Translated with AI
Heads of environmental agencies from Central Asian countries participated in a regional meeting to prepare for the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit, which took place on August 1 in Aktau, Kazakhstan. This was reported by the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The meeting was attended by the heads of environmental agencies of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as representatives of international organizations: UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Sarango Radnaragca, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia, and Director of the UNECE Committee on Sustainable Energy Dario Ligutti.
COP29 President and Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Action Mukhtar Babayev addressed the participants with a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of uniting efforts in the region to combat the consequences of climate change.
During the meeting, an updated Concept for the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit was presented, along with a draft Joint Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia on regional cooperation in the field of ecology and sustainable development. The parties exchanged proposals, agreed on approaches, and confirmed their commitment to further cooperation.
Particular attention was paid to developing a list of key regional initiatives that could be included in the final summit agenda. These include:
– development of “green” technologies and climate innovations;
– conservation of biodiversity;
– restoration of ecosystems, including protection of the Aral Sea and glaciers;
– strengthening measures for adaptation to climate change;
– efficient management of water resources;
– development of a circular economy;
– promotion of sustainable development standards.
The meeting included an exhibition of green startups developed by participants in the GCIP Kazakhstan green acceleration program. Innovative projects in energy efficiency, waste recycling, resource efficiency, and environmentally friendly technologies were presented.
Participants at the event reaffirmed their commitment to working together to prepare for the Regional Environmental Summit, scheduled for April 2026 in Astana.
