” The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia ( CAREC ) has been creating a platform for partnership between Central Asian countries for 25 years, uniting governments, international organisations and the expert community. We promote regional environmental diplomacy, educational and practical initiatives, and facilitate the integration of the region into global climate processes. Today, it is extremely important for the SCO countries to move from declarations to the implementation of joint projects that ensure sustainable development and green transformation,” said Yerlan Zhumabayev, Director of the CAREC Country Office in Kazakhstan , in his speech at the international seminar “Joint Promotion of Green Development within the SCO” on 10 September 2025 in Astana.
The seminar was organized by the Center for China Studies (Astana). Leading representatives of the diplomatic corps, business, scientific community and international organizations discussed issues of ecology, sustainable development and new formats of regional cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Director of the Center for China Studies Gulnar Shaimergenova emphasized in her greeting that the environmental agenda is becoming a key part of national and global policy. Kazakhstan’s transition to a “green” economy is designated as a strategic priority of the state, which was reflected in the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Particular attention was paid to the success of the “Taza Kazakhstan” project, as well as the global governance initiative put forward by Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping at the SCO summit in Tianjin. Within its framework, new cooperation platforms in energy, green industry and the digital economy were announced.
Diplomatic representatives also addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan Gou Yonghai noted that China proposed a comprehensive global governance initiative, including the creation of six cooperation platforms, the establishment of the SCO Development Bank, support for innovation in artificial intelligence and the allocation of large-scale financial assistance. Counselor of the SCO Secretariat Kazybek Kochkonov emphasized that China’s presidency was held under the auspices of the Year of Sustainable Development, which made it possible to formulate a comprehensive agenda on ecology, energy and green transformation.
The seminar program included presentations by leading experts in the region. President of the China Association for Water and Electricity Quality Management Wang Guanghui presented approaches to strengthening the role of regional organizations in promoting green development. Executive Director of the Eurasian Association of International Studies Kairat Batyrbayev highlighted specific green energy projects – the Zhanatas wind farm, solar power plants in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the need for institutional and financial strengthening of cooperation.
Professor of the BSU named after K. Karasayev Kanayim Baktygulova revealed the concept of the SCO “Green Bridge”, where low-carbon technologies become a tool for economic synergy and environmental safety. Professor of Fudan University Ma Bin noted the importance of innovative cooperation and the need to move to multi-level coordination involving local initiatives.
The seminar participants also touched upon such key areas as water diplomacy and the creation of the Regional Water and Climate Council (Kanatbek Aziz, Kyrgyzstan), low-carbon transformation and industrial ecology (Adyl Kydyrbekov, Kazakhstan), prospects for “green” investments and renewable energy projects (Abdyrashid Usenov, Kazakh Invest), as well as innovations in the restoration of the Aral Sea region and the role of youth initiatives (Eldor Tulyakov, Uzbekistan).
Following the seminar, the participants agreed that the combined efforts of states, international institutions and civil society can create a sustainable future for Eurasia, minimize the threats of climate change and implement large-scale projects in the field of green economy and innovation.
The international seminar confirmed the role of the SCO as a key platform for the formation and promotion of joint environmental initiatives, the integration of green standards and the strengthening of sustainable dialogue between the countries of the region.
Additional information:
Erlan Zhumabaev – Director of the CAREC Country Office, [email protected]