"Central Asia on the Path to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: 5 countries - 1 region – 1 vote."
On November 7, 2023, the "Central Asia on the way to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28)" Regional Forum took place. This event was organized by the NJSC "International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center" in collaboration with the Regional Environmental Center of Central Asia. It received support from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the US Agency for International Developent (USAID).
The forum brought together over 200 participants, including climate leaders from Central Asian countries, government representatives, and members of the business community in Kazakhstan. It also welcomed delegates from international organizations and NGOs. The forum's discussions revolved around the climate agenda of Central Asian countries and the preparations for key issues in the region for COP-28.
The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, started the event with an opening speech. He emphasized the forum's role in facilitating idea exchange, setting common priorities, and developing joint strategies to combat climate change. He expressed optimism that these measures would lead to long-term sustainability and the preservation of natural heritage for future generations.
The UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Michaela Friberg-Storey, highlighted Kazakhstan's initiative to host a Regional Climate Summit in 2026 under UN auspices and called for productive dialogues on Central Asia's climate agenda and cooperation with international partners to achieve shared objectives.
The forum featured two main sessions. The first session centered on the discussion of the climate agenda in Central Asia, with speakers including Mansur Oshurbayev, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of Central Asian countries Asel Raimkulova, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mavlodod Abdulkodir, Deputy Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Berdiyev Berdi, Head of the Department for Coordination of International Environmental Cooperation and Projects under the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Turkmenistan, Park Sona, Advisor to the Minister of Ecology, Environment and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Torsten Brezina, GIZ Regional Program Coordinator.
The second session of the forum was devoted to discussing an important topic - the role of international partners and their vision for the further sustainable development of Central Asia. The speakers of the session were representatives of international organizations, including: Katarzyna Wawiernia, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, Maciej Madaliński, , Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Kazakhstan, Luis Rivera, USAID Regional Mission Director for Central Asia, Zsuzsanna Hargitai, Managing Director for Central Asia, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Urvashi Narain, Program leader for Central Asia, Sustainable Development, World Bank, Alexey Kokorin, Consultant CAREC.
COP-28 is scheduled to be held in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 to December 12, with the powerful motto "Unite. Act. Deliver." The main topic of discussion will revolve around the relationship between mitigation ambitions and the available resources for emission reduction and adaptation. Central Asian countries will have a pavilion at COP-28, hosting events on topics aligned with the thematic program, such as decarbonization of the economy, green financing, carbon markets, biodiversity conservation, and adaptation to climate change, including the water sector.
Currently, Central Asian countries have developed draft documents, including a Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia and a Regional Statement of the Central Asian countries. These documents reflect the region's climate challenges and priorities and are in the process of approval by the Central Asian countries.
Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the Republic of Kazakhstan's participation in international initiatives proposed at previous meetings, and the signing of agreements for major investment projects in renewable energy development is expected.
For reference: The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28) stands as the largest annual gathering dedicated to discussing the current state of the Earth's climate, strategies to combat climate change, and adaptation measures.
COP-28 serves as the primary platform for negotiations regarding the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol (KP), and the Paris Agreement (PS). What began as small working sessions has evolved into one of the most prominent forums convened under the auspices of the United Nations and various international organizations.
The origins of these events can be traced back to 1992 when the UN organized the "Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro. During this summit, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted, and an institution was established to oversee its implementation, known as the UN Climate Secretariat.
