11 November 2026, COP31. As part of the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference COP31, a side event entitled “Towards More Coherent Global Water Governance for Climate Adaptation and Resilience” was held.
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) was represented at the event by Vladimir Grebnev, the Centre’s Climate Change Specialist. He delivered the opening remarks at the side event.
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, also participated in the event.
The side event focused on strengthening global water governance, fostering cooperation among countries and international organizations, and highlighting the role of water resources in climate change adaptation and resilience building.
The event was moderated by Mark Smith, Director General of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Opening remarks were also delivered by representatives of Kazakhstan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water.
The subsequent discussion brought together representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). Participants exchanged views on ways to strengthen international cooperation and harmonize approaches to addressing water-related and climate challenges.
The participation of CAREC representatives in the side event contributed to showcasing Central Asia’s regional experience and supporting dialogue on water security, climate adaptation, and sustainable water resources management.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov – Director of the CAREC Project office in Turkmenistan, turkemenistan@carececo.org