around 200 experts, comprising national and international specialists in climate change and human rights. Participants included officials from state organizations dealing with climate change issues, representatives from civil society institutions, media professionals, researchers, business leaders, and members of international organizations.

Notably, the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission from Qatar participated in the event. This inclusion underscored the forum’s commitment to integrating diverse perspectives and fostering global cooperation to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change to human rights.

The IV Samarkand Forum on Human Rights proved to be a pivotal event, fostering dialogue and collaboration to address one of the most critical issues of our time. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, the forum developed comprehensive strategies and solutions to ensure the protection of human rights in the face of environmental challenges. Through shared knowledge and cooperative efforts, the forum paved the way for sustainable solutions that can effectively address the impact of climate change on human rights.