Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 5 May 2025 — Representatives of the Scientific Information Centre of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD), with recognized expertise in legislative development and climate change adaptation, actively participated in a roundtable discussion on the draft Law of Turkmenistan on Climate Change. The event was hosted by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
The roundtable brought together approximately 20 representatives of key national ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as other relevant institutions and civil society organizations. The SIC ICSD served as one of the lead drafters of the law, ensuring that the document aligns with contemporary standards and international climate commitments.
Photocredit to OSCE Center in Ashgabat
During the event, participants reviewed the main provisions of the draft law, which is aimed at establishing a modern legal and regulatory framework for climate policy in Turkmenistan. The draft outlines mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigation and promotes interagency and cross-sectoral cooperation. Special emphasis is placed on a comprehensive and systemic approach that encompasses key dimensions of the climate agenda, including greenhouse gas emission reductions, institutional capacity-building, implementation of international obligations, and the promotion of innovative technologies. As a framework law, the draft lays a solid foundation for the future development of climate legislation in the country.
Experts from SIC ICSD also shared their experience participating in national and regional consultations on climate-resilient technologies and climate finance, underscoring the importance of institutional and scientific cooperation to enhance climate resilience both in Turkmenistan and across Central Asia. They highlighted that the discussion of the draft law represents a meaningful contribution to the implementation of the Regional Environmental Programme for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, particularly in the areas of climate action, sustainable land use, and resource mobilization in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 13.
The roundtable marked an important step in fostering constructive dialogue among government institutions, the scientific community, and international organizations on climate change and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to adopting modern approaches in environmental protection.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority Area of REP4SD No 4 dedicated to SDG 13: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” |
| 4.3 Assessment of climate risks and vulnerabilites through the application of corresponding models of a climate change impact on water resources, terrestrial ecosystems and natural disasters, tackling the development of state policies and strategies in this area. |
| Priority Area of REP4SD No 5 dedicated to SDG 15: “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems” |
| 5.1.2 Capacity-building for sustainable management of forests, land, and pastures. |