TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 29. Claude Gascon, Acting CEO and Chief Strategy and Operations Officer of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has arrived in Samarkand ahead of the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, Trend reports via the Uzbek National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.

His arrival at Samarkand International Airport was followed by a formal reception hosted by representatives of Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, led by First Deputy Minister of Ecology Obidjon Kudratov.

The visiting delegation was then taken to the Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex, which will serve as the main venue for the upcoming assembly and related international events.

The 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly will take place in Samarkand from May 30 to June 6, 2026, bringing together representatives from 186 member countries. Held every four years, the GEF Assembly serves as the organization’s decision-making body, setting directions for global environmental funding and cooperation. The event will also run alongside Eco Expo Central Asia 2026.