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Central Asia is among the most climate-vulnerable regions globally, relying heavily on shrinking glaciers for water. Rising temperatures threaten future supplies, while droughts, heatwaves and land degradation increasingly affect agriculture and stability.
Climate change is also intensifying droughts, heatwaves and land degradation, harming agriculture. Without stronger cooperation and adaptation, these trends could undermine food security and economic stability across the region.
Almost three years ago, at the 78th UN General Assembly, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed organising a regional ecological summit in Astana. At the Astana International Forum in May 2025, the agenda was expanded from climate issues to broader environmental challenges.
The long-planned Regional Ecological Summit (RES) in Astana has now concluded, bringing together heads of state, public figures and policymakers from 22–24 April 2026 to address environmental issues and sustainable development in Central Asia.
At the plenary session, presidents of Central Asian countries, alongside leaders from Georgia and Mongolia, as well as the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, delivered speeches. Senior UN officials and representatives from international organisations, including the EU, OSCE and World Bank, also participated.
The summit’s outcomes reflect a shift from symbolic cooperation to more structured, strategic regional governance. The adoption of the Environmental Solidarity of Central Asia declaration signals an effort to align national policies and present a unified regional position in global environmental negotiations.
This development is particularly significant in areas such as water management, biodiversity and pollution, where fragmented approaches have previously limited effectiveness.
Kazakhstan’s proposal for an International Water Organization highlights growing recognition that existing mechanisms are insufficient for managing shared resources.
The emphasis on interparliamentary dialogue and legal harmonisation points to deeper regional integration. Strengthening governance frameworks, rather than relying solely on political commitments, may prove critical for long-term cooperation and effective management of transboundary environmental challenges.
The summit focused on eight thematic areas and produced several practical agreements. Central Asian states adopted a regional biodiversity declaration, committing to ecosystem protection, conservation of rare species, restoration of natural areas and the development of ecological corridors.
Kazakhstan also proposed the Green Shield of Central Asia initiative, aimed at creating forest belts and green barriers to combat land degradation and dust storms.
A proposal was introduced to establish a Regional Centre under the Stockholm Convention in Kazakhstan, enhancing institutional capacity and supporting compliance with international environmental standards.
The roadmap on agricultural resilience reflects a more integrated approach, linking climate, land and biodiversity policies, while recognising agriculture as a key sector for regional stability.
Initiatives such as Caspian Sea Action Week 2026 and Green Aral aim to engage wider society, not just governments. Youth participation signals a focus on inclusive, long-term solutions.
The Regional Environmental Summit 2026 marked an important step in strengthening cooperation across Central Asia. Over three days, the summit hosted 58 sessions, including 21 high-level discussions and country-specific meetings, focusing on water management, climate change and biodiversity.
Historically, Central Asian countries often acted independently, with limited coordination. The summit signals a clear shift towards a more unified regional strategy. By developing common positions in global negotiations, states aim to increase collective influence and respond more effectively to shared challenges.
This is particularly important as issues such as water scarcity and land degradation do not respect national borders.
The initiatives agreed at the summit also indicate a move from political declarations to practical cooperation. Projects such as a biodiversity fund and a Caspian water programme are intended to create concrete mechanisms for joint action.
Another significant development is the planned regional environmental hub in Almaty, supported by UNEP. This reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and making more effective use of international expertise.
It also illustrates a broader shift in international engagement. While global partners remain important, their role is evolving from agenda-setting to supporting regional priorities.
The summit highlights a wider transition from externally driven policies to regionally defined solutions. For many years, environmental strategies in Central Asia were shaped largely by global frameworks, which did not always fully reflect local conditions.
There is now growing momentum for a “from the region, for the region” approach, signalling increased political confidence and maturity. Initiatives such as the proposed International Water Organization and the Green Shield of Central Asia demonstrate efforts to develop solutions rooted in regional realities.
This shift does not signal a move away from international cooperation, but rather a rebalancing. Organisations such as the UN, UNEP and international financial institutions are increasingly playing a supportive role, helping implement regionally determined priorities.
This model creates a more balanced framework in which international expertise complements, rather than replaces, regional ownership.
Another key development is the transition from planning to implementation. The UN-backed Action Programme for 2026–2030 introduces practical tools, including investment plans, monitoring systems and policy coordination mechanisms.
These measures are essential to address long-standing regional challenges such as limited funding, weak coordination and uneven regulatory frameworks.
Economic considerations are also becoming central to environmental policy. The QaJET platform, developed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, aims to attract up to $20 billion in investment and expand renewable energy capacity.
Agreements signed during the RES 2026 EXPO indicate increasing investor interest in green projects.
Water governance remains a major challenge. The proposed International Water Organization reflects recognition that existing systems are inadequate. If established, such an institution could improve coordination and reduce potential conflicts as climate-related water stress intensifies.
The summit also demonstrated a broader, more integrated approach to environmental issues. Initiatives such as the Green Shield of Central Asia and the biodiversity declaration focus on ecosystem protection and climate adaptation.
The roadmap for climate-resilient agriculture highlights the link between environmental change and food security. Meanwhile, cooperation with the WHO and the One Health approach underscores the connection between environmental conditions and human well-being.
RES 2026 represents a consolidation of regional environmental policy in Central Asia. While many initiatives remain at an early stage, the combination of political commitment, institutional development and financial support suggests a gradual shift towards more coordinated and practical regional action.
The summit ultimately marks a transition from dialogue to implementation. By combining political will, governance frameworks and investment mechanisms, it strengthens collective environmental action and signals a more strategic, regionally driven response to shared climate challenges.
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