On 26 August 2026, Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, held a meeting with Vafо Alibek Niyatbekzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan.
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At the beginning of the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current state and prospects for the development of regional cooperation in Central Asia in the areas of environmental protection, climate change and sustainable development.
Mergen Kepbanov briefed the Ambassador on CAREC's activities, its role in promoting regional environmental cooperation, and the main areas of work of the Project Office in Turkmenistan. Particular attention was given to activities and initiatives implemented with the participation and support of CAREC.
One of the key topics of the discussion was the development of the regional climate agenda. In this regard, the work of CAREC within the framework of the Regional Environmental Summit, held on 22–24 April 2026 in Astana, where the 8th Central Asian Conference on Climate Change (CACCC-2026) was held, was highlighted.
During the meeting, the importance of the Conference as a regional platform for professional dialogue, exchange of experience and discussion of practical approaches to climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Central Asian countries was emphasized.
A separate part of the meeting was devoted to education and the training of young professionals. The Director of the Project Office spoke about CAREC’s cooperation with Green University in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, and the opportunities available for young citizens of Central Asian countries to pursue education in modern fields related to the environment, climate and sustainable development.
In particular, the following educational programmes were presented:
Bachelor’s programmes:
Environmental and Sustainable Management;
Environmental Science and Economics;
Law;
Green Economy.
Master’s programmes:
Sustainable Development;
Environmental Law;
Sustainable Finance;
Circular Economy;
Sustainable Tourism.
During the discussion, Vafо Alibek Niyatbekzoda noted the relevance of developing educational cooperation and training qualified professionals to address contemporary environmental and climate challenges. The parties expressed a shared understanding of the importance of expanding opportunities for young people from Central Asian countries to acquire professional knowledge and participate in regional initiatives.
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An important part of the discussion focused on further cooperation between the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Turkmenistan and the CAREC Project Office. In particular, the parties considered the possibility of Project Office representatives participating in events organized by the Embassy in Ashgabat on environmental protection, climate change, sustainable development, education, and regional cooperation.
The parties expressed their readiness to maintain regular information exchange, develop professional contacts and explore new opportunities for joint participation in regional events and initiatives.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and constructive dialogue. Following the meeting, the parties noted their shared interest in further strengthening cooperation and expanding practical interaction in the interests of environmentally sustainable development in Central Asia.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov– Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org