On November 13, 2026, a thematic session entitled “From Innovation to Practical Action: Establishing the Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia” took place at the Turkmenistan pavilion during the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya. About this reports MFA of Turkmenistan.
The event was organized by the Turkmen side in collaboration with UN system agencies, with the participation of representatives from the states of Central Asia, international organizations, and partners for development.
During the session, the concept for establishing the Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asia was presented. This initiative, put forward by Turkmenistan, has received the support of the states of the region and is reflected in a number of bilateral and multilateral documents.
Particular focus was made on the statement made by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, announcing that the Center is set to begin its work in early 2027.
At the event, the Head of the Department of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan outlined the core activities of the Center, which will be based in Ashgabat. It was noted that the Center’s work will focus on the embedding of modern climate technologies, the development of scientific and technical cooperation, and the mobilization of international funding for the implementation of regional projects.
During a panel discussion, representatives of the countries of Central Asia, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), and other international entities exchanged views on the Center’s priority areas of work, its institutional development, and the expansion of international partnerships. Particular attention was paid to the rational use of water resources, the introduction of climate-resilient technologies, the strengthening of regional capacity, and the development of joint projects.
Following the session, the importance of continuing regional consultations and practical engagement with international partners was underlined, with the aim of ensuring that the Center begins its work in 2027.
The event served as an important step in advancing the initiative of Turkmenistan, which is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and collectively addressing climate-related challenges in Central Asia.
