It is becoming a trend that the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ends with a notable outcome, and the Baku COP29 was no exception. At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), the historic moment was the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund in full force. At COP29, an unprecedented event was the agreement on a new collective quantified goal on climate finance (NCQG).
According to the NCQG, developed countries commit to providing at least $300 billion to help vulnerable countries adapt more effectively to climate change and transition to green energy by 2035.
However, there are other figures to consider. For example, according to the International Energy Agency, about $4 trillion per year must be invested in clean energy technologies by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires investments of at least $4-6 trillion annually.
It is no coincidence that President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, speaking at the World Climate Summit in Baku, called for increasing assistance to developing countries within the climate finance framework to $2 trillion, with easier access to this financing.
"Kyrgyzstan has initiated a mechanism for exchanging external debt for climate and sustainable development projects. We propose restructuring the country's external public debt through debt replacement mechanisms for specific green projects, including using the mechanism of the Climate Trust Fund being created in Kyrgyzstan, which will finance projects in ecology and sustainable mining development."
Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic
Another equally important outcome of Baku COP29 was the agreement on rules for creating a global carbon market supported by the UN. Carbon trading will serve as an incentive to reduce emissions and invest in climate-smart projects.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan's ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. He noted that agriculture is also crucial among sectors such as energy and industry where emission reductions are necessary, emphasizing that Kazakhstan, with its 200 million hectares of agricultural land, is an ideal platform for introducing "carbon farming." Furthermore, President Tokayev highlighted that within the framework of the NCQG, it is essential to focus on assisting countries most vulnerable to climate change, including landlocked nations.
"Even though Central Asia accounts for only 1% of global emissions, this region faces numerous climate risks. To improve our responses to climate change, we must actively use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite monitoring, along with other digital tools that provide early warning and better management of water and land resources."
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed new technologies in relation to adapting cities to climate change.
"We propose to create an Alliance of World Climate Capitals for the transfer of advanced knowledge and best practices on sustainable development in megalopolises and cities, which are negatively affected by climate change, and host its first forum in the city of Tashkent."
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
President Mirziyoyev also invited world leaders participating in UNFCCC COP29 to attend the Global Youth Festival of Digital Green Initiatives, scheduled for May 15, 2025, in the Aral Sea region.
The concern among Central Asian countries regarding dwindling fresh drinking water reserves was reflected in an initiative from Tajikistan. Consequently, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 as the "Year of Glacier Preservation." As President Emomali Rahmon noted during his speech at the global climate summit, this resolution led to establishing "World Day for Glaciers" and the Trust Fund to support glacier preservation efforts.
"Tajikistan has contributed to this Fund; we call on all partners to support this initiative as well. Based on this resolution, a High-level International Conference on Glacier Protection is scheduled for Dushanbe in May 2025. Additionally, at Tajikistan's initiative alongside France, the UN General Assembly declared 2025-2034 as the 'Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences."
Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan
The leaders of Central Asian countries demonstrated unanimity and their commitment to a comprehensive approach toward solving global climate challenges through active participation from all parties. At the World Climate Forum in Baku, Central Asian nations proposed implementing initiatives exclusively at a regional level.
For instance, Tajikistan proposed establishing a Regional Coordination Centre for Glaciology under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization in collaboration with other development partners.
Kyrgyzstan's proposal for conserving and rationally using water resources also resonated strongly. The country suggested organizing a Regional Center for Introducing Energy-Efficient and Resource-Saving Technologies.
To update water agendas and preserve global water resources, Kazakhstan supported Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's initiative to create a Group of Experts from Caspian states aimed at preserving the Caspian Sea—the largest lake in the world. Moreover, the largest climatic catastrophe on a planetary scale—the drying up of the Aral Sea—has taught Central Asian countries valuable lessons about cooperation in preservation efforts. An example of such collaboration is the establishment of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea by Central Asian heads of state.
In this context, activities related to the "Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for the Aral Sea Basin" (CAMP4ASB), implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) alongside EC IFAS with financial support from the World Bank and Green Climate Fund, are noteworthy.
Zafar Makhmudov, Executive Director of CAREC, noted that over 300 projects focused on climate-smart agriculture have been implemented, benefiting approximately 40,000 people in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. He emphasized that CAMP4ASB has demonstrated greater effectiveness through joint efforts compared to unilateral actions.
"Today, based on this established foundation, we are defining new horizons for regional climate cooperation. The most crucial aspect for Central Asian countries is representing their climate interests while showcasing each country's investment attractiveness—preferably as a unified region."
Zafar Makhmudov, Executive Director of CAREC
Uzbekistan also highlighted developing common approaches to preventing pollution in transboundary water resources while preserving sustainable biodiversity. The country proposed developing a Declaration of Commitments aimed at ensuring health and environmental safety within river ecosystems under UN auspices.
The pervasive global nature of these challenges has catalyzed active cooperation among Central Asian nations. Thus far, these shared climatic challenges have naturally united countries since common problems are more easily addressed through collaborative efforts.
Consequently, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—alongside the European Union and UNDP—established CAREC following decisions made during the 4th Pan-European Conference held in Aarhus (Denmark) in 1998.
CAREC aims to promote environmental cooperation and sustainable development across Central Asia.
As a result of dialogue platforms developed by CAREC, Central Asian nations have opportunities for live cooperation—exchanging successful practices while improving natural resource management aimed at effectively addressing global climate change impacts.
CAREC's support facilitates environmental interaction among Central Asian countries while addressing sensitive climatic issues within the region. The experience gained over its 24 years will undoubtedly aid CAREC's efforts in supporting successful implementation initiatives voiced by Central Asian leaders at regional levels while remaining committed to its strategic mission—providing extensive assistance through effective practices with active stakeholder interaction.
By Zhanna Husainova, consultant/expert on PR/communications, CAREC