22 September 2022, Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Today the European Union to Uzbekistan is marking World Car-Free Day by unveiling the Sustainable Mobility Mural, a major new piece of public art in Tashkent. The presentation of the mural is one of a series of mobility actions organised as part of European Mobility Week, a week dedicated to sustainable urban mobility and healthy way of living for a better urban environment. This is the fourth year in which European Mobility Week is being marked in Uzbekistan.

The Sustainable Mobility Mural is painted on one side of a nine-story residential building located across from the “4-Bekat” metro station on the border between the fast-growing Yangikhayot and Sergeli districts of Tashkent. The impressive mural presents an artistic vision of a more sustainable, active, and healthy Tashkent and communicates the message that is at the heart of European Mobility Week. The mural was curated by Autograph Art Gallery and created by the “Brushers” artist collective, a group of young Uzbek artists. 

“This year, European Mobility Week is enjoying even more support from partners and participants in Uzbekistan and we have increased the number of mobility actions. We are delighted that together with partners we have commissioned and produced a major work of public art, dedicated to promoting sustainable urban mobility. I hope this beautiful mural will encourage Tashkent residents to use green transport solutions whenever possible in their daily lives”. Ms Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan.

“This vibrant mural conveying the message about sustainable urban mobility is a wonderful addition to our newly created Yangikhayot district. Out municipality continues working on improving local sustainable mobility for our residents to make Yangikhayot a greener and a better place for living”. Mr. Khayot Inogamov, the Mayor of Yangikhayot district in Tashkent.

“In this project, we would like to emphasize the importance of an active lifestyle and the urgency of adopting a more ecological way of life for those who live in an urban context. Bright, lush colours, graphic stylization and a set of precise, recognizable symbols are what distinguish our mural for European Mobility Week.” Members of the “Brushers” artist collective—Anvar Khakimbekov, Nodir Azlarkhudjaev, Andrei Juravlyov, and Danil Kudryavtsev.

After the mural is unveiled today, another important mobility action will also take place. The Cycling Community of Uzbekistan, a long-time supporter of European Mobility Week, is organising a “Car-Free Day Cycling” event with the support of the Sergeli district municipality. The cycling route will start in Yangi Sergeli park, pass through Shokirariq Str, turning onto Mirzo Tursunzoda Str, arriving at the new mural. To finish, participants in the cycling event will return via the same route to Yangi Sergeli park. This route will be partially closed during the cycling event.

“It is a pleasure for us to welcome the cyclists, all guests and visitors of this cycling event in Sergeli district, especially in the renovated park. I hope this event will draw our residents’ attention to the use of bicycles and other eco-friendly ways of moving around. It is great that our district has been a partner of the European Mobility Week in Uzbekistan.” Mr. Elbek Shukurov, the Mayor of Sergeli district in Tashkent.

The mobility actions for European Mobility Week will continue until 25 September. On these days, the Youth Affairs Agency will lead a “Mahallas for European Mobility Week” event, while members of the Tashkent Runners Club will partake in a “Plogging for Better Urban Environment” event, picking up trash as they jog in Tashkent region.

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 2022 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.