LocationsGreen Pitching Event at COP28 focuses on Central Asia's sustainable future
December 7, 2023
Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan organized a Green Projects Pitching Event for the countries of Central Asia. This event aimed to spotlight innovative and sustainable initiatives across the region, showcasing a collaborative commitment to green growth and climate resilience.
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28, kicked off on November 30 and continues through December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a growing urgency to increase action for meaningful change. The countries of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – are presenting a common regional position on the most pressing climate issues at global scale, adopting a cooperative approach: Five countries – one region – one vote.
As part of a region vulnerable to the effects of climate change, Central Asian countries are actively participating in the COP28 climate policy negotiations, advocating for joint commitments to reduce emissions, achieve carbon neutrality, and secure access to climate finance for the region.
"The climate crisis knows no borders; it is a challenge that transcends individual nations. Success in addressing this global issue requires collective action. Together, the global community must pool our expertise, resources, and innovation to tackle climate change comprehensively, ensuring a sustainable future for all. In the countries of Central Asia, we strongly believe in the vast potential offered by the region's nature, population, and especially its youth. These factors form crucial elements in our joint endeavors to confront and overcome the challenges posed by climate change,"said Nuri Ozbagdatli, UNDP Climate Change Specialist for Europe and Central Asia Region.
The event was opened by the Ministers of Ecology from three Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
"Achieving a substantial reduction in greenhouse gases requires significant financial investments. The strategy of low-carbon development adopted by Kazakhstan this year estimates a net investment of US$610 billion in low-carbon technologies. At the same time, the importance of climate financing, which helps societies and economies build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change, cannot be overstated,"said Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his welcoming speech.
The UNDP Kazakhstan-organized side event on Green Projects Pitching to support green and sustainable initiatives in the region is a practical step to foster collaboration and seek partnerships with international investors, financial organizations and institutions. During the event representatives from national companies, the private sector, and NGOs across the region showcased their projects in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, innovative financial instruments (such as sustainability-linked bonds), sustainable transportation, and carbon offsetting initiatives.
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