As Central Asia confronts escalating challenges from the climate crisis, the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) has announced an extension of its support for the Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub for Central Asia for an additional year. This extension aims to strengthen the region’s efforts toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable future. The countries benefiting from this extension are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Since its inception, ICAT has worked closely with the five countries to enhance their capacity to develop and manage transparent, robust climate action frameworks. This collaboration enables them to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“ICAT is pleased to continue its collaboration in Central Asia, a region that holds immense potential to lead by example in climate action transparency,” said ICAT Director Henning Wuester. “By strengthening regional cooperation and building robust foundations for effective action, Central Asia can serve as a vital connector between Europe and Asia in the global response to climate change.”

Hosted by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability in the region, the Regional Hub plays a critical role in advancing climate action transparency.  

The extension, effective from 1 April 2025 to 31 July 2026 represents a significant milestone for the Regional Hub, which was initially established in 2021. The new support reflects the growing need for continued support as Central Asia grapples with evolving climate challenges.

The first phase registered significant accomplishments. At the national level, key successes included Kazakhstan’s improvement of its national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory system, which led to the removal of its non-compliance status under the Kyoto Protocol. Uzbekistan also strengthened its GHG inventory report structure. Additionally, all participating countries explored the use of two modelling tools – the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Cost Model (GACMO) and have initiated discussions on regional indicators for monitoring and evaluating adaptation measures, as well as the development of a green taxonomy.

The first phase also fostered peer learning and technical exchanges, helping countries identify shared challenges and opportunities for enhanced coordination. This initiative included 27 training sessions that reached 441 participants (244 women), covering areas such as GHG inventories, adaptation reporting, climate finance, policy impact assessment, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) tracking. Regional working groups were established to encourage collaboration and technical knowledge sharing among countries.

Looking ahead, the second phase will build on these foundational achievements, addressing remaining technical and institutional gaps while continuing to strengthen regional cooperation. By improving climate reporting frameworks and expanding access to knowledge and tools, the Regional Hub will help the countries of the region meet their climate transparency obligations.

“The second phase of the Regional Hub reflects the continued commitment of Central Asian countries to enhance climate reporting systems and foster regional dialogue on climate action,” said Mr Zafar Makhmudov, who is the Executive Director of CAREC. “CAREC will remain a key partner, working closely with national institutions and development partners to support these efforts in Central Asia.” he added. 

The continuation of ICAT’s support aligns with an important milestone under the Paris Agreement. In 2025, countries are expected to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions, reflecting stronger commitments to reducing emissions and adapting to climate change.

Therefore, the extension of ICAT’s support is a key step toward reinforcing the region’s climate action capabilities, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for Central Asia.

In addition to this Regional Hub for Central Asia, ICAT supports two other regional climate action transparency hubs: the Regional Hub for Central America, hosted by the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD), and the Regional Hub for Central Africa, hosted by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).