Turkmenistan Hosts Climate Resilience Workshop to Bolster Cryosphere Monitoring

On May 12–13, 2025, the capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, played host to a vital national workshop aimed at translating regional climate resilience priorities into actionable national strategies. This two-day gathering was held under the auspices of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as part of their joint initiative titled “Strengthening the Resilience of Central Asian Countries by Enabling Regional Cooperation to Assess Glacio-nival Systems to Develop Integrated Methods for Sustainable Development and Adaptation to Climate Change.”

This collaborative project underscores the growing need for nations across Central Asia to collectively address climate challenges affecting the cryosphere—glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost systems—and to develop integrated monitoring and adaptation mechanisms for sustainable development.

A Gathering of Regional and National Stakeholders

The workshop in Ashgabat marks the fourth in a series of national-level workshops held across Central Asia. Following similar events in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the Turkmenistan session drew together a diverse group of participants, including senior representatives from government ministries, environmental and scientific agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. This inclusivity allowed for a rich dialogue between policymakers and experts, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration.

The event was inaugurated by Ms. Chinar Rustamova, Secretary-General of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO. In her keynote address, Ms. Rustamova emphasized the urgency of regional solidarity in addressing climate-induced transformations in glacial and snow systems. She noted that the challenges posed by climate change transcend national borders and must be met with concerted regional and global cooperation.

Focus Areas: From Data to Action

The heart of the workshop revolved around identifying and accelerating national actions in key thematic areas. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and technical sessions focused on:

• Improving monitoring systems for glaciers, seasonal snow cover, and permafrost zones.

• Enhancing the accessibility and interoperability of cryospheric data and research outputs.

• Fostering interdisciplinary research and the creation of policy-relevant knowledge products.

• Strengthening institutional capacities and coordination mechanisms within Turkmenistan.

• Promoting inclusive participation from women, youth, and vulnerable communities in climate adaptation planning.

The event also laid the groundwork for establishing a multi-institutional national working group, which will serve as a permanent body to oversee cryosphere research, monitor progress, and ensure alignment with broader sustainable development frameworks.

Aligning with Global Commitments

Turkmenistan’s proactive engagement in the workshop reaffirms its dedication to international climate and development frameworks. The outcomes of the workshop align closely with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goals 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Additionally, the efforts resonate with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, emphasizing the importance of early warning systems and scientific knowledge in building disaster resilience.

Building Toward a Regional Future

With four national workshops completed, the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO project continues its path through Central Asia, with the next national workshop scheduled in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the entire series set to conclude by June 2025. These national workshops serve as the building blocks for a comprehensive regional strategy to enhance glacio-nival system monitoring and bolster climate resilience across borders.

As climate pressures mount, the Ashgabat workshop stands as a powerful example of how Central Asian countries can transform regional strategies into national action plans—anchored in science, supported by partnerships, and driven by a shared commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient future.