Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During the mission of Batyr Mammedov, Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC), from September 14-16, 2026, a working meeting was held in Kyrgyzstan with Akyl Toktobaevayev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The meeting focused on prospects for cooperation in environmental protection and climate change, as well as preparations for important international events in 2027 and Kyrgyzstan's ongoing participation in international climate and environmental processes.
The main issues on the agenda included preparations for the Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACCC) and the Bishkek+25 Mountain Summit in 2027 , Kyrgyzstan's participation in COP 31 , as well as the development of partnerships and joint initiatives between the Ministry and CAREC.
CACIC and the Bishkek+25 Mountain Summit
During the meeting, special attention was paid to the upcoming Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25” in 2027, which is planned to be held jointly with CACIC-2027.
Minister Akyl Toktobaev noted the importance of the upcoming event for Kyrgyzstan and the region, emphasizing CAREC's significant role in Central Asia. He stated that holding the summit will be a significant international event and will require the consolidated efforts of stakeholders. He also noted that the summit is supported by the Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.
In turn, CAREC Executive Director Batyr Mamedov confirmed the Center's readiness to actively participate in the preparation of the event, including the work of the Organizing Committee and the development of the overall concept for CACCC and the Mountain Summit.
Preparing for COP 31
Particular attention was paid to Kyrgyzstan’s preparation for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ( COP 31) , which will be held in Turkey this year.
Kyrgyzstan plans to present a national pavilion at the conference. Minister Akyl Toktobaev noted the Ministry's interest in technical and consultative support from CAREC, including assistance in developing the pavilion program, determining the theme, and organizing side events.
Representatives of the Ministry also emphasized that the Kyrgyz branch of CAREC is a member of the Organizing Committee for the preparation of Kyrgyzstan's participation and has significant experience in organizing national pavilions of Central Asian countries at international climate venues.
For its part, CAREC expressed its readiness to facilitate preparations for Kyrgyzstan's participation in COP 31. Batyr Mamedov also informed meeting participants about the possibility of holding a side event dedicated to the methane project currently being implemented in three Central Asian countries.
New joint initiatives
An important part of the meeting was the discussion of the further development of the partnership between the Ministry and CAREC.
The parties noted that cooperation is already underway through national projects involving the Kyrgyz branch of CAREC. The Ministry confirmed its readiness to consider and support new project concepts aimed at addressing pressing environmental and climate change issues.
The CAREC Executive Director emphasized that one of the Center's key functions is to assist Central Asian countries in addressing common environmental issues, consolidating regional efforts, implementing joint projects, and sharing experiences among the region's countries.
Cooperation within the framework of COP 17
The meeting participants also discussed preparations for COP 17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity , which will take place in Armenia in October of this year.
Kumar Abylkazymov, Head of the Department of Bioresources and Specially Protected Natural Areas, noted the CAREC Kyrgyz branch's support for Kyrgyzstan's participation in COP 17 and expressed interest in holding joint side events on the sidelines of the conference.
Next steps
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further strengthening cooperation and coordinating joint actions on key regional and international environmental and climate initiatives.
Of particular importance in the near future will be joint work on preparing CACCC-2027 and the Bishkek+25 Mountain Summit, Kyrgyzstan's participation in COP 31 and COP 17, as well as the development and promotion of new projects in the field of environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and the fight against climate change.
CAREC confirmed its readiness to provide the necessary expert, technical, and advisory support to the Ministry and to continue promoting the strengthening of regional cooperation in Central Asia.