The Regional Environmental Summit 2026 concluded in Astana, serving as a major platform for advancing climate and environmental policy dialogue in Central Asia. The event brought together heads of state, international organizations, government institutions, academia, and business representatives.
Over three days, the Summit hosted 58 thematic sessions, including high-level meetings and country dialogues, with more than 8,000 visits recorded. This highlights the growing importance of the region in global environmental and climate processes.
A key outcome was the adoption of the “Environmental Solidarity of Central Asia” Declaration, outlining priorities for deeper regional cooperation. The document reflects a shared commitment to coordinated action on climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management, air quality improvement, and combating land degradation and desertification.
The Declaration also includes initiatives proposed by Kazakhstan, such as the establishment of an International Water Organization under the UN, as well as regional programs for ecosystem protection and transboundary water management, including the Caspian region.
Among the tangible results were the signing of investment agreements and strategic memorandums focused on renewable energy, industrial decarbonization, waste management, and green technologies. A significant step was the creation of a regional environmental hub in Almaty to enhance coordination and knowledge exchange.
Key areas of cooperation include water security, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. In this context, the “Green Shield of Central Asia” initiative was supported, aiming to establish protective forest belts and mitigate land degradation and dust storms.
The Summit also strengthened cross-sector collaboration, with agreements in healthcare, science, and education, as well as initiatives promoting environmental volunteering and youth engagement. Particular emphasis was placed on the “One Health” approach, linking environmental and social dimensions of sustainability.
The “RES 2026 EXPO” exhibition showcased innovative solutions and facilitated the transition from policy discussions to practical implementation and investment.
The outcomes confirm that the Summit became not only a dialogue platform but also a catalyst for coordinated regional action, laying the foundation for long-term environmental cooperation in Central Asia.
📌 Source: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan
