Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan has officially started construction of its first nuclear power plant, with the first concrete poured for a small modular reactor unit at the Farish site in Jizzakh; the ceremony connected the project to St. Petersburg and included IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while Rosatom and Uzbekistan’s atomic agency outlined progress in engineering, licensing, and site prep. Digital Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Russia agreed to expand digital ties, focusing on AI, new data centres, e-government upgrades, electronic signatures, and cross-border data exchange, with a roadmap to follow. Construction Reform: From 1 July, Uzbekistan will simplify construction public services using “one application, one payment” for utility connections, unify architectural assignments from 1 September, and cut repeated approvals for minor changes. Aviation & Green Tech: At IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio, officials warned sustainable aviation fuel still covers under 1% of jet demand despite net-zero goals, as Europe faces summer disruption pressures. Green Agenda: The GEF’s 8th Assembly in Samarkand elevated Uzbekistan’s global environmental role, including plans to become a GEF donor and a push for “Green Capital” status. Tech & Industry Links: Hong Kong’s delegation visited IT Park Uzbekistan to review digital public services and AI startup support, while SCO industry ministers met in Cholpon-Ata to back low-carbon industrial zones and a shared investment database.