Tashkent: First Summit of the Heads of States of Central Asia and the Federal Republic of Germany took place in Berlin, which opened a new milestone in relations between the countries.
During the summit, the participants agreed that the “Central Asia – Germany” format is an effective platform for open dialogue and the formation of a new agenda for practical cooperation between the region and the German side. Such important issues as strengthening economic cooperation, achieving energy security, as well as “green” and sustainable development were raised.
It is important to note that the countries of Central Asia are actively interacting with Berlin in the field of attracting “green” investments and implementing joint projects aimed at adapting to climate change and the efficient distribution of transboundary water resources.
Thus, in January 2020, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the Green Central Asia initiative, aimed at promoting regional dialogue on climate security. Thanks to this initiative, 4 projects are being implemented in the region totaling €50 million, including on climate risk and water management, integrated land use, and establishing transboundary dialogue on climate, environment and security.
In addition, the result of the implementation of the Green Central Asia initiative was the conduct of research work on the study of glaciers using modern German technologies together with specialists from Central Asia. In August of this year. representatives of scientific institutions and ministries of Central Asia together with the Potsdam Center. Helmholtz conducted a scientific expedition on the Tuiksu glacier in Kazakhstan.
Training modules were also created on climate, rational use of water resources, biodiversity conservation, drought forecasting, ensuring the safety of tailings dumps and preventing emergency water pollution in Central Asia. “Tashkent Lectures” on water security are held on an annual basis, the last of which took place on 15 December 2022 in Potsdam together with the National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers” (TIIMSH) and GFZPotsdam.
In addition, a Regional Working Group was created from representatives of the relevant ministries of the five countries in the region, which adopted the Regional Action Plan for Joint Political Dialogue on Climate, Environment and Security. This document represents the charter of the Regional Working Group and the action plan of the dialogue platform “Green Central Asia”.
Since 2022, members of the working group have been developing a “Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia”, and also discussing mechanisms for water and energy cooperation and glacier monitoring. It is noteworthy that at the “Central Asia + Germany” summit, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for Germany’s active participation in the creation of a Platform for water-saving technologies in the region and the formation of a Central Asian climate dialogue.
Germany is known for its outstanding contributions to the development of water-saving technologies, including the pioneering introduction of the first drip system in 1880. This example of Germany’s exceptional experience and achievements in the efficient use of water resources can provide valuable inspiration to the agro-industrial sector of Uzbekistan, helping to reduce water losses and provide more sustainable water use. Moreover, the Head of State invited Germany to co-organize the International Climate Forum under the auspices of the United Nations, which will be held next spring in Samarkand. This step will strengthen cooperation between Tashkent and Berlin in achieving the carbon neutrality goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, which is especially important in the context of the increasing negative consequences of climate change in the world.
In general, climate change, environmental balance and the green transition are high on the political agenda, and international cooperation in this area is a key factor in achieving sustainable development. Given the existing level of interaction, further deepening cooperation with Germany in these areas represents a valuable opportunity for Central Asian countries, 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 and green future.
