Astana is set to host the Regional Environmental Summit (RES) 2026 from April 22 to 24, bringing together approximately 1,500 participants from government bodies, international organizations, development institutions, the business community, and civil society, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
The summit aims to develop regional solutions for climate and environmental challenges in partnership with the United Nations. The initiative was first announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023 and reaffirmed at the 80th session in 2025.
International Support
RES 2026 enjoys backing from major international partners, including OECD, IRENA, IEA, and other global and regional institutions. The UN officially endorsed the summit through General Assembly Resolution 78/147, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity in addressing Central Asia's environmental issues.
Political support has also been confirmed through key multilateral documents such as the Karabakh Declaration (2024), the Joint Statement of the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State (2024), and the Bishkek Declaration of the 11th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (2024).
Goals and Expected Outcomes
The summit focuses on developing practical, regionally coordinated mechanisms, addressing:
the restoration of the Aral and Caspian Seas ecosystems;
identification of regional needs for green financing;
development of low-carbon technologies and strengthening environmental resilience.
Expected outcomes of RES 2026 include:
a joint declaration of Central Asian heads of state;
approval of the Regional Action Program 2026–2030 in cooperation with UN agencies;
launch of new environmental projects and initiatives.
Eight Key Thematic Areas
Climate transition support through emission reduction and renewable energy adoption.
Adaptation and economic resilience of communities and ecosystems.
Food security and sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable natural resource management, including the Aral and Caspian Seas.
Pollution control and circular economy development.
Mechanisms to achieve environmental goals through green finance and technology transfer.
Just and inclusive transition: jobs, retraining, gender equality, and vulnerable groups support.
Environmental and digital competencies, including digital solutions and AI applications in resource management.
Preparations for RES 2026 involved regional and international consultations in 2025, including COP30, UNEA-7, and the UN General Assembly. These consultations led to the draft joint declaration and the launch of over 20 regional initiatives.
📌 Source: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan
