Meeting between the Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan
On 18 September 2026, a meeting was held between Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, and H.E. Ravshanbek Azadbekovich Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the areas of environmental protection, climate change, sustainable development, environmental education, and strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mergen Kepbanov presented CAREC’s mandate, key areas of activity, and regional role.
It was noted that CAREC is a regional organization whose activities are aimed at promoting cooperation among the countries of Central Asia in addressing environmental challenges and advancing the principles of sustainable development.
In its activities, CAREC places particular emphasis on climate change and adaptation to its impacts, sustainable management of water and land resources, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, sustainable agriculture, environmental education, capacity building for specialists, and strengthening regional dialogue.
The activities of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan were also presented. Mergen Kepbanov briefed the Ambassador on the Office’s work in implementing national and regional environmental projects and initiatives, as well as its cooperation with government institutions of Turkmenistan, international and regional organizations, academic and educational institutions, and other partners.
The CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan supports the organization of conferences, seminars, expert meetings, and other events aimed at fostering professional dialogue, exchanging experience, and strengthening the capacity of national specialists.
It was emphasized that one of the important areas of the Project Office’s work is to further enhance Turkmenistan’s participation in regional environmental initiatives and strengthen practical cooperation with the countries of Central Asia.
Particular attention during the meeting was given to CAREC’s cooperation with Green University in Tashkent and the development of educational opportunities for young professionals.
Mergen Kepbanov highlighted the importance of preparing a new generation of specialists equipped with up-to-date knowledge in environmental protection, climate change, sustainable development, and the green economy. In this regard, the Ambassador was briefed on the practical results of the cooperation between the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan and Green University.
In 2026, with the support of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, eight citizens of Turkmenistan were admitted to Green University in Tashkent — four to bachelor’s degree programmes and four to master’s degree programmes. In addition, one citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan was admitted to a bachelor’s degree programme. This represents a practical example of cooperation in environmental education and the development of national and regional human resources.
It was noted that equipping young professionals with up-to-date knowledge and professional competencies in environmental protection and sustainable development will contribute to building the human capacity needed to address environmental and climate-related challenges at both the national and regional levels.
The parties emphasized the potential for further developing cooperation between CAREC and educational and scientific institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan, including knowledge and experience exchange, support for educational initiatives, and the development of professional contacts among specialists and young people from the countries of Central Asia.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on possible areas for further cooperation between the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan and the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
Mergen Kepbanov expressed the Project Office’s readiness to further develop constructive cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
In particular, the CAREC Project Office expressed its interest in participating in events organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan, particularly those addressing environmental protection, climate change, water resources, sustainable development, environmental education, and regional cooperation.
For its part, the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan expressed its readiness to invite representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to relevant national and regional events organized with the support of CAREC.
The parties noted the importance of further strengthening professional and institutional contacts, exchanging information and experience, and supporting joint initiatives that contribute to the development of environmental and climate cooperation in Central Asia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their mutual interest in continuing constructive dialogue and identifying new practical areas of cooperation.
The meeting was held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere and marked another step towards strengthening cooperation between the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan and the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan in support of sustainable development and environmental cooperation in Central Asia.
Дополнительная информация:
Мерген Кепбанов – директор проектного офиса РЭЦЦА в Туркменистане, turkemenistan@carececo.org