CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan took part in the Samarkand Climate Forum.

Samarkand Climate Forum started on 04.04.2025 with a high-level opening ceremony moderated by Galina Polonskaya, Euronews journalist. In her opening speech, she introduced the agenda of the event and emphasized the importance of the forum as an international platform for climate dialogue. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered speeches and video addresses at the opening ceremony.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia  Rossbach, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molchan, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Ibrahim Thiaw and Kyriacos Kakouris Vice-President of the European Investment Bank also complemented the ceremony with their speeches.

A theatrical performance by the dance ensemble “Family of Freedom” dedicated to environmental and climate change issues gave a special atmosphere to the event and ended with the closing words of the moderator.

On 5 April 2025, the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan participated in two key plenary sessions organized within the framework of the Samarkand Climate Forum. The event brought together ministers, government officials and representatives of international organizations to discuss the most pressing challenges in the field of water resources, climate change and environmental protection.

The first plenary session was devoted to integrated water resources management under growing climate risks.  Moderated by Dr. Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, the session was attended by: Shavkat Khamraev, Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Samat Nasirdinov, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Durdy Genjiev, Chairman of the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan. The participants emphasized high vulnerability of water resources in the region to climate change and presented national approaches to adaptation. Such priorities as digitalization of the water sector, human resource capacity development, reforms in water legislation and management, and strengthening transboundary cooperation were discussed. Special attention was paid to water management, water conservation, glacier melt monitoring, and the need to coordinate efforts among the countries of the region.

The discussion ended with a question-and-answer session, where lively and important questions were voiced - both from the forum participants and the moderator.

Second plenary session: Central Asia facing the challenges of a triple planetary crisis

The second part of the forum discussed key environmental issues in the region, from pollution and climate change to land degradation and desertification.

The plenary session discussed the most important environmental and climate challenges of the region, including threats of climate change, degradation of natural resources and environmental pollution. Ministers and representatives of environmental agencies of Central Asian countries took part in the discussion: Aziz Abduhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Yerlan Nysanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Meder Mashiev, The Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Bakhodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Charygeldi Babaniyazov, Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Saldan Odontuya, Minister of Environment, and Climate Change of Mongolia, and others. Participants shared national initiatives and strategies aimed at preserving ecosystems, adapting to climate change and combating desertification. The importance of international cooperation and exchange of experience to effectively address common environmental challenges was also emphasized.

Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan Mergen Kepbanov shared his impressions of the forum, emphasizing that the event was an important platform for open dialogue and exchange of views between the countries of the region and international partners. He noted that the forum provided an opportunity to hear the views of state leaders, experts, representatives of youth and civil society, as well as to discuss joint actions in a changing climate. It was especially valuable to feel how sustainable development and environmental issues today unite people with very different views and experiences. “Such an exchange is inspiring and gives impetus for new ideas and solutions that we can adapt in our countries,” he emphasized.

For the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, participation in the plenary sessions was particularly valuable. The forum provided an opportunity not only to hear the assessments and plans of ministers, but also to make sure that the countries of the region are ready for cooperation. Presence at such platforms helps to stay abreast of key trends, establish new partnerships and develop our work in the context of regional sustainable development strategies.

More information:

Mergen Kepbanov: Director of CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org