About the project

The story of Climate Dialogues began in 2020 as a bold idea: to create a platform for regional climate activists to connect, share knowledge, and drive impactful action. Initially envisioned as two separate events—one focusing on the Eastern Partnership countries and the other on Central Asia—the project took its first steps online, adapting to the global circumstances of the time. A series of webinars and Zoom sessions brought together a diverse group of experts and participants. These were organized into focused working groups tackling critical topics such as Just Transition, Climate Policy, Renewable Energy, Cities and Mobility, Education and Outreach, and Adaptation and Biodiversity.

More details

In 2021, the project continued to build momentum through online trainings, while the working groups collaborated to develop valuable resources tailored to their areas of expertise. This phase laid the groundwork for deeper engagement and action.

However, 2022 brought unforeseen challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced a shift in plans, as in-person gatherings were no longer possible. Once again, Climate Dialogues adapted, returning to online formats to ensure the work continued despite the obstacles.

Finally, 2023 marked a turning point. The project was reborn as an offline event. Climate Dialogues moved from screens to Tbilisi, Georgia with intensive three-day trainings. Regional activists and members of civil society organizations, carefully selected through an open call and interviews, gathered for professional training, exchange, and education. In 2023, the project also expanded its scope by introducing new climate intersections, such as decoloniality, allowing for a deeper exploration of how climate change connects to social justice and equity.

Building on this success, 2024 saw the return of Climate Dialogues to Tbilisi, where Georgian activists and media specialists led immersive three-day workshops. By this time, the project had cultivated a loyal and dynamic network of supporters, inspiring an ambitious new direction: a six-month-long program that pushed regional boundaries and explored innovative intergenerational approaches.

With each year, Climate Dialogues aspires to expand its horizons, explore new concepts and inspire fresh perspectives on climate action.

The main mission

The main mission of the project is to create a platform to bring together regional activists to strengthen the role of civil society in shaping and advancing the climate agenda. We aim to broaden the horizons of climate advocacy, promote interregional cooperation and strengthen collective influence on climate policy. Our project inspires collaborative action for a sustainable future, justice and environmental well-being in our region.

Goals

Facilitate cooperation between regional activists

Strengthening the capacity of participants with resources, knowledge and skills

Facilitate mutual learning and knowledge sharing

Project in numbers

Azerbaijan
Armenia
Belarus
Georgia

Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Moldova
Russian Federation

Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Ukraine

+
0
Participants
0
EECCA countries
0
Established

Timeline of the project

Online trainings and workshops

At the end of May, selected participants undergo intensive offline trainings for 3-5 days. The location of trainings is chosen depending on logistical accessibility within the EECCA region.

Task fulfillment, online meetings and sessions

The project aims to build a community of regional activists and long-term, and sustainable partnerships. We are looking for those who are ready to become part of climate civil society, not only the project.

Finalization of assignments

We aim to transfer knowledge to our participants so that they can continue advocacy in their own communities in their own languages.

Final online meeting and summarizing the results of participation in the program

The final online meeting is an important stage of the Climate Dialogues project, where we discuss our findings, share our impressions of the partnership and plan for the future. It is important for us to keep in touch outside the project so that we can support the initiatives of our alumni.

Topics of session and workshops

Climate change

Just transition

Renewable energy

Climate policy and governance

The effects of fossil fuel industry

Energy efficiency and conservation

Role of civil society in climate movement

Cross-border environmental issues and regional cooperation

Climate communication and representation in media

Human rights in the context of climate change

Community engagement and decentralisation

Decolonization and indigenous knowledge

Gender equality and climate change

The impact of social inequalities and conflicts on climate

Other intersectional topics

Expected results


Power of the Community

Development of climate civil society through strengthening the capacity of program participants by means of resources, knowledge exchange, professional skills, and collaboration


Interregional collaboration in climate action


Supporting local initiatives, organizations and activists


Influence on Climate Policy

Strengthening the impact of civil society on national and regional climate policy

Success stories

Feedbacks from program alumni

Gulnaz Jadigerova

UNICEF, Uzbekistan

The practical sessions and interactions with activists inspired me and gave me confidence that climate justice can be achieved in Central Asia if we join forces with international partners and regional civil society.

Ilinca Modrînga

EcoVisio, Moldova

Climate Dialogues gave me an opportunity to connect with and learn from experts and climate activists from across the EECCA region. The program equipped me with essential skills, like how to effectively communicate climate issues to a broader audience, as well as the motivating experience of being part of a supportive community dedicated to creating real change.

Iryna Ponedelnik

Green Network, Belarus

Such programs are very important for our region, because among other things, they allow us to get to know each other in order to establish connections. Because ultimately, due to the region’s invisibility in the climate world, we are left only with each other.

Kanan Khalilzade

Ecofront, Azerbaijan

It was my first time engaging with climate activists and advocates from our region, and it was truly a unique experience. Despite coming from different countries, our environmental challenges were deeply interconnected. I gained valuable insights from their experiences, which left me feeling stronger and more empowered by the time we spent together.

Anara Alymkulova

Institute for Sustainable Development Strategy’ Public Fund, Kyrgyzstan

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of “Climate Dialogues 2024.” I especially enjoyed the session on “Data Storytelling Techniques for Media Campaigns”, which is very helpful for an information campaign about renewable energy in Kyrgyzstan that we are conducting now with the support of CEE Bankwatch and CAN EECCA.

Partners and donors

Join us! Become part of the movement for a just transition and a sustainable future!

How to participate?

To become a participant of the program, apply for the Open Call. Follow CAN EECCA’s social media accounts not to miss news about the next Open Call.

Subscribe to our digest, where you will receive a curated selection of regional and international news on climate policy, research, and activism, as well as announcements of webinars, competitions, and other educational, grant, and networking opportunities.

Subscribe to our social media accounts:


How to support a project?

To support the project or propose a collaboration, you can email us at: can.eecca@gmail.com