Astana, Kazakhstan – On 1 June 2025, at EuroFest 2025, the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project unveiled the photo exhibition titled “The European Union – Central Asia: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation”, as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days.

This photo exhibition celebrates the human faces of sustainable energy cooperation between the EU and the Central Asian countries. It highlights individuals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – policymakers, engineers, students, researchers, educators, and others – who are driving the energy transition, advancing sustainable development, and taking actions – big or small – toward a greener and more resilient tomorrow for their countries and for generations to come.

Each portrait tells a real-life story: a journey of dedication, aspiration and inner strength. Together, they demonstrate that cooperation between the EU and Central Asia is not just about policies or technologies – it’s about people.

The exhibition will also be displayed later this year in other capital cities across the region as part of the Sustainable Energy Days in each country.

Astana, Kazakhstan – EuroFest 2025, the European Union’s cultural festival promoting unity and peace, returned to Astana on 1 June 2025 in celebration of the Europe Day and the International Children’s Day. The event has become a vital platform for deepening the ties between the EU and Kazakhstan, fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

The SECCA project took part in the event with its dedicated booth as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days, joining the EU Member States and other EU-funded projects. The project experts engaged with the festival visitors, including children, through interactive activities aimed at raising awareness about sustainable energy.

One of the highlights was unveiling of the photo exhibition “The European Union – Central Asia: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation”. It showcased inspiring individuals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, who are driving transition toward sustainable energy system and a greener and more resilient tomorrow.

On the festival’s main stage, H.E. Aleška Simkić, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, awarded the winners of the regional media contest “Energy Transition for a Better Tomorrow”, organised by SECCA, thus highlighting the power of storytelling in promoting clean energy.

Moreover, the project conducted the educational game “Clean Energy to Power Up My Home”. The participants learned about the renewable energy projects operating in Kazakhstan, including solar, wind, hydropower, and biogas. They also explored the role of clean energy in combating climate change.

SECCA’s participation in the EuroFest 2025 demonstrated its continued dedication to raising awareness among the public about the interlinkage between energy, climate and sustainable development, and supporting clean and inclusive energy transition across Central Asia.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union (EU) announced the winners of the regional media Contest “Energy transition for a better tomorrow”, held among journalists from Central Asia. The Award Ceremony took place on 1 June 2025 during the EuroFest2025 in Astana and was part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days.

The contest drew significant interest from the journalistic community across the region. Total 128 journalists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan applied and submitted 206 entries. After a competitive evaluation process, 15 entries were shortlisted for the final round, and, as a result, the Jury selected three winners:

• First prize: Vladislav Ushakov, Kyrgyzstan, photojournalist at “Photo.kg”, photo report titled “Kyzyl-Beyit: from isolation to energy independence”
• Second prize: Amina Manayeva, Kazakhstan, correspondent at “Perviy kanal “Evraziya”, video report titled “Will solar and wind energy help us?”
• Third prize: Doniyor Tukhsinov, Uzbekistan, journalist at “Kun.kz”, online article titled “Green goals: How can Uzbekistan prepare its youth for a clean economy?”.

The winners were awarded cash prizes of EUR 3,000, EUR 2,000, and EUR 1,000, respectively, funded by the EU.

In addition, the Jury gave special recognition to other two journalists: Ayzada Amangeldiyeva, Uzbekistan, for an online interview on “Anchor.uz” titled “Karakalpak Princesses: would you marry a woman working in the energy sector?” and Ermek Aktanov, Kyrgyzstan, for a radio report on “Birinchi Radio” titled “A woman in energy”.

Addressing the contest winners and participants, H.E. Aleška Simkić, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, said: “Good journalism makes a real difference. Journalists tell important stories and help drive conversations on essential topics, such as this – energy transition for a cleaner and more sustainable future for everyone. On behalf of the European Union, I would like to sincerely thank all contestants and encourage them to continue their valuable work in raising awareness and inspiring action on climate, environment, energy, and other pressing issues. I congratulate our winners – your stories stood out for their impact, insight, and relevance and truly deserve this recognition. I am sure they inspired many readers and viewers to consider and make climate- and environmentally-friendly changes in their lives.”

The media contest covered a range of important topics, including sustainable energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, gender equality in the energy sector, STEM education for girls, green and sustainable building practices, EU–Central Asia cooperation on sustainable energy, and research collaboration under the Horizon Europe Programme’s “Climate, Energy, and Mobility” cluster. The contest and award were organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA) to boost public awareness on the transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the Planet.

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 – Kazakhstan 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 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. 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. It also focuses on raising the public’s awareness about energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE), and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, SECCA Communication strategist, email: media@secca.eu, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, SECCA Media relations expert, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Kokand, Uzbekistan – Kokand University hosted an Information Day on the Horizon Europe Programme, with the support of the European Union funded SECCA project. The event brought together around 50 participants, including faculty members, researchers, postgraduate students, and staff from international cooperation departments of several universities across the country, such as Andijan State Technical University, Fergana State Technical University, Tashkent State Technical University, and others.

Nargiza Dalmuradova, SECCA expert on programme’s Cluster 5 in Uzbekistan, led a key session on the opportunities provided by the programme, with a special focus on Cluster 5: ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’. This cluster allocates around EUR 15 billion to projects on climate-neutral technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility. Participants learned about the cluster’s priorities, including decarbonisation of energy systems, energy efficient buildings and sustainable transport, as well as examples of projects such as the development of next-generation solar panels and energy storage systems.

In the practical part, the participants, including young researchers and faculty members with experience in international project competitions, were immersed in a role-playing activity simulating the application submission for Cluster 5 calls. They practiced defining goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), planning activities, and forming consortia with international partners (universities, research institutes, and companies). Application templates and videos of successful projects were also shared. Ms. Dalmuradova demonstrated how to search for funding calls using the “Funding & Tenders Portal.”

The participants appreciated the interactive format and noted the relevance of Cluster 5 for the Central Asian region. ‘This session has opened the door for us to engage in international projects on renewable energy, which can significantly enhance the country’s scientific potential, especially in Fergana,’ shared J. Rakhmatillaev, a lecturer at Andijan State Technical University. Many expressed interest in developing applications on the topics of energy efficiency and green mobility, requesting further training on consortium building.

‘The information day strengthened our ambitions to participate in the Horizon Europe programme, especially in Cluster 5, where we see prospects for Uzbekistan,’ noted J. Kambarov, Vice-Rector of Kokand University.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The EU-funded “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” project co-organised a panel session titled “The Innovation Challenge: Making Climate Action Work for All” as part of the European Union – Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days.

The event took place during the Astana International Forum (AIF), in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s ECOJER Association. It fell under one of the three core topics of the Forum – “Energy and Climate Change”.

The session brought together a high-level panel of global leaders, experts, investors, international organisations, NGOs, and academia. Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, opened the session and welcomed the participants. Kyriacos Kakouris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, delivered the key-note speech. The experts, among them Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, Lord Francis Maude, Member of the House of Lords of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Laura Vecvagare, Regional Head of Industry for Infrastructure and Natural Resources of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) discussed the innovative pathways to achieving the Paris Agreement goals, accelerating green transition, and unlocking socio-economic opportunities through climate action. The session was moderated by Dr Joshua Lincoln, Senior Fellow, the Fletcher School of Global Affairs, Tufts University, a member of the New Carbon Economy Consortium.

The event was aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe Initiative, which aim to support smart, clean and secure energy transition in Central Asia. SECCA’s involvement underlines the EU’s commitment to regional cooperation on sustainable energy and climate change.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union (EU) supported a field trip, which gathered 30 senior students of School-Lyceum №59 of the Astana city at the wind power plant “Astana EXPO-2017”. This event, called “STEM4Her”, was part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days and primarily aimed at the senior schoolgirls. It increased their awareness about clean energy and inspired to pursue higher education and careers in the energy sector and STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

In Kazakhstan, women account for up to 32% of STEM graduates and only 25% of the energy sector workforce. Social perceptions and little awareness hinder young women from considering careers in these fields. To address this, the STEM4Her event introduced the schoolchildren to successful female leaders and professionals.

Aleška Simkić, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, welcomed the participants of the field trip: “In today’s world, which is based on science and technology, a good education in STEM has become a necessary condition for success not only in career but in almost all aspects of human activity. STEM is not just numbers or working in labs. It is the ability to solve real problems and change lives for the better, which can lead to an amazing career. Take a look at the renewable energy sector – it is developing very dynamically right now. Supporting girls and young women in this regard is especially important – when girls enter STEM, it helps to develop new, diverse ideas. In 2023, we awarded your school as “The Most Energy Efficient School of Astana”. This highlights your achievements, and I am confident that many more bright victories await you – keep striving for new heights and continue to delight us with your successes!”

Participants had the opportunity to meet and engage with leading experts, including Ainur Sospanova, Chairperson of the Qazaq Green Association; Ilze Purina, Energy Sector Governance Expert and Key Expert at the EU-funded SECCA project; and Konstantin Konyushkov, Head of the Wind Farm.

Through the visit to the wind farm and organised interactive sessions, the schoolchildren learned how the wind park operates and the electricity is generated, how clean energy can tackle climate change, solve environmental pollution, and bring sustainable development. The experts and the wind farm employees demonstrated how STEM-disciplines can be applied in the energy projects.

The field trip was organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” in cooperation with the Qazaq Green Association.

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 – Kazakhstan 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 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. 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. It also focuses on raising the public’s awareness about energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE), and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

“Astana EXPO-2017” Wind Farm is a 100MW wind power plant located in the Akmola Region, Kazakhstan. It supplies the annual energy consumption of over 10,000 families, saves over 79,000 thousand tons of conventional fuel per year, and has achieved the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of over 230,000 tons per year, which is equivalent to emissions from more than 113,000 cars.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, SECCA Communication strategist, email: media@secca.eu, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, SECCA Media relations expert, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Almaty, Kazakhstan – Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs) from the Central Asian countries and the European Union (EU) Member States gathered at Satbayev University in Almaty for a comprehensive professional development workshop aimed at building the capacity of recently appointed NCPs and strengthening collaboration at regional and international levels. The workshop was organised by the EU-funded SECCA project in cooperation with the Science Fund of Kazakhstan. The NCPs gathered at the event represented Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iceland, Italy, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It marked the very first capacity building activity tailored to the needs of Cluster 5 NCPs in Central Asia.

The workshop’s first session focused on best practices, emerging tools – including AI – and national experiences to improve NCP operations and outreach in the Central Asian region. Notably, Miriam de Angelis, Cluster 5 NCP from Italy’s Agency for the Promotion of European Research (APRE), and Kolbrun Bjargmundsdottir, Cluster 5 NCP from the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS), shared strategic tools to empower the newcomer NCPs and programme applicants navigating Horizon Europe opportunities. Ms Angelis, as a representative of GREENET, the network of Cluster 5 NCPs in the EU, also presented about its services and opportunities for engagement if offers for Cluster 5 NCPs from Central Asia. Dr Aliya Sembayeva, NCP Coordinator from Kazakhstan and Acting Chairperson of the Board of the Science Fund, shared insights into the operation of Kazakhstan’s NCP network, whereas SECCA Senior Expert on Horizon Europe Ms Natalia Shatirishvili provided a guide to Horizon Europe Dashboard and other useful analytical tools.

The workshop combined presentations and interactive sessions to build the practical skills and help NCPs from Central Asia get familiar with analytical tools that they will need in their day-to-day activities. By using the Horizon Europe dashboard, participants gathered the recent data on the participation landscape in their countries. They then shared these insights in their brief presentations by the participants.

The event then continued with the regional experience sharing session, where Cluster 5 NCPs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan presented their national experiences, challenges, and advancements in promoting Horizon Europe and supporting the applicants. These presentations fostered a mutual learning and spirit of collaboration across the region.

The workshop concluded with a roundtable discussion exploring future regional cooperation among NCPs. Participants left with renewed momentum and improved skills to enhance Horizon Europe engagement across Central Asia, supported by stronger networks, innovative tools, and a shared vision for collaboration within the region and with the EU. The event also helped to build working links between NCPs in Central Asia and their European peers.

Almaty, Kazakhstan – The Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Regional Info Day, held on 20 May 2025 in Almaty, marked a significant milestone in advancing research and innovation (R&I) collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Central Asian countries. Organised by the EU-funded SECCA project in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s Science Fund, the event brought together leading researchers and universities from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Info Day provided participants with in-depth, practical insights into navigating Horizon Europe. Through a mix of expert-led presentations, networking sessions, and targeted discussions, attendees learned how to effectively search project partners and leverage the expanding network of National Contact Points (NCPs). This practical support was designed to equip the Central Asian institutions to take full advantage of opportunities within Horizon Europe.

Distinguished speakers from both the EU and Central Asia enriched the event. Among them were:

• Kremena Mileva, International Relations Officer in Science, Technology and Innovation for Central Asia and Mongolia, the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission
• Dr Aliya Sembayeva,Acting Chairperson of the Board of the Science Fund of Kazakhstan and NCP Coordinator
• Miriam de Angelis, Horizon Europe Cluster 5 NCP representing Italy’s Agency for the Promotion of European Research (APRE), which coordinates the GREENET – the European network of Cluster 5 NCPs
• Daniele Gizzi, NCP for legal and financial aspects at APRE
• Kolbrun Bjargmundsdottir, Horizon Europe Cluster 5 NCP from the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS).

NCPs from Central Asia also played a key role sharing success stories and research priorities specific to the region.

The event concluded with a dynamic pitching session, where leading Kazakh universities and research institutes presented their project ideas, underscoring the region’s growing readiness to engage in high-level international R&I projects. The success of the Info Day not only highlighted the EU’s commitment to scientific excellence but also strengthened the foundation for long-term collaboration between Europe and Central Asia.

Background:

With a budget of EUR 95.5 billion, Horizon Europe represents the EU’s most ambitious R&I initiative to date. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, and Cluster 5 specifically targets the climate, energy and mobility fields.

The Regional Info Day built on the momentum initiated by earlier awareness-raising activities, including the workshop “Horizon Europe in Central Asia – Promoting Research Excellence and Collaboration for Sustainable Energy” held in Astana in May 2024. At that time, awareness of Horizon Europe in the region was limited, and only Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan had designated National Contact Points (NCPs) – with none specific to Cluster 5.

In under a year, however, notable progress has been made. With continued support from SECCA, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have established their own NCP networks, and new Cluster 5 NCPs have been nominated in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. These developments reflect a growing commitment across the region to strengthen ties with the EU in the R&I sector.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted an international conference “Possibilities of Turkmenistan’s participation in the Horizon Europe Programme, prospects and potential for the development of international cooperation”. The event was attended by representatives of universities, government agencies and the European Union (EU) to deepen cooperation with the EU in the field of research and innovation.

Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship EUR 95.5 billion initiative to support research and innovation. During the conference, Kremena Mileva, International Relations Officer of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and International Cooperation at the European Commission, spoke about the opportunities for enhancing research and innovation cooperation with Central Asian countries. Gulnabat Gurdova, Horizon Europe National Contact Point in Turkmenistan, representing the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, shared about the current development of international cooperation within the programme. SECCA project experts Ilze Purina and Natalia Shatirishvili presented practical information on participation support, rules, network of national contact points, as well as recommendations on how to find partners in the EU countries to participate in joint projects, in particular under Cluster 5: “Climate, Energy and Mobility”.

The event was organised by the EU-funded SECCA project with the support of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The conference was the third event in Turkmenistan fully dedicated to the Horizon Europe programme.

At the end of the conference, the participants took part in a roundtable discussion where further steps to increase Turkmenistan’s participation were outlined. The conference was an important step towards the integration of Turkmenistan into the European research community.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – The Horizon Europe National Contact Point for Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, and Mobility) Mr Khanchoro Murzaliev successfully hosted an Info Day on the opportunities and priorities within the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme.

The event took place at the National Historical Museum in Bishkek and brought together representatives of the academic and research community in Kyrgyzstan. Participants included representatives from seven leading universities, among them Kyrgyz National University and Bishkek Humanitarian University.

The Info Day focused on:

• Raising awareness of Horizon Europe’s Cluster 5 themes
• Encouraging cross-border collaboration in green innovation and sustainable development
• Presenting upcoming calls for proposals and practical steps for participation.

Mr Murzaliev emphasised the strategic importance of aligning national research potential with the EU priorities, especially, in climate action and clean energy.

“This event is an important step in integrating Kyrgyz institutions into the European Research Area. We aim to build strong international partnerships and increase our participation in competitive EU funding programmes,” noted Mr Murzaliev.

The event also served as a platform for networking and matchmaking between researchers and institutions seeking to join international consortia.