European Mobility Week 2022 in Uzbekistan – a Campaign for a Better Environment
Today marks the launch of 4th European Mobility Week Campaign (EMW) in Uzbekistan dedicated to sustainable mobility and healthy way of living. The Campaign invites people to prioritise sustainable mobility that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps tackling environmental challenges (video). United under the slogan “Move and Connect! Be the Heart of Your City!” thousands of people will join ‘mobility actions’ during European Mobility Week organised by partners (video).
“It is inspiring to have such a range of mobility actions organised by government and civil society partners of the European Mobility Week campaign this year. Our sustainable mobility choices, such as cycling, impact the wellbeing of our communities, the health and heartbeat of our cities and our planet. Every year, we witness a growing awareness about how our individual and collective choices for sustainability mobility can make our cities happier and healthier”. H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, the Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan.
The European Mobility Week Campaign is organised by the Delegation of European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the partners – Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Youth Affairs Agency, Toshshahartransxizmat JSC (Tashkent City Transport Service Agency), Khokimyats of Tashkent city, Sergeli and Yangi khayot districts, as well as civil society organisations – Tashkent Runners Club and the Bicycle Community of Uzbekistan.
“The goals of European Mobility Week – sustainable cities, green growth, and healthy environment, are integral to the policy vector of our government and to the future vision of our youth. In this regard, the Presidential Decree (PP № 201 of 11.04.2022) ‘On measures to raise the involvement of young people in mass sports in the makhallas to a new stage’ was adopted. The Youth Affairs Agency is committed to turning this vision into reality and encouraging our youth to prioritise healthy lifestyle. A series of short-distance races involving young people from different makhallas across the country are symbolic to our shared aspirations for a better environment, nurturing a healthy generation”. Islom Okhunov, Head of the International Relations Development Department of the Youth Affairs Agency.
Different personalities from the civil society, media, sports, business and diplomatic community, such as H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, the Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, Roli Asthana, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, blogger Umid Gafurov, athlete Asalya Littos, players from the National Uzbekistan Women Basketball Team and other, have joined the Campaign to popularise sustainable mobility and talk about their personal mobility choices.
A range of mobility events and actions will take place from 19 to 25 September:
- The Youth Affairs Agency will roll out a series of short distance races as part of a set of mobility actions called “Makhallas for European Mobility Week.” These races will engage youth from different mahallas across Uzbekistan. These mobility actions will take place on 20 September in Nurafshon city of the Tashkent region, 21 September in Fergana, 22 September in Namangan, 23 September in Andijan, and 24 September in Bukhara.
- To promote the simplicity and energy efficiency of safe cycling, the Cycling Community that unites enthusiasts in Tashkent will organise a range of cycling events including “Tashkent Night Cycling” on 19 September, “Car Free Day Cycling” on 22 September in the Sergeli district of Tashkent, and “Sustainable Mobility Cycling” in Tashkent region on 24 September.
- To communicate the message of green and clean urban environment, Tashkent Runners, a club that brings together amateur runners, will carry out the “Plogging for Better Urban Environment” on 25 September and engage the community in picking up litter in the Tashkent region.
- A Car Free Day onю 22 September will be marked by completing the work on the special large format European Mobility Week Art Mural on the 9-story building bordering two residential and fast developing Yangikhayot and Sergeli neighbourhoods in Tashkent. More information will follow regarding this action.
More information about campaign can be found of social media sites of EU Delegation and EMW Partners.
Background information
European Mobility Week in Uzbekistan is a part of a global campaign and is an initiative of the European Commission taking place in more than 50 countries each year. Following successful European Mobility Week campaigns in 2019, 2020 and 2021, this year marks the fourth time the campaign is held in Uzbekistan.
Pollution of air with CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions is one of the key causes for environmental issues and climate change. By joining the Paris Agreement and committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 35% by 2030, Uzbekistan has already set on the path of tackling climate change and its negative impacts. Also, Uzbekistan has been the first one among Central Asian countries to join in communicating the message of European Mobility Week. To further anchor this notion, in 2020 the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has recognized the European Mobility Week as an annual campaign of national importance.
European Mobility Week is also part of the EU Climate Diplomacy effort addressing climate and environmental challenges. The Year 2022 places a special focus on energy savings, energy efficiency and acceleration of renewables as the most efficient way to address the current energy crisis, boost to the green transition and improve energy security.
More information about the global European Mobility Week campaign can be found on https://mobilityweek.eu/. The overview of the previous EMW editions in Uzbekistan is available on https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanMobilityWeekUz.
