Date : March 13, 2025

Time : 09:00 – 17:50 Astana time

Place : UN Office building in Almaty,

st. Bayzakova 303, Almaty, Kazakhstan

General Provisions

Climate change is one of the key global threats of our time, significantly affecting the economy, ecology and society of Central Asian countries. The region already faces serious climate challenges, including increasing aridity, retreating glaciers, increased frequency of natural disasters and reduced availability of water resources. The damage from climate disasters in Central Asia is estimated at US$10 billion annually, which requires immediate and coordinated action ^[1] .

In response to these challenges, the 2026 Regional Climate Summit aims to unite the efforts of the countries of the region and international partners to develop strategies and solutions that promote sustainable development. The Summit will become a platform for discussing current climate issues and strengthening regional cooperation. The main goal of the Summit is to consolidate efforts to increase the adaptive capacity of the region and achieve climate goals consistent with the global agenda.

Key areas of the Summit:

1. Supporting the climate transition – the focus is on increasing renewable energy capacity and energy efficiency, which requires investments in modernising energy networks and promoting low-carbon innovation and technologies in industrial sectors.
2. Adaptation and resilience of economies – in this context, attention will be paid to the development of regional approaches to adaptation, natural resource management and disaster risk reduction, as well as the creation of mechanisms to minimize climate losses.
3. Food security in the context of climate change – important aspects include developing sustainable food systems and strengthening regional cooperation to ensure food security and manage natural resources in the context of growing climate risks.
4. A fair and inclusive regional transition – it is important to develop social programs, redistribute income from carbon regulation and improve skills to mitigate negative consequences for the population and support economic stability in the region.
5. Mechanisms for achieving climate ambitions – development of specific mechanisms, including technology transfer and climate finance, as well as participation in the market mechanisms of the Paris Agreement.

2025 will be a key year in preparation for the Summit, with a series of regional consultations planned. These events will provide countries with an opportunity to identify their priorities, present national initiatives, discuss common challenges, and find ways to take joint action.

The first consultation, scheduled for 13 March 2025, will be introductory in nature and will aim to:

• An overview of the region’s current climate challenges and opportunities
• Presentation of national priorities and initiatives
• Formation of directions for future cooperation
• Promoting regional cooperation and dialogue

Expected results of the first regional consultation

1. Priority Identification: Identifying Key Climate Challenges and Needs for Each Country
2. Consolidating Efforts: Preparing Proposals for the Formation of a Unified Regional Climate Agenda
3. Strengthening Partnerships: Establishing contacts between national and international organizations to implement joint efforts

Participants:

 Total number of participants: 45 people, including:

● 5 representatives from each Central Asian country, representing departments on environmental protection, energy, industry, agriculture, water resources, labor and social protection, and national economy

● 10 representatives of international organizations (UNEP, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNDP, IOM, FAO, OSCE, ADB, WB, IFC, EBRD, GIZ)

● 10 participants from national and regional organizations, including representatives of the Project Office for Central Asia on Climate Change and Green Energy, the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia

● Online – IEA, OECD, Centre for Sustainable Energy (IRENA), UNFCCC, EU Delegation to Kazakhstan