Ashgabat hosts Central Asian Climate Change Conference

The Central Asian Conference on Climate Change, organized by Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Environmental Protection in collaboration with the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC), has launched in Ashgabat.

The conference brought together scientists, experts, and specialists from across Central Asia, along with representatives from the UN and its specialized agencies, to address one of the most urgent global challenges—climate change. 

In the opening remarks, speakers emphasized the need for an integrated approach to climate action, highlighting that the fight against climate change must be aligned with sustainable development goals.

Following the official launch, a high-level plenary session on “Regional and National Climate Policy: Achievements and Plans” was held, setting the stage for thematic discussions.

The conference proceeded with two main sessions:

“Climate Finance for Central Asia: Regional and National Perspectives”

“Regional Climate Cooperation: Priorities and Climate Justice”

Key topics included climate risk management, regional financing mechanisms, EU-led initiatives, and the development of a transboundary early warning system to mitigate hydrological disasters.

Speakers highlighted Turkmenistan’s proactive environmental policies, including forest creation, land reclamation, combating desertification, and Aral Sea preservation. The country's annual “Green Belt” initiative and recent accession to the Global Methane Pledge were noted as examples of its commitment to climate action, said the statement of Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Several parallel sessions and panel discussions explored:

Innovative climate finance tools

The Green Bridge Initiative and technology for accelerating NDC implementation

Youth and civil society climate action in Central Asia

Regional coordination under the RESILAND CA+ program

Participants exchanged views on enhancing regional and international cooperation in environmental protection, shared water management, and climate adaptation. National strategies tied to socio-economic development were also reviewed.

Bilateral meetings are scheduled to develop concrete steps toward a more sustainable and resilient regional future.

The conference will continue with sessions on “Transboundary Landscape Restoration,” preparations for COP30, and additional panel discussions focusing on regional priorities and collaborative efforts.

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