Central Asia’s drive for climate resilience took a bold step forward today as ministers from CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) countries approved a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan and launched a new Regional Climate and Sustainability Fund. The initiatives reflect a unified commitment to low-carbon growth and a sustainable future, responding to climate challenges impacting Central Asia and beyond.
A Pivotal Moment for Regional Climate Action
The endorsement, announced at the 23rd CAREC Ministerial Conference in Astana, marks a significant moment for the region. With representatives from Central Asia, the Caucasus, South Asia, and East Asia, the CAREC Program serves as a cooperative platform for nations to tackle shared climate and environmental issues. This year’s conference emphasized the urgency of collaborative climate resilience and low-carbon economic strategies, setting the stage for a regional response to the growing impacts of climate change.
Ministers also agreed on a midterm review of the CAREC 2030 Strategy, which now places heightened emphasis on climate-smart development and regional public goods. These priorities align with a renewed focus on sustainable development and economic collaboration across member nations.
Launching the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Fund
The newly established CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF) is a foundational tool for the region’s climate goals. Designed to finance sustainable projects, this fund will enable member countries to build resilient infrastructure, scale renewable energy initiatives, and invest in critical climate adaptation projects. Additionally, the fund aims to improve the region’s capacity for early warning systems, which are essential for mitigating climate-induced disasters.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa, in a keynote address, stressed the importance of unified action. “The approval of the CAREC Climate Change Action Plan and the establishment of the Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund are significant milestones in our collective efforts to address climate change,” Asakawa said. “By working together, we can build resilient infrastructure, develop early warning systems, and create a greener future powered by renewable energy.”
Building on the CAREC 2030 Strategic Framework
The CAREC 2030 Strategy, established as a roadmap for regional economic cooperation, has been reinvigorated to meet the urgent climate demands of today. The recent Midterm Review suggests that future CAREC projects focus on:
- Climate-smart infrastructure and sustainable transport solutions
- Expanding renewable energy capacities across the region
- Preserving shared natural resources and reducing air pollution
- Enhancing disaster preparedness through early warning systems
These priorities reflect an updated approach, positioning CAREC member countries to better address environmental risks and protect vulnerable communities across Central Asia.
CAREC’s Role in Climate and Economic Development
The CAREC Program, hosted by the ADB, serves as a platform for cooperation among member countries and development partners to accelerate regional growth and reduce poverty. By promoting policies and projects that foster environmental sustainability, CAREC aims to support not only individual national efforts but also a regional transition toward greener economies. Since its inception, CAREC has facilitated results-oriented initiatives in various sectors, including energy, trade, transport, and now, climate resilience.
Today’s decisions at the ministerial conference underscore a growing recognition within CAREC of the vital link between economic stability and climate action. As Central Asia faces escalating environmental challenges, the region’s leaders appear committed to steering their nations toward a sustainable future through collaborative efforts and targeted investment.
