On April 4–5, 2025, the Samarkand Climate Forum took place in Uzbekistan, focusing on urgent climate challenges. The high-level Ministerial Dialogue, titled “Central Asia Facing the Challenges of a Triple Planetary Crisis,” brought together environment ministers from Central Asia, including Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
The forum addressed the region’s pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. During the event, representatives from various countries shared their national policies and initiatives aimed at tackling these global issues. Each participating nation highlighted the specific measures they have implemented to mitigate the impacts of environmental degradation.
Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Odontuya Saldan, played an important role in the discussions. She presented Mongolia’s national efforts to combat environmental challenges, particularly focusing on the private sector’s involvement in environmental initiatives. Mongolia’s “Billions of Trees” National Movement has been a significant step in the country’s climate strategy. This initiative encourages private and public cooperation to address deforestation and desertification issues.
In addition, Mongolia emphasized its efforts to establish the Nature Conservation Trust Fund, which ensures long-term financial sustainability for environmental protection. The country has also taken concrete actions to preserve endangered wildlife. Mongolia’s construction of ponds to protect biodiversity and improve water resources in affected areas was another significant contribution discussed during the forum.
The participating countries shared a variety of successful environmental strategies and best practices. For example, several nations presented their work in developing fruit farming and cultivating drought-resistant trees in arid regions. Others shared initiatives on expanding urban green spaces and training environmental professionals to better address climate challenges.
However, despite the efforts made by each country, the effects of climate change are becoming more apparent across the region. The accelerated melting of snow and glaciers is reducing water resources, a crisis that threatens food security. River shrinkage, land degradation, and ecosystem loss have also been exacerbated by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
The drying of the Aral Sea is perhaps the most striking example of the environmental devastation caused by these changes. Once a large inland lake, the Aral Sea has now largely disappeared, leaving behind a desert. This dramatic shift serves as a warning for the urgent need for regional cooperation on climate issues.
During the forum, officials from the various countries agreed that more collaborative efforts are needed to address these challenges. They discussed the possibility of working together on regional research projects and joint climate programs. This collaboration would allow the countries to share resources, knowledge, and expertise to address environmental issues more effectively.
Furthermore, the officials underscored the importance of strengthening regional institutions, such as the Green University of Uzbekistan. This institution aims to train specialists in environmental management and climate change mitigation. The forum’s participants agreed that expanding this network of trained professionals would be vital in achieving their climate goals.
One of the key outcomes of the Samarkand Climate Forum was the commitment to enhance the exchange of information and joint projects between the countries. By building on each nation’s successes and learning from each other’s experiences, the region can address climate change more effectively. The idea of creating a more coordinated regional response to environmental challenges was strongly emphasized throughout the discussions.
Central Asia’s cooperation on climate change is vital for the region’s future. The ministers highlighted that shared solutions would not only benefit their countries but also contribute to global efforts to combat the climate crisis. Through ongoing dialogue and collaborative action, Central Asia can make a significant impact in mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding its environmental future.
Looking ahead, the region faces significant challenges, but the commitment to strengthen cooperation provides hope for sustainable solutions. With continued collaboration, Central Asia can set an example for the world in how nations can unite to face environmental crises head-on. The Samarkand Climate Forum marked a pivotal step in fostering Central Asia Cooperation on Climate Change, with the goal of creating a greener, more sustainable future for the region and the planet.
By sharing expertise, resources, and strategies, the countries of Central Asia are working together to ensure a more resilient and sustainable environment for future generations.
