UZBEKISTAN’S GREEN TRANSFORMATION: PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

Аннотация

This article examines the worldwide shift towards green transformation and its ramifications for emerging economies, specifically highlighting Uzbekistan. The green transition has become a strategic focus as the world acknowledges the limitations of previous development paradigms resulting from environmental degradation and resource depletion. Uzbekistan has embarked on an ambitious voyage toward a green economy in response to ecological challenges and economic modernization requirements. The essay examines the country's current strategies, sectoral potential, investment dynamics and regional environmental cooperation. Uzbekistan has the potential to become a regional leader in green energy if it effectively mobilizes private money, executes governmental changes, and capitalizes on its geographical and natural advantages, despitetheimmenseobstacles itfaces. Key words: green transformation, energy transition, ecological challenges, sustainability, environmental impact, regulation, climatediplomacy. Аннотация: В данной статье рассматривается глобальный переход к «зеленой» трансформации и его последствия для развивающихся экономик, в частности для Узбекистана. Зеленый переход стал стратегическим направлением, поскольку мир признает ограниченность прежних парадигм развития, вызванных деградацией окружающей среды и истощением ресурсов. Узбекистан начал амбициозное путешествие к «зеленой» экономике в ответ на экологические вызовы и требования экономической модернизации. В эссе рассматриваются текущие стратегии страны, отраслевой потенциал, динамика инвестиций и региональное экологическое сотрудничество. Узбекистан имеет потенциал стать региональным лидером в области «зеленой» энергетики, если он эффективно мобилизует частные средства, проведет государственные преобразования и использует свои географические и природные преимущества, несмотря на огромные препятствия,скоторымион сталкивается. Ключевые слова: "зеленая" трансформация, энергетический переход, экологические вызовы, устойчивость, воздействие на окружающую среду, регулирование, климатическая дипломатия. Annotatsiya: Ushbu maqolada "yashil" transformatsiyaga global o'tish va uning rivojlanayotgan iqtisodiyotlarga, xususan O'zbekistonga ta'siri ko'rib chiqiladi. Yashil o'tish strategik yo'nalishga aylandi, chunki dunyo atrof-muhitning buzilishi va resurslarning kamayishi natijasida yuzaga kelgan oldingi rivojlanish paradigmalarining cheklanganligini tan oladi. O'zbekiston ekologik muammolar va iqtisodiy modernizatsiya talablariga javoban "yashil" iqtisodiyotga ulkan sayohatni boshladi. Inshoda mamlakatning joriy strategiyalari, sanoat salohiyati, investitsiyalar dinamikasi va mintaqaviy ekologik hamkorlik ko'rib chiqiladi. Agar u xususiy mablag'larni samarali safarbar qilsa, davlat o'zgarishlarini amalga oshirsa va duch kelayotgan ulkan to'siqlarga qaramay o'zining geografik va tabiiy afzalliklaridan foydalansa, O'zbekiston "yashil" energetika sohasidamintaqaviy yetakchi bo'lish imkoniyatiga ega. 206 Volume 4, issue 6, 2025 Kalit sozlar: yashil transformatsiya, energiyaga o'tish, ekologik muammolar, barqarorlik, atrof- muhitgata'sir,tartibga solish,iqlimdiplomatiyasi. Introduction. The world has experienced a significant awakening in recent decades to the fact that the economic development models of the past, which were driven by fossil energy, linear resourceuse, and unrestrained industrialization, are not only unsustainablebut also perilously out of tune with the limits of our planet. Climate change, ecological degradation, resource shortages, and the rising frequency of natural disasters have spurred world leaders to seek alternative developmental paradigms. In this setting, the notion of a "green transformation" has developed as both a requirement and an opportunity, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability. For the central Asian country of Uzbekistan, this shift comes at a pivotal time.1 The Soviet industrial model, which prioritized resource extraction and centralized planning, left the country with a challenging environmental legacy. The drying up of the Aral Sea is one of the world's worst ecological catastrophes. Instead of passively consuming global climate discourse, Uzbekistan is now increasingly portraying itselfas an active builderofits owngreen future. There is more to the global green transition than simply switching from coal to solar energy and planting trees to reduce emissions. It entails a systematic reevaluation of how cultures create, consume, and engage with nature. Globally, significant changes are occurring in energy systems, transportation networks, agricultural methods and industrial design in an attempt to lessen environmental impacts and reach carbon neutrality.2 While growing economies like India and Brazil are investigating how green innovation may support both social development and climate objectives, countries like Germany, Sweden, and South Korea have led the way in imp