The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the city of Khujand in Tajikistan’s Sughd Region signed a memorandum of understanding marking the first step towards the city’s participation in the EBRD’s Green Cities programme.

The signing took place on 28 May during a meeting attended by the Governor of Sughd Region, the Mayor of Khujand and an EBRD delegation led by Vice‑President Mark Bowman. It represents an important milestone in Khujand’s efforts to promote sustainable urban development and signals the city’s intention to work closely with the EBRD on green transformation. 

Following Dushanbe, which joined the programme in 2019, Khujand is set to become the second city in the country to engage with the initiative.

The memorandum lays the groundwork for cooperation with the EBRD, including preparatory work towards developing a comprehensive Green City Action Plan. This will help identify priority measures to address environmental challenges, improve infrastructure service quality, increase resource efficiency and enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents. Subject to meeting programme requirements, this process will pave the way for access to EBRD financing and donor support for future green investments.

The EBRD Green Cities programme supports cities in tackling their most pressing environmental challenges through a structured approach that combines policy engagement, technical assistance and investment, helping to deliver greener, more resilient and more liveable urban environments.

To date, the EBRD has invested more than €1 billion in Tajikistan through 192 projects