The Central Asian Climate Change Conference has officially opened in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The event is organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), in collaboration with the Government of Turkmenistan and with support from the World Bank and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). Held in a hybrid format, the forum gathers scientists, policy-makers, environmental experts, and UN representatives to address the escalating climate crisis in Central Asia.

The conference was preceded by an exhibition showcasing Turkmenistan’s unique endemic flora and fauna, highlighting the vulnerability of the country’s ecosystems in the face of climate change.

During the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the extreme climate vulnerability of the Central Asian region. Rising temperatures, desertification, water scarcity, and agricultural decline were cited as urgent challenges. Participants underscored the need for integrated and cross-sectoral solutions, calling for the inclusion of climate concerns in national development strategies across sectors such as agriculture, energy, and water management.

The conference also underlined the importance of regional solidarity. Climate change knows no borders, and shared solutions are essential. Cooperation among the nations of Central Asia is key to strengthening resilience and adapting to new environmental realities.

In addition to dialogue, the event aims to spark action. The conference is expected to produce policy recommendations that will enhance climate resilience and promote green growth throughout the region.