UNDP and the British Embassy in Ashgabat convene the fifth coordination meeting of the Climate Group of Development Partners

The meeting served as a platform for discussing development partners’ interventions on the climate agenda in the country, including an update on post-COP27 activities and discussing preparations for the upcoming COP28 Climate Summit to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November 2023. The participants were informed on the process of preparation of the First Biennial Report (BUR1) and the Fourth National Communication (NC4) of Turkmenistan on climate change, which will help strengthen the existing institutional structure and ensure compliance of Turkmenistan’s climate reports with the requirements of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Mr. Magtymguly Akmuradov, Ambassador and Adviser to the International Organizations Department, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan participated in the meeting and informed the participants about the results of the international conference "Partnership in the Field of Food Security in the Context of Climate Change", and also highlighted the key outcomes from Turkmenistan’s participation at the COP27 Climate Summit held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022.

“There is no country in the world where the impact of climate change is not felt, and Turkmenistan is not an exception,” – noted Ms. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan. “Last year, we supported Turkmenistan in developing and submitting the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the UNFCCC. UNDP stands ready to support Turkmenistan in implementing its new NDC and will continue this important dialogue to accelerate joint efforts to support Turkmenistan in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and implementing its obligation under the Paris Agreement.

The development of an updated Nationally Determined Contributions of Turkmenistan was actively supported by the UNDP’s global Climate Promise Initiative, announced at the 2019 UN Climate Summit, to assist countries in achieving their climate goals. Working with over 120 countries and territories to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change, the Climate Promise represents UNDP’s strong commitment to supporting countries in enhancing their ambitions in line with their obligations under the Paris Agreement.

“Following our COP26 Presidency and COP27, the UK remains committed to addressing the challenges of climate change as our most important international priority.  It is crucial that we all join our efforts to tackle the existential threat of climate change and biodiversity loss, and to seize the opportunities from the global transition to clean energy,” - said Ms. Lucia Wilde, British Ambassador to Turkmenistan. “Consolidating our COP legacy, the British Embassy will continue our excellent cooperation with key partners to support the Government of Turkmenistan in delivering on COP26 and COP27 commitments and maintaining a high level of ambition in the lead-up to COP28.”

“Climate change creates significant challenges for the humanity”- said Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident coordinator in Turkmenistan. “We need to take action now and support the Government in implementation of its NDCs and in raising ambitions to reduce CO2 emissions in the years to come through mitigation and adaptation policies that benefit all. In doing so, we also need to promote regional cooperation in Central Asia, as climate change recognizes no borders”.

During the meeting, the development partners provided updates on their current activities and planned projects to support Turkmenistan in achieving its climate goals.

The Coordination Meeting of the Climate Group of Development Partners is convened regularly and serves as a strong coordination mechanism for developing and providing valuable support to Turkmenistan’s efforts on climate action and building resilience.