Yashil uyim Ecological Festival brings sustainable solutions and green innovation to Andijan
26 September 2026, Andijan, Uzbekistan. Today, Andijan is hosting the first “Yashil uyim” Ecological Festival, organised with the financial support of the European Union under the umbrella of the EU Green Diplomacy Weeks 2026.
Held at the Berlin Zentrum complex, the festival brings together environmental experts, young people, families, local businesses, civil society representatives and visitors interested in practical ways to make everyday life more sustainable.
The festival focuses on issues that are increasingly important for communities across Uzbekistan: responsible use of natural resources, waste sorting and recycling, sustainable consumption, environmental awareness, and the role of science and innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
From European experience to local solutions
The European Union has been working for decades to combine economic development with environmental sustainability. Since 1990, the EU economy has grown by 71%, while greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by more than 37%. This demonstrates that economic growth and emissions reductions can go hand in hand.
European companies have played an important role in this transition, developing innovative and reliable clean technologies and solutions based on high standards, transparency and long-term partnerships.
Today, European expertise covers a wide range of technologies, including wind power, heat pumps, hydropower, electricity grids, transformers and renewable hydrogen technologies. European companies are also active in solar thermal and geothermal solutions, water and agri-tech, carbon capture and storage, sustainable fuels, biogas and biomethane, as well as technologies that improve energy efficiency and recover industrial excess heat.
Environmental goods and services are also an important source of employment in Europe, with around 6.7 million people working in the sector according to the latest figures.
The EU sees clean technology not only as an environmental necessity, but also as an opportunity for innovation, competitiveness, investment and new jobs. Through its Global Gateway strategy, the European Union can support clean-technology investments in partner countries, including in areas relevant to Uzbekistan.
Learning, discussing and experiencing sustainability
Throughout the day, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to learn about environmental issues in an accessible and engaging format.
The programme for adults and young people includes open talks with experts on sustainable living, cancer genomics, waste sorting and sign language, as well as a youth discussion exploring the question “Ecology or Economy?” Visitors can also watch the animated film WALL•E in Uzbek, take part in quizzes and games, and enjoy a DJ programme and live music.
A dedicated programme for children combines environmental education with science and creativity. Young visitors can take part in “Mathematics in Practice”, watch scientific experiments, discover the “Fikrlab” book and “My Eco Bag” initiative, and participate in a robotics workshop.
The festival also provides a platform for local eco-friendly products and scientific innovations, giving visitors an opportunity to discover practical initiatives and ideas that can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Turning environmental awareness into everyday action
A central feature of the festival is the opportunity for visitors to put sustainability into practice.
Special collection points are operating throughout the day for batteries, used vegetable oil, paper, cellophane and aluminium. Visitors can also bring books, flowers and other items to the SWAP area and exchange them with others, encouraging reuse and a more circular approach to consumption.
The festival demonstrates how small, practical changes — from sorting household waste and reusing everyday items to choosing more sustainable products — can become part of everyday life.
The EU’s support for initiatives promoting sustainable development in Uzbekistan is part of its broader partnership with the country. Under Global Gateway, the EU works with Uzbekistan and regional partners on areas including sustainable connectivity, water and energy, climate resilience, digital transformation and sustainable development.
The “Yashil uyim” Ecological Festival provides an open platform for dialogue between citizens, experts, businesses and organisations, while demonstrating that environmental responsibility can be practical, accessible and engaging.
The festival is open to everyone and admission is free.
Date: 26 September 2026
Time: 12:00–19:00
Venue: Berlin Zentrum, 193 Cholpon Street, Andijan