The Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), Zafar Makhmudov, held meetings with representatives of Turkmenistan government agencies during his working visit to Ashgabat from 28 January to 1 February 2025.
On 31 January 2025, he met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, and the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan. The Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, Mergen Kepbanov, presented at the meetings as well.
The discussions focused on environmental protection, sustainable water use, and climate change adaptation. A key topic of discussion was the organization of the Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC)-2025 in Ashgabat.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, during a meeting with Deputy Minister Mahri Byashimova, Head of the Department for International Organizations Rovshen Annaberdiyev, and Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on environmental and water diplomacy, Magtymguly Akmuradov, the parties discussed international cooperation in the field of ecology, the role of the CAREC Project Office in implementing environmental initiatives, as well as key aspects of organizing CACCC-2025, including the participation of international partners, and the program.
During a meeting with Deputy Minister Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Nury Jumashov, the discussion focused on the country’s environmental priorities, potential topics for inclusion in the CACCC-2025 program, and joint initiatives in climate policy.
Negotiations with the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Water Management of Turkmenistan, Derya Ishankuliyev, placed special emphasis on the water agenda of CACCC-2025, sustainable water resource management, and regional cooperation in this field.
The CAREC Executive Director, Zafar Makhmudov, highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals in the region.
“The organization of CACCC-2025 in Ashgabat represents a significant step for the entire Central Asian region. We are confident that the conference will serve as an effective platform for discussing key climate challenges, strengthening cooperation, and developing joint solutions that will help ensure environmental security and sustainable development in our countries,” Zafar Makhmudov noted.
The meetings had a constructive atmosphere, with both sides expressing mutual interest in strengthening cooperation and confirming their readiness for active collaboration in preparation for CACCC-2025.
The Central Asian Conference on Climate Change (CACCC) is a key regional platform that brings together government representatives, international organizations, the scientific community, and civil society to discuss climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation.
The conference’s goal is to promote regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the development of joint solutions for sustainable development in Central Asia. The hosting of CACCC-2025 in Ashgabat will be a significant event for the region, fostering enhanced regional cooperation and attracting additional resources for climate initiatives.
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov – Director of CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org
