On 22 January 2026, an international conference titled “Health and nutrition in a changing climate” was held in Ashgabat, focusing on food security and the impact of climate change on public health and ecosystems. The event brought together representatives of Central Asian countries, international organizations, and the expert community.
The conference was opened by Dmitry Shlapachenko, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, who also moderated the plenary session. Plenary speakers included the Ministers of Agriculture, Health, and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, as well as ministers and senior officials from the agricultural agencies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The high level of representation underscored the region’s strategic interest in food security, climate resilience, and the closely linked health agenda.
The Role of the One Health Approach
Special attention at the conference was given to the One Health approach as a key tool for transforming agri-food systems in the face of climate challenges. The session was moderated by Sinaia Netanyahu, Senior Adviser on Nature and Health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The discussion involved experts from FAO, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), and FAO/IAEA.
Speakers noted that climate change intensifies pressure on ecosystems, animals, and human health, leading to increased zoonotic risks, the emergence of new pathogens, shifts in disease geography, and additional strain on veterinary and public health systems. It was emphasized that the resilience of food systems depends on effective animal disease control, food safety assurance, and the management of environmental factors affecting human health.
Participants shared examples of how the One Health approach is already being applied in several countries, including animal disease surveillance and early warning systems, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, joint veterinary and sanitary initiatives, and efforts to improve food safety along the entire food value chain. Experts agreed that further development of this model requires strong interagency cooperation, data sharing, capacity building, and the integration of environmental considerations into policy planning.
It was also noted that Central Asia is already implementing projects aimed at strengthening intersectoral collaboration under the One Health framework and enhancing preparedness for zoonotic threats. These initiatives support early detection of animal diseases, improvements in veterinary and sanitary infrastructure, development of laboratory diagnostics, and information exchange among veterinary, public health, and environmental services. Such projects also contribute to the creation of regional expert networks and provide a foundation for coordinated approaches to managing biological and food-related risks.
Regional Initiatives in Central Asia
A dedicated session focused on regional initiatives to enhance food security and climate change adaptation in Central Asian countries. Projects implemented by FAO, UNEP, UNDP, and GIZ were presented, alongside national initiatives from Turkmenistan and other countries in the region aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience and natural resource management.
Presentations by representatives of the UN, FAO, and national authorities emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral solutions and scientific exchange for improving the resilience of food systems. The relevance of the One Health approach was reaffirmed as an effective tool for risk management and for safeguarding public health in the context of climate challenges.
The One Health program focused on pandemic prevention, food system resilience, and ecosystem health in Central Asia is currently being implemented with financing from the World Bank. The program is delivered by the Quadripartite, comprising FAO, the WHO, the WOAH, and UNEP. The CAREC serves as the program coordinator.
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Additional information:
Oxana Kravtsova - Regional One Health Program Coordinator, okravtsova@carececo.org
Irina Bubenko - Regional One Health Program Specialist, ibubenko@carececo.org
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)