Regional Climate Specialist of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), Vladimir Grebnev, presented an in-depth overview of the global climate agenda and its direct relevance for Central Asia at the Session on SDG 6 “Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All” during the Ninth North and Central Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In his presentation, titled “Turning Climate Challenges into Opportunities: Advancing SDG 6 in Central Asia”, Vladimir Grebnev highlighted current global climate trends in the context of the Paris Agreement and emphasized the growing risks that climate change poses to water resources across the region. Particular attention was given to projections of increasing water stress levels, which are expected to become one of the most pressing challenges for sustainable development and human security in Central Asia.
The presentation also showcased regional initiatives aimed at strengthening adaptation and resilience. Among them were the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Central Asia, the GIZ project “Climate Risk Management in Central Asia”, and the World Bank’s Central Asia Water and Energy Program (CAWEP). These efforts provide practical frameworks for countries to improve water management, integrate climate considerations into planning, and build cross-border cooperation around shared water resources.
A central theme of the intervention was the importance of regional dialogue platforms. Vladimir Grebnev underscored the pivotal role of the Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC), which is regularly convened by CAREC with the support of the Central Asian countries and international development partners.
“Over the years, the CACCC has evolved into the leading regional platform for discussing climate challenges, exchanging knowledge, and mobilizing joint action. It also serves as a bridge between Central Asia and the global climate process, providing visibility to regional priorities at international forums such as the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP),” stated Vladimir Grebnev.
By presenting both the risks and the opportunities, Vladimir Grebnev stressed that addressing climate change impacts on water resources is not only a matter of adaptation but also an avenue for sustainable growth, innovation, and cooperation. He emphasized that SDG 6 cannot be achieved in isolation — it is intrinsically linked with other goals such as energy security, resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities, and strong partnerships.
The Ninth North and Central Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals was organized Septeber 4, 2025 by the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The Forum provided a platform for discussion and collaboration between government officials, civil society organizations, think tanks, academia, experts and other stakeholders. It provides a unique opportunity to assess subregional progress, highlight priority areas and share best practices in advancing the 2030 Agenda. The Forum will focus on Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals), emphasizing critical themes on water and energy security, resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban development and strong partnerships. The Forum will also reflect on urgent challenges faced by the subregion, including climate change, geopolitical tensions and socioeconomic disparities, and explore coordinated, multi-stakeholder solutions. Its outcomes will inform broader regional and global platforms, including the Thirteenth Asia-Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development in Bangkok and the 2026 United Nations High-level Political Forum in New York, ensuring that the voices and priorities of North and Central Asia are adequately represented in the global sustainable development discourse.
Additional information:
Vladimir Grebnev - CAREC Regional Climate Specialist, cc_specialist@carececo.org