Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic Akyl Toktobaev spoke at the high-level session “Mountains and Climate Change: From Vulnerability to Sustainable Development” during the Regional Environmental Summit 2026 in Astana.
He emphasized that for Kyrgyzstan, as a mountainous country, climate change is a direct and tangible challenge affecting livelihoods and regional stability, not an abstract issue. He noted that Central Asia is transitioning from declarations to practical investments and measurable outcomes.
The Minister highlighted the importance of protecting glaciers and water resources, which are critical for regional water security, and called for enhanced scientific cooperation, including joint expert groups and regional projects.
He also invited partners to participate in the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25” in 2027, positioning it as a key platform for advancing the mountain agenda.
Minister Toktobaev stated: “Protecting mountain ecosystems is not only a national priority but a matter of regional security. The resilience of mountain systems is directly linked to the well-being of Central Asia. Today, regional climate leadership must be reflected in concrete agreements and coordinated actions.”
He reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s openness to cooperation and stressed that joint initiatives will strengthen the region’s voice in global climate processes.
The session brought together delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan to shape a coordinated regional position on mountain and climate issues.
📌 Source: Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic
