7th Central Asia Climate Change Conference Opens in Ashgabat
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: The 7th Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC-2025) commenced on Monday at the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat, convening regional and international stakeholders to evaluate progress, share best practices, and chart future strategies for climate policy in Central Asia.
Organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), the conference serves as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation on climate action, bringing together government officials, international organizations, development partners, civil society, and the academic community.
Opening remarks were delivered by high-level representatives, including Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan Charygeldi Babanyazov, World Bank Global Director for Climate Change Valerie Hickey, GIZ Regional Program Director Sergey Makarov, European Union Ambassador to Turkmenistan Beata Peksa, and UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Sahakyan.
The inaugural plenary session focused on regional and national climate policies, highlighting achievements to date and outlining strategies for future cooperation and adaptation. Discussions emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing climate-related challenges such as water management, desertification, and renewable energy development.
Running parallel to the conference is an exhibition titled “Exploring Turkmenistan’s Unique Endemic Flora and Fauna,” which aims to raise awareness of the country’s rich biodiversity and the importance of its preservation in the context of climate change.
In the lead-up to the conference, several side events were held to engage key stakeholder groups. The OSCE Center in Ashgabat hosted a seminar on “Strengthening the Role of Youth and Women in Responding to Climate Risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia,” reinforcing the need for inclusive climate action.
Additionally, a training session on “Climate Change: Content Diversity and Target Audiences” was conducted at the Yyldyz Hotel, aimed at enhancing public outreach and education on climate issues. The 60th meeting of the CAREC Board of Governors also took place, along with a regional workshop on the development of climate-economic scenarios for Central Asia—further enriching the forum’s agenda.
The two-day conference, which concludes on May 14, is expected to yield concrete recommendations for integrating climate resilience into national development agendas. Following the conference, participants will visit the International Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex, offering an opportunity to experience Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage while continuing informal discussions on sustainable development.
The CACCC remains a key mechanism in uniting Central Asian countries and their international partners in the collective pursuit of a resilient, low-carbon future for the region.
