31 July 2026, Almaty - A team from the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), led by Executive Director Mr. Batyr Mammedov, held a meeting with Ms. Sophie Young, Director and CEO of the Turkish States Innovation Hub (TSIH).
During the meeting, the parties presented the activities of their respective organisations and exchanged experience in implementing projects in Central Asia. CAREC representatives highlighted the Centre’s many years of work in promoting modern technologies and strengthening regional cooperation in renewable energy, climate change, water resources management, and environmental education.
TSIH representatives presented the activities of the Hub, which was officially launched in Ashgabat in 2025. The platform brings together innovative companies, start-ups, investors, research and educational institutions, government agencies from countries across the region, as well as international partners from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, and China. TSIH representative offices operate in Kazakhstan, Germany, and China.
The parties discussed prospects for advancing clean energy, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and introducing cross-border innovative solutions in Central Asia.
The meeting focused primarily on three potential areas of cooperation: education, innovation, and green energy.
In the area of education, TSIH expressed interest in promoting knowledge and expertise in renewable energy and environmental engineering across the region. The parties noted the potential for synergy with the Central Asian Leadership Program on Environment for Sustainable Development, which CAREC has successfully implemented for many years.
As part of the discussion on innovation, various technological solutions were presented, including the use of heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver and install equipment in hard-to-reach mountainous areas, solar and wind energy systems, water treatment and desalination technologies, methane emissions mapping solutions, and other innovative developments.
Following the meeting, TSIH representatives expressed their intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with CAREC aimed at developing strategic cooperation in technological innovation and environmental education in Central Asia.
In addition, CAREC representatives were invited to participate in a roundtable organised by TSIH on the hidden environmental and socio-economic costs associated with the development and use of artificial intelligence. The roundtable was held on 31 July in Almaty.
For further information:
Irina Yugay Acting Manager, Water Initiatives Support Programme
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) i.yugay@carececo.org