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Central Asia Undertakes Active Role in Climate Change
14.05.2025
59
On May 13th, the Central Asian Climate Change Conference commenced its work at the Ýyldyz Hotel in the capital. The event is organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
The forum brings together scientists, experts, and specialists from Central Asian countries, as well as representatives from the UN and its specialized agencies, to discuss one of the pressing issues of our time – climate change.
The forum was preceded by an exhibition showcasing the country's unique endemic flora and fauna, as well as a video presentation titled "Turkmenistan: Climate Change and the Green Transition."
Speakers at the conference opening emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive approach to addressing climate problems. It was underscored that the fight against climate change cannot be considered in isolation from issues of sustainable development. The integration of climate proposals into national development plans and strategies in agriculture, energy, and water management was recognized as a key factor for success.
During the plenary session "Regional and National Climate Change Policy: Achievements and Plans," CAREC Regional Climate Change Specialist V. Grebnev noted that dialogue among stakeholders with different views and concepts is key to establishing long-term and productive interaction in this strategically important area.
The conference continued its work in two thematic sessions: "Climate Finance for Central Asia: Regional and National Perspectives" and "Regional Climate Cooperation: Priorities and Climate Justice." Among the issues discussed were addressing climate problems through financing, climate risk management in Central Asia, the European Union's efforts and initiatives in this direction, a transboundary early warning system for the prevention of hydrological disasters, and others.
It was noted that Turkmenistan is successfully addressing environmental issues at the state level, including the creation of forest massifs, land reclamation, and combating desertification, as well as taking measures to save the Aral Sea. The country's "green belt" is replenished annually with millions of new seedlings.
A clear confirmation of Turkmenistan's responsible approach to addressing vital contemporary challenges is its accession to the Global Methane Pledge.
Speaking about the paramount importance of financing measures to combat climate change, the speakers noted a shared concern and a desire to consolidate efforts in attracting "green" investments.
It was emphasized that at the regional level, attempts are being made to create common financing mechanisms. In this regard, the possibilities of joint funds, initiatives to attract international climate financing, and issues of stimulating private investment in cross-border "green" projects were brought up for discussion.
It should be noted that a clear testament to Turkmenistan's active stance in addressing global environmental challenges is also the environmental conventions of the UN ratified by our country, including those on biological diversity, combating desertification, climate change, the protection of the ozone layer, and the protection and use of transboundary watercourses and international lakes.
Furthermore, in collaboration with reputable international structures such as the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Global Environment Facility, and others, dozens of programs and projects are being implemented at the national and regional levels in this area.
The successfully implemented national strategy in this sphere harmoniously aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the Community of Nations and the priority tasks for the protection of the planet's ecosystems.
The accumulated experience in the implementation of targeted programs and projects on this topic was analyzed in the speeches of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon,
It was particularly emphasized that since gaining independence, the Central Asian countries have made progress in many areas, but active cooperation in environmental protection remains crucial for the sustainable development of the region. The environmental challenges of our time are becoming increasingly complex, and the search for solutions and answers goes beyond the capabilities of a single country or organization.
Within the framework of the forum, parallel sessions were held on "Innovative Tools for Developing Climate Finance Strategies in Central Asia," "The 'Green Bridge' Initiative: Innovative Technologies to Accelerate and Strengthen the Implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)," "Climate Action by Civil Society and Youth of Central Asia," and "Regional Coordination Meeting CA (RESILAND CA+)." Panel discussions also took place, where issues of ensuring environmental well-being, strengthening dialogue, and developing joint actions to address the climate problems relevant to all humanity as a key factor for sustainable development were discussed.
Participants exchanged views on the possibilities of regional and international cooperation in environmental protection, joint water resource management, and adaptation to global climate change. Overviews of national environmental strategies, closely linked to state socio-economic programs, were presented. Special emphasis was placed on the results achieved and plans for further work in this direction.
It was noted that Central Asia needs innovative approaches to financing climate projects, the implementation of which will attract additional capital and accelerate the region's transition to sustainable development.
Conference participants focused on the key challenges facing the region, including water scarcity, land degradation, and the increase in extreme weather events. The importance of developing and implementing effective adaptation measures capable of enhancing the resilience of natural ecosystems was emphasized.
An important topic of discussion was the interconnectedness of the climate agenda and sustainable development. The need to integrate climate change issues into all areas of socio-economic planning was noted. Sustainable growth in the region is impossible without considering climate risks and transitioning to more environmentally friendly development models.
Speaking about regional cooperation, the speakers stated that climate change does not recognize state borders, and many of its consequences require coordinated efforts from all Central Asian countries. Strengthening dialogue and exchanging experiences were identified as important steps towards solving common problems.
In the context of regional efforts, the speech of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the international forum "Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Problems: Consolidation for Common Prosperity," held on April 4th of this year in Samarkand, takes on particular significance.
The call of the Head of the Turkmen state for the consolidation of efforts in the fight against global climate problems and specific proposals for strengthening regional cooperation resonated with the participants of the current forum. Turkmenistan's commitment to an active role in addressing climate issues is an important factor for the success of joint endeavors.
Within the framework of the Central Asian Climate Change Conference, bilateral meetings are planned to consider issues and develop concrete measures and practical steps aimed at building a more sustainable and prosperous future for the entire region.
Tomorrow, the international conference will continue its work in the sections "Transboundary Landscape Restoration in Central Asia," "Promoting the Regional Climate Change Agenda and Preparing for the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change," as well as in parallel sections and panel discussions."
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