Khatlon region, Tajikistan – Tajikistan has set to develop a sustainable energy sector focusing on scaling up renewables and improving energy efficiency to diversify electric power sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and ensure uninterrupted energy access for its citizens. The European Union is proud to support Tajikistan to achieve its ambitious goals. By 2030, the country wants to have 10 % of its electricity coming from renewable energy sources other than hydropower, including from solar and wind. By 2037Tajikistan plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a minimum.
Transition to sustainable energy will help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on the nature and health of the population, and ensure sustainable economic growth. At the same time, this transition is leading to an increased demand for skilled workers across various disciplines, ready to take up new green jobs.
Considering this, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan (EU) organised the second European Union – Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days (SEDs) in the Khatlon region on 28-29 May 2024. Following the first campaign in Dushanbe in 2023, this year’s event emphasised promoting sustainable energy and sustainable mobility awareness, while engaging local communities, and especially focusing on the youth in the region.
The campaign took place in two educational institutions: the Energy College of Jaloliddin Balkhi District and the Institute of Energy of Tajikistan in Kushoniyon. More than 150 stakeholders, among them students and faculty members of two institutions, energy policymakers and professionals from the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, representatives of the Khatlon region and Bokhtar city administrations, as well as the EU representatives and experts, took part in the event. The dynamic agenda included lectures, debates, awards, cycling action and the Vaksh riverside cleaning action.
Mrs Sharifa Khudobakhsh, Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, said: “Sustainable energy is our goal. The path ahead requires innovation, decisive action and collaboration. This annual event has become a significant milestone in our relationship with the European Union in the energy sector. I am proud to see our youth doing their bit to support Tajikistan’s energy transition. I would like to thank the participating institutions and the organisers for their dedication to our common cause”.
H.E. Mr Raimundas Karoblis, the EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, stated: “The European Union is proud to support this initiative in Tajikistan, which underscores the importance of international cooperation and engagement of local communities in tackling global challenges. Through this campaign, we continue to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and creating new opportunities to support the country’s socio-economic growth. I am confident that this European Union – Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days will contribute positively to the region’s sustainable development and inspire the younger generation to further enhance their knowledge and skills and take an active role in shaping a sustainable energy future for Tajikistan”.
The SEDs campaign actions in Tajikistan aimed to raise awareness about sustainable and just energy transition in response to challenges caused by climate change, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and contributing to achieving Nationally Determined Contributions. SEDs also pave the way for advancing Sustainable Development Goals.
Background:
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.
The European Union – Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader European Union – Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of national stakeholders and the public in the region of Central Asia on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy and the interlinkage between energy and climate change. It also represents a global edition of EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the largest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, initiated in 2007 by the European Commission. The campaign is organised yearly in the countries of Central Asia by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.
The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. To fulfil its mission, SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.
For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Tajikistan: Mahbuba.ABDULLOEVA@eeas.europa.eu.
