On March 4, a high-level meeting was held in the Turkmen capital with the participation of the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Helga Schmid and the environmental ministers of the Central Asian countries. Particular attention of the meeting participants was paid to the issues of climate change in order to ensure stability in Central Asia, sustainable management of water resources, development of water diplomacy, and the involvement of women in this process, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry reported.
In her speech, the OSCE Secretary General emphasized the importance of the meeting, which provides an opportunity to once again focus attention on modern environmental challenges, the primary aspects of climate issues directly related to the promotion of sustainable development, ensuring energy and food security and, in general, prosperity and stability in the region.
The meeting participants noted the importance of OSCE initiatives and programs in the Central Asian region, which are aimed at exchanging knowledge and best practices on climate change issues, as well as developing joint strategies to help solve environmental problems.
The parties also expressed a common opinion on the need to take joint measures to cooperate in confronting climate challenges.
The Turkmen side emphasized that environmental safety remains a priority in the country’s interaction with the countries of Central Asia and the OSCE. In this regard, the key role of the initiative to establish a Regional Center for Climate Technologies for Central Asian countries was noted.
During the meeting, the parties also substantively discussed water and agricultural issues, the transition to a “green” economy, waste management and reduction of harmful emissions, and improving the environmental culture of society.
