The first summit of the leaders of Central Asia and Germany, held on September 29 in Berlin, marked a new milestone in the countries’ relations. At the meeting, the heads of state agreed that the “Central Asia – Germany” format is an effective platform for open dialogue and collaboration. Topics such as economic cooperation, energy security, green and sustainable development were discussed.
Central Asian countries are actively working with Germany to attract green investments and implement joint projects to adapt to climate change and use transboundary water resources responsibly. In January 2020, the German Federal Foreign Office launched the Green Central Asia initiative to promote regional dialogue on climate security. This initiative has funded the implementation of four projects for 50 million euros, including climate risk and water management, integrated land use, and establishing transboundary dialogue on climate, environment, and security.
In addition, the initiative has enabled research on glaciers using modern German technologies in collaboration with Central Asian specialists. Representatives of scientific institutions and ministries of Central Asia, together with the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, conducted a scientific expedition to the Tuyuksu Glacier in Kazakhstan. Training modules have also been created on climate, rational use of water resources, conservation of biological diversity, drought forecasting, ensuring the safety of tailings dumps, and preventing emergency water pollution in Central Asia.
The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has called for Germany’s active participation in creating a Platform for water-saving technologies in the region and forming a Central Asian climate dialogue. He has also invited Germany to co-organize the International Climate Forum under the auspices of the United Nations, which will be held next spring in Samarkand.
The deepening of cooperation with Germany in the areas of climate change, environmental balance, and the green transition presents a valuable opportunity for the countries of Central Asia, which will facilitate the exchange of experience and technology, help the region more effectively cope with the challenges of climate change, and move towards a sustainable, green future.