The project “Regional Climate Dialogue for the Development of Mountain Regions”, implemented by the Public Foundation “Institute for Sustainable Development Strategy” (ISDS) in partnership with the Climate Action Network Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (CAN EECCA), aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance climate resilience in the mountain regions of Central Asia.
Mountain regions in Central Asia are increasingly affected by the impacts of climate change, including ecosystem degradation, declining water resources, and rising climate-related risks. Against this backdrop, the project served as a platform for exchange between civil society organizations, expert communities, and local initiatives, as well as for discussion of practical approaches to climate adaptation.
The project focused on key themes related to sustainable development in mountain areas: the role of local communities and traditional knowledge, water and climate security, and the development of regional cooperation and climate diplomacy in Central Asia.
Regional Climate Dialogue “Issyk-Kul–2026”
The central event of the project was the Regional Climate Dialogue “Issyk-Kul–2026”, held on 14 April with the participation of CAN EECCA members and partner organizations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.
During the meeting, participants exchanged experiences and discussed adaptation priorities in the context of climate change, as well as joint approaches to the sustainable development of mountain regions. The Dialogue formed part of a broader regional Climate Dialogue initiative implemented across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia since 2020, which has brought together more than 250 participants from 17 countries.
Particular attention was given to transboundary climate challenges, including glacier melt and water security, as well as the need to strengthen coordination and trust among countries in the region. As a result of the meeting, a draft resolution of the “Issyk-Kul–2026” Dialogue was prepared, based on discussions held during March–April 2026.
The following analytical materials were developed within the project:
- “The Role of Local Communities and Traditional Knowledge in Ensuring Climate Resilience of Mountain Regions”
- “Regional Cooperation and Climate Diplomacy in Central Asia”
In addition, recordings of the project webinars are available:
- Webinar 1: Glacier Melt and Water Security in Central Asia: Challenges and Adaptation Scenarios
- Webinar 2: The Role of Local Communities and Traditional Knowledge in Climate Resilience of Mountain Regions
- Webinar 3: Regional Cooperation and Climate Diplomacy: Pathways to Joint Solutions and Preparation for “Bishkek+25”
The project contributed to the development of regional climate dialogue, strengthened cooperation among stakeholders, and promoted practical solutions for climate adaptation in the mountain regions of Central Asia.
The initiative also contributed to preparations for the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25”, scheduled to take place in 2027 within the international mountain agenda.
