On November 13, the Turkmenistan Pavilion in Antalya, Türkiye, hosted a thematic session titled «From Innovation to Practical Action: Establishing a Regional Climate Technology Center for Central Asia». The session was held as part of the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). It presented the concept of the Center, an initiative put forward by Turkmenistan.
The event was organized by the Turkmen side together with UN system agencies. Representatives of Central Asian states, international organizations and development partners took part.
The regional states have supported Turkmenistan’s initiative, as reflected in a number of bilateral and multilateral documents. The session paid particular attention to a statement made by National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the COP31 Leaders’ Summit. According to the statement, the Center will begin operating in early 2027.
The head of the International Organizations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan outlined the Center’s main areas of work. The Center will be located in Ashgabat. It was noted that its activities will focus on introducing modern climate technologies, developing scientific and technical cooperation, and attracting international funding for regional projects.
During a panel discussion, representatives of Central Asian countries, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and other international bodies exchanged views on the Center’s priorities, its institutional development and the expansion of international partnerships. Particular attention was given to the rational use of water resources, the introduction of climate-resilient technologies, the strengthening of regional capacity and the preparation of joint projects.
The session concluded by stressing the importance of continuing regional consultations and practical engagement with international partners to ensure the Center begins operating in 2027.
