Online, 8 July 2025 – Representatives of the Scientific Information Centre of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) took part in the official online launch of the website of the Central Asia-Russia Interregional Working Group (CA-Russia IWG) on the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The event was moderated by Ms. Nadezhda Dementieva, UNCCD Regional Coordinator for Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
Website of Central Asia-Russia Interregional Working Group (CA-Russia IWG) on the implementation of UNCCD
During the meeting, the CA-Russia IWG presented a technical overview of the newly developed website supported by the UNCCD Secretariat. This digital resource is designed to strengthen information exchange, promote knowledge-sharing, and enhance coordination among countries of Central Asia and the Russian Federation in implementing the provisions of the UNCCD and combating land degradation.
A thematic session featured statements from National Focal Points of UNCCD as well as national experts representing the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Russian Federation. The event also welcomed the participation of FAO Kazakhstan in its role as an observer to the Interregional Working Group.
Participants of the online meeting. Photocredit to SIC ICSD
SIC ICSD representatives welcomed the launch of the new platform and reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation under the Convention. They also highlighted the importance of digital transformation and open access to information in advancing sustainable land use practices and the protection of natural resources.
The event concluded with an open discussion and summary reflections, during which participants underscored the importance of the new website as a platform for knowledge exchange, data sharing, and the coordination of actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the dryland and vulnerable ecosystems of the region.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority Area No 5 of REP4SD 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; |
| Priority area of REP4SD dedicated to SDG 4 on “Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning op-opportunities for all” |
| 1.2 Knowledge sharing and scientific cooperation within the framework of commitments adopted within the UN environmental conventions and the multiplication of knowledge on application of innovative climate-resilient technologies in agriculture. |