Central Asia is undergoing transformative shifts in response to climate change, economic modernisation, and sustainable development goals. As countries in the region seek to align their national development strategies with global climate commitments, the integration of inclusive policies, sustainable financing mechanisms, and a future-ready workforce becomes increasingly important. Advancing these priorities requires coordinated action across governance, education, finance, and labour market systems, while ensuring that the transition remains equitable and no one is left behind.
This regional workshop, organised with the support of the European Training Foundation (ETF), brought together leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how Central Asian countries could strengthen the policy, institutional, and human capital foundations for a just and green transition. The event served as a platform to exchange experiences, share practical solutions, and identify actionable entry points for cross-country collaboration.
The event began with opening remarks and an overview of the agenda, followed by introductory reflections from the ETF’s Skills Lab Network of Experts. The following session focused on the systems and resources needed to advance a green economy. Topics included regional climate cooperation under the Green Central Asia initiative (GIZ), approached to mainstreaming gender in green transition policies (ADB), financing mechanisms for just energy transitions (ADB), and the role of academic research in fostering green skills (University of Cambridge).
Session II explored strategic and institutional approaches to climate diplomacy and national-level implementation. Presentations covered Central Asia’s participation in global climate negotiations (UNFCCC expert from Kyrgyzstan), integrating just transition principles into NDC 3.0 preparation (UNDP Kyrgyzstan), and engaging youth through national climate policy implementation (UNEP Consultant from Kazakhstan).
The workshop concluded with a wrap-up session that synthesised insights and highlights promising practices relevant to policy and implementation. The event aimed to foster exchange among regional and international stakeholders, showcase innovative approaches, and identify areas for collaboration to support inclusive, climate-resilient development in Central Asia.
You can find the agenda, presentations and a short summary as attachments to this page.
The webinar recording can be viewed here.
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