Uzbekistan takes steps towards just energy transition

TASHKENT (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) under financial support of UN SDG Fund and in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan convened a Foresight Workshop on Just Energy Transition for Uzbekistan in Tashkent on 11 September 2025.

Progress and challenges

Uzbekistan has set an ambitious target to increase the share of renewable energy sources and advance the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. This transformation is already creating new green jobs, with thousands of employment opportunities generated through renewable energy projects across the country.

“Uzbekistan’s Strategy for Transition to a Green Economy until 2030 sets a clear vision for expanding renewable energy and creating green jobs. The UN is proud to support these efforts through vocational training, policy reform and inclusive programming,” said Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan.

Yet challenges remain. According to UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index, 13 per cent of the population lacks access to safe and adequate heating. Low-income households particularly female-headed households continue to face energy poverty, with energy costs consuming up to 87 per cent of poor households’ income. Rising tariffs have further strained budgets, especially in regions such as Karakalpakstan and Khorezm, where vulnerabilities are compounded by the environmental crisis of the Aral Sea.

“A green transition is not only an environmental necessity but also an opportunity for Uzbekistan to upgrade its economy, increase resource efficiency, and ensure balanced growth across all social groups. UNDP stands ready to continue supporting this effort so that the benefits of clean energy reach all people, leaving no one behind,” said Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.

Towards a Just Energy Transition Roadmap

The foresight workshop is a key step in the development of Uzbekistan’s Just Energy Transition Roadmap, which integrates principles of equity, inclusiveness and resilience into national energy and climate policies, including the preparation of Uzbekistan’s forthcoming NDC 3.0.

© UNDP

© UNDP

Participants engaged in scenario exploration, visioning exercises and policy co-design sessions to generate actionable recommendations that address institutional barriers, strengthen social protection, and expand decent work opportunities in the green economy.

Michal Drabik, Economic Affairs Officer at UNECE, noted that developing forward-looking strategies is crucial for building resilient energy systems and ensuring access to clean and reliable energy for all. For the energy transition to succeed, it should be inclusive and fair.

Highlighting ILO’s contribution, Cristina Martinez, Senior Specialist on Enterprise Development and Green Jobs, stressed: “Social dialogue is a key instrument in promoting decent work, inclusive development and social cohesion. Through the National Tripartite Commission, it is crucial for designing and implementing national economic, social and labour policies. Employers’ and workers’ organizations are fundamental for accelerating climate action, and governments need to prioritize the role of sustainable enterprises as engines of just transition processes and decent work creation.”

The event brought together more than 70 participants, including representatives of the Government, the National Tripartite Commission, employers’ and workers’ organizations, academia, civil society, youth, and women leaders, reflecting a diverse and inclusive approach to shaping Uzbekistan’s green future.

Moving forward

The event highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable households during water and energy tariff reforms, supported by enhanced data collection, adoption of a long-term decarbonization strategy and strengthened regional energy cooperation.

In line with the ILO Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all, the outcomes of the workshop will also help ensure that social dialogue, decent work and social protection are reflected in the finalization of Uzbekistan’s Just Energy Transition Roadmap and contribute to broader climate and development strategies.

© UNDP

© UNDP

This joint programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund. We sincerely appreciate the contributions from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.