Role of Media and Journalists in Promoting and Protecting Citizens' Environmental Rights

Sustainable development is under threat. The triple planetary crisis - climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution - along with their interconnection with public health problems, the need to strengthen democracy, combat the spread of disinformation on digital platforms, among other problems, has become a serious problem for humanity. The information ecosystem is called upon to play a key role in overcoming this existential crisis. Access to reliable information and the importance of strengthening independent environmental and scientific journalism are more important than ever. Independent journalists, as well as scientists, play a crucial role in helping our society separate fact from fiction and manipulation and make informed decisions, including on environmental policy.

Article 49 of the new Constitution of Uzbekistan, adopted in July 2023, enshrines the constitutional right of every citizen to a favorable environment and reliable information about its state. The Constitution also obliges the state to take all necessary measures to improve, restore and protect the ecological system. Article 61 of the Constitution also obliges every citizen to protect the environment. The transition to a "green" economy and environmental protection are declared a priority of the government.

The roundtable will provide a platform for exchanging views on the following questions:

1. What are the key environmental problems in Uzbekistan?
2. What are the difficulties in solving these problems, including reporting and public discussions?
3. How can the government cooperate more effectively with civil society?

The roundtable organized jointly by the Regional Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia, the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights and UNESCO within the framework of the AIM Accountability Information Media programme, funded by SDC and the UNESCO Multi-Donor Program ("MDP") on freedom of expression and safety of journalists. The Action Plan on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists is aimed at further strengthening UNESCO's work at the global, regional and national levels by directing funds to new priorities and meeting the most pressing needs to fulfill its mandate in the field of freedom of expression, media development and media and information literacy.