Experts improved their skills in the area of transparency of climate change actions and preparation for the submission of the first biennial transparency reports. Representatives of relevant ministries from Central Asian countries also received new tools and knowledge necessary for effective reporting.

“As preparations for COP29 in Baku are underway, the need to advance climate finance issues is very important, as developed countries need to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Transparency, accountability, and innovation in financing mechanisms are paramount for the equitable distribution of resources. Today's event is significant to support Kyrgyzstan in implementing its national climate change policy,” said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.

In light of the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022, which culminated in the declaration of 2023–2027 as Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions, Kyrgyzstan has been at the forefront of integrating the mountain agenda with climate action. As the impacts of climate change intensify in mountainous regions, it is imperative to align reporting tools with the unique challenges faced by these areas. The adoption of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) reporting tools for Central Asia not only strengthens climate action transparency but also contributes to the sustainable development of mountain regions. By enhancing transparency and accountability in climate reporting, countries like Kyrgyzstan can better monitor and address the specific vulnerabilities and adaptation needs of mountain communities, thus advancing the objectives of the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions.

Participants from all five Central Asian countries not only received practical training directly from representatives of the UNFCCC Secretariat but also strengthened a network of local climate partners, including those involved in climate finance in Central Asia, to guide cross-country collaboration and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

“Azerbaijan, as the incoming COP29 Presidency, encourages all the Parties to prepare and submit their first BTRs ahead of COP29. In this regard, we are planning to organize a series of training workshops in collaboration with UNFCCC and other UN agencies and partners throughout the year,” said Sarkhan Ismayilov, Senior Negotiator for the COP29 Presidency from Azerbaijan. 

The workshop was also an important part of the preparations for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions on climate finance and new collective goals on this pressing issue will continue.

“2024 is an important milestone as countries will be required to submit their first biennial country transparency reports as a key step in further progress towards the Enhanced Transparency Framework. “I am confident that this event will also be organized as a key part of the preparations for the upcoming party conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions on transparency and the climate situation will continue,” said Melis Turgunbaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

Kyrgyzstan and Central Asian countries are facing severe impacts of climate change, including higher average temperatures, reduced precipitation, more frequent and severe droughts, and an increased risk of natural disasters. In the face of these factors, the countries must continuously strive to strengthen their adaptive capacity, especially in vulnerable regions and among vulnerable communities. As a member of the Vulnerable Countries Forum, Kyrgyzstan emphasizes the need for international cooperation to address climate change issues.

The success of climate and green initiatives will depend not only on the efforts of the state and international partners but also on the positions of businesses and ordinary citizens. In this context, transparency in decision-making, policies, business practices, and an expanded transparency framework that includes a system for monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions and the effectiveness of climate finance is critical.

In accordance with Article 13.5 of the Paris Agreement, the purpose of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) is to provide a clear understanding of climate action, including clarity and tracking of parties' progress towards achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adaptation actions.

For developing countries, the RRP is a key tool for communicating and attracting a country's climate finance needs.

The workshop platform provided opportunities for global and regional cooperation, providing access to the knowledge, experience, and resources needed to implement national climate action in Central Asia.

Contacts for the media:

Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, Communications Officer at +996775755776