The 8th Central Asian Conference on Climate Change
Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, April 22-24, 2026
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1. Introduction and Context
The Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC) serves as a key regional platform for dialogue, coordination, and the development of joint solutions on climate policy, adaptation, climate change mitigation, and climate finance in Central Asia. Since 2018, the conference, organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in cooperation with the governments of the region and international partners, has consistently strengthened regional cooperation and promoted the integration of the global climate agenda into national and regional processes.
By 2025, Central Asian countries have completed the update of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) under the Paris Agreement and entered the phase of active implementation of new climate commitments. In parallel, efforts to develop and implement national adaptation plans, carbon neutrality strategies, and sectoral programs aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of regional economies and communities have intensified.
A significant impetus to this agenda was provided by the outcomes of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP30), held in Belem (Brazil) in November 2025. COP30 placed special emphasis on scaling up climate finance for developing countries, including the advancement of the “Baku–Belem Roadmap” to mobilize approximately USD 1.3 trillion per year by 2035 to support climate action. An important step was the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund and the launch of its first call for proposals, translating political agreements into practical mechanisms for supporting the most vulnerable countries and communities.
In Belem, discussions also focused on the implementation of updated NDCs 3.0, strengthening adaptation, climate risk management, and the role of innovative financial mechanisms, including approaches related to natural capital and the reduction of emissions of short-lived climate pollutants such as methane. These areas are of direct relevance to Central Asia, where climate change exacerbates existing socio-economic and environmental challenges, from land and water resource degradation to threats to food, energy, and public health security.
In this context, CACCC-2026 is positioned as the first major regional climate platform after COP30, designed to “translate” global agreements and political signals into the Central Asian context and transform them into practical actions, investments, and regional cooperation mechanisms.
2. Climate Leadership of Central Asia in 2026
In 2026, the concept of “climate leadership of Central Asia” acquires an applied and practical dimension. It is not only about the formal fulfillment of international commitments, but also about the ability of the countries of the region to jointly shape and implement solutions commensurate with the scale of climate challenges.
Within the framework of CACCC-2026, climate leadership of Central Asia is understood as:
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a transition from fragmented national initiatives to coordinated regional approaches and mechanisms;
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the formation of joint regional positions and initiatives for participation in global climate processes, including COP31;
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the launch and development of regional investment platforms and project portfolios aimed at attracting climate finance and engaging the private sector;
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strengthening the role of the region as a reliable partner for international financial institutions, donors, and businesses in implementing large-scale climate solutions;
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demonstrating practical examples of how climate policy can contribute to sustainable economic development, job creation, and improved public welfare.
CACCC-2026 is intended to become a space where the climate leadership of Central Asia is expressed through concrete agreements, roadmaps, and investment initiatives.
3. Goals of CACCC-2026
To facilitate the transition of Central Asian countries from updated climate commitments (NDCs 3.0) to the practical implementation of climate action through regional cooperation, mobilization of climate finance, and active engagement of the private sector.
4. Conference Objectives
To achieve this goal, CACCC-2026 sets the following objectives:
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to discuss priorities and challenges in implementing updated NDCs 3.0, national adaptation plans, and decarbonization strategies in Central Asian countries;
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to analyze the key outcomes of COP30 and determine their significance for the regional climate agenda;
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to promote regional cooperation in adaptation, climate risk management, and landscape restoration;
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to advance practical solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including methane initiatives and the development of renewable energy;
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to stimulate the participation of the private sector and financial institutions in mobilizing climate finance;
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to strengthen the institutional readiness of countries in the region to utilize new global climate finance mechanisms, including the Loss and Damage Fund;
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to lay the foundation for coordinated regional approaches and positions of Central Asian countries in the lead-up to COP31.
5. Key Thematic Priorities of CACCC-2026
The CACCC-2026 program will focus on the following interrelated thematic priorities:
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Climate policy and regional cooperation: Implementation of updated NDCs 3.0, coordination of regional efforts following COP30, and preparation for COP31.
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Adaptation and climate resilience: Landscape restoration, climate risk management, the “One Health” approach, and strengthening the resilience of ecosystems and communities.
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Climate change mitigation: Methane initiatives, development of renewable energy sources, and emission reductions in key economic sectors.
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Climate finance and partnership with business: Mobilization of private capital, development of green financial instruments, blended finance, and the establishment of regional investment platforms.
6. Expected Outcomes of CACCC-2026
The following outcomes are expected as a result of CACCC-2026:
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adoption of a joint political statement/resolution on the implementation of updated NDCs and the strengthening of regional climate cooperation;
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agreement on regional roadmaps and framework documents in priority areas (landscape restoration, climate risk management, methane initiatives);
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launch or strengthening of regional platforms for mobilizing climate finance with the participation of the private sector;
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development of practical recommendations for Central Asian countries on access to the Loss and Damage Fund;
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approval of an updated Implementation Plan for the Regional Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia;
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formation of elements of a coordinated regional position of Central Asian countries ahead of COP31.
7. Format and Key Features of CACCC-2026
CACCC-2026 will take place over three days in Astana as part of the Regional Environmental Summit and will bring together representatives of government authorities, international organizations, financial institutions, business, the scientific community, and civil society.
A distinctive feature of CACCC-2026 will be its focus on practical results: following key sessions, joint statements, memoranda, roadmaps, and other documents are expected to be agreed and signed, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and the practical implementation of climate initiatives in Central Asia.
