On 3 December 2023, the ICAT Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub for Central Asia hosted a COP28 side-event to shed light on the crucial role of transparency in the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the Central Asian region. The event gathered together key stakeholders, government representatives, and experts to discuss the challenges and progress in transitioning to the Enhanced Transparency Framework and role of transparency systems in designing ambitious NDCs.

The side-event began with a warm welcome from Mr. Zafar Makhmudov, Executive director of Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia, who emphasized the urgency of global climate action.

“Transparency is the foundation of effective climate action and serves as the linchpin that links commitments to visible progress. It allows countries not only to express their intentions, but also to take responsibility for realizing those goals. By openly communicating their intentions, methodologies and progress, Central Asian countries are laying the groundwork for sharing experiences and collective action.”

The Central Asian region, comprised of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, faces common climatic conditions and challenges. This collective commitment to combat climate change is commendable, but the effectiveness of these efforts relies on full implementation. Speakers underscored the significance of transparency in climate action, highlighting its role as the foundation that links commitments to visible progress. Central Asian countries are actively working to develop strategies, and the side-event emphasizes the importance of consistent monitoring of diverse climate policies. Reporting progress under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) becomes pivotal, ensuring the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The event focused on the use of transparency in the design, planning and implementation of climate action. CAREC also presented the work of the Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub for Central Asia, outlined the achievements and planned actions for 2024. Among the actions, extensive work on trainings on climate finance, adaptation reporting issues, use of modern methodologies and tools offered by ICAT.