Ashgabat opens CACCC-2025

Publication date: 13 May 2025

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – May 13, 2025 – The Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC-2025) officially commenced today in Ashgabat.

The forum opened with an exhibition showcasing the unique and endemic flora and fauna of Turkmenistan, offering participants a glimpse into the country’s natural heritage.

The first day of the conference focused on national climate policy, strengthening regional cooperation, and mobilizing climate finance.

The grand opening ceremony featured a video presentation highlighting the climate challenges faced by the region and Turkmenistan’s "green transition" efforts. Welcoming remarks were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, the World Bank, GIZ, the European Union, UNDP, and the UNFCCC Secretariat.

During the opening plenary session, delegates from all Central Asian countries discussed progress and future plans in climate policy, with a particular focus on the transition from NDC 2.0 to NDC 3.0 by highlighting national achievements and regional aspirations. The high-level discussion was moderated by Makhtumkuli Akmuradov, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on Environmental and Water Diplomacy.

At the climate finance panel, international and regional experts presented practical tools and mechanisms for mobilizing financial resources including EU and GIZ programs, Italian climate funds, the NDC Partnership initiative, and experiences from local financial institutions.

In the afternoon, discussions turned to regional cooperation and climate justice. Topics included transboundary initiatives, early warning systems, the “One Health” approach, sustainable agriculture, and transparency mechanisms. A panel featuring representatives from UN agencies explored issues of social equity, inclusiveness, and support for vulnerable groups, along with strategies for building climate-resilient economies and ensuring a just transition to low-carbon development.

The conference will end on May 15, 2025, with a field visit. Participants will explore practical ecosystem-based solutions implemented under Turkmenistan’s national “Green Belt” campaign. This initiative aims to combat dust storms, soil erosion, and flood risks in the Kopet Dag Mountains through reforestation and sustainable water use in desert areas.

More than 200 participants are attending CACCC-2025, including representatives of government agencies from across Central Asia, international experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society.

The conference is organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, with support from the Central Asia Water and Energy Program (CAWEP), the World Bank’s RESILAND CA+ program, GIZ, and other international partners.