Turkmenistan Unveils Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia at COP31, Set to Launch in Early 2027
Antalya, The Gulf Observer: Turkmenistan has taken a major step towards regional climate cooperation, presenting the concept of the Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia at the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya.
On November 13, 2026, the Turkmenistan pavilion hosted a thematic session titled “From Innovation to Practical Action: Establishing the Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia.” Turkmenistan organised the event together with UN system agencies. It brought together representatives of the Central Asian states, international organisations and development partners.
A Turkmen Initiative Backed by the Whole Region
At the session, participants were briefed on the concept of the Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia. The initiative was put forward by Turkmenistan and has won the support of the region’s states. It is already reflected in a number of bilateral and multilateral documents, a sign of the shared commitment across Central Asia to work together on climate challenges.
Speakers paid particular attention to the statement made at the COP31 Leaders’ Summit by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. He announced that the Center is set to begin its work in early 2027.
Ashgabat to Host the Regional Center for Climate Technologies
The Head of the Department of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan set out the core activities of the Center, which will be based in Ashgabat.
He explained that the Center will focus on three areas:
bringing modern climate technologies into use across the region
developing scientific and technical cooperation
mobilising international funding for regional projects
With these priorities, the Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia aims to turn innovation into practical action on the ground, helping countries in the region adapt to climate change and build sustainable development pathways.
Water, Resilience and Partnerships at the Heart of the Agenda
During a panel discussion, representatives of the Central Asian countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other international bodies exchanged views on the Center’s priority areas, its institutional development and the expansion of international partnerships.
Participants paid particular attention to several pressing regional needs:
rational use of water resources
introducing climate-resilient technologies
strengthening regional capacity
developing joint projects among Central Asian states and their partners
These priorities reflect the climate realities facing Central Asia, where water management and resilience to environmental change are central to food security, economic stability and the wellbeing of communities.
Road Map Towards 2027
At the close of the session, participants stressed the importance of continuing regional consultations and practical engagement with international partners, so that the Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia can begin operating in 2027 as planned.
A Milestone for Climate Cooperation in Central Asia
The COP31 event was seen as an important step forward for Turkmenistan’s initiative, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation and help the countries of Central Asia tackle climate-related challenges together. With regional backing, UN partnership and a clear timeline, the Center in Ashgabat is set to become a key hub for climate innovation and collective action in the heart of Eurasia.
