Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Experts from the countries of Central Asia (CA) and the European Union (EU) attended the Regional Technical Workshop “ESCO – from theory to implementation practice”. This workshop was organised jointly by the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the EU’s SECCA project.

Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable energy by enhancing energy efficiency (EE) and integrating renewable energy (RE) solutions. ESCOs provide comprehensive energy solutions, including energy audits, project design, financing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. By guaranteeing energy savings and improving energy performance, ESCOs help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also provides significant economic benefits by lowering energy costs and fostering the adoption of innovative energy technologies. Through their expertise and financial models, ESCOs drive the transition towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

The participants reviewed and discussed the main elements of the ESCO&SuperESCO, including examples from different industries, and the experience and lessons learned of the EU Member States, Energy Community Contracting Parties, and CA countries in promoting the ESCO concept and practical implementation of projects. The workshop increased awareness of the wide range of stakeholders about the ESCO&SuperESCO models of financing EE.

The workshop was followed by a Roundtable on perspectives of ESCO in Uzbekistan, which took place on 27 June 2024.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The representatives of the government bodies, science and research institutions of Tajikistan, the European Union (EU) and international organisations gathered at the Regional Conference “Prospects for Renewable Energy Development in the Republic of Tajikistan”.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, National Academy of Science of Tajikistan, and Association of Renewable Energy of Tajikistan, in partnership with the EU, GIZ, UNDP, and USAID.

Tajikistan’s hydropower potential is three times higher than the current electricity consumption across the country, as reported by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources. In recent years, the country has been facing new challenges in the energy sector. The hydropower sector is particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change, which cause a rapid melting of glaciers – the main source of water for hydroelectric power plants. Therefore, the Government pays special attention to the widespread use of renewable energy (RE) sources as a resource for diversifying electricity generation.

During the presentations and discussions at the Conference, the delegates reviewed ongoing RE and green economy initiatives in Central Asia, the challenges faced by the region and the energy sector, as well as the prospects for deployment of RE projects, including their technical, economic and financial aspects. The development partners – the EU (through its SECCA project), GIZ, UNDP, and USAID – presented on their current support to Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries. The SECCA project moderated the Conference session on implementation of rooftop solar initiatives in Tajikistan and reported on its ongoing work in the area.

Temirtau, Kazakhstan – II Interregional Forum of Environmental Initiatives SAF AUA took place in Temirtau.

The goal of the event was to draw attention to the environmental problems of industrial regions and find ways to solve them. The Forum was organised by the Kazakhstan Association ECOJER with the support of the European Union (through its project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”), the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and local executive bodies.

“Clean air, healthy nature – these are not just words, these are the future of our children, and the basis for the well-being of Kazakhstan. That is why we are holding the SAF AUA Forum in Temirtau, in the region where environmental issues require special attention and comprehensive solutions. We believe that joint efforts of the state, business and the public, the involvement of advanced technologies and a responsible approach to industrial development can change the situation for the better. Let not only economic successes, but also the clean environment of the regions become an example for the whole country. This is exactly what we are striving for”, said Lazzat Ramazanova, Chairperson of the Board of the Kazakhstan Association ECOJER.

The representatives of QARMET JSC presented the development strategy for the coming years, taking into account the reduction of the impact on the environment. It was noted that in the context of the transition to carbon neutrality, coal degassing and coal chemistry are becoming strategically important areas for the development of the coal industry in Kazakhstan. Despite the decline in the consumption of coal as a fuel, its processing, including pyrolysis, gasification and hydrogenation, opens up opportunities for the production of a variety of organic and inorganic products. The development of coal chemistry in Kazakhstan will help create new jobs, open new markets and satisfy domestic demand.

In general, the Development Program of the Karaganda region today includes projects aimed at achieving environmental safety. Among them there are projects to introduce alternative energy sources, install containers for separate waste collection, create green areas by planting 1 million trees annually, and most importantly, the project of gasification of industrial enterprises in the region.

The implementation of the Automated Environmental Monitoring System was discussed separately. It was noted that in regions where the system is actively used, the level of air pollution has decreased by 15-20% over the past five years, the frequency of environmental accidents and emergencies has also decreased by 10-12% due to the prompt identification and elimination of potential threats.

The participants also noted that in Kazakhstan there is an urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the issue of waste processing. Today, more than 1,000 enterprises are facing the shortage of high-quality raw materials, resulting in underutilization of their production capacities. To fix the situation, it is planned to implement 94 investment projects in the field of waste management for a total amount of more than 230 billion KZT. In particular, 49 waste sorting complexes will be built, and 45 waste processing enterprises will be modernized, which will create more than 800 new jobs.

The forum discussed issues of energy transformation of industry, strategies for increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and the introduction of green technologies in construction.

“The relationship between energy and the environment is obvious. The sustainability of our planet largely depends on how harmonious this relationship is. Decoupling economic growth from the consumption of resources with a high carbon footprint is a strategic priority for both the European Union and Kazakhstan. In this regard, the creation of a fair carbon pricing system will allow Kazakhstan to more effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union fully supports Kazakhstan’s goals of bringing the European and Kazakh emissions trading systems closer together. We highly appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to constantly analyze the situation with the Carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) and, for our part, are ready to provide all the necessary information”, said Robert Brudzynski, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Based on the results of the Forum, a resolution will be prepared with specific proposals and recommendations that will be sent to government bodies, business structures and international organizations.

The Forum was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan, deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of international organizations and the scientific community, as well as environmental and social activists.

Temirtau, Kazakhstan – Mr Robert Brudzynski, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Republic of Kazakhstan awarded the winners and participants of the Students’ Debate on Sustainable Energy held at Karaganda Industrial University. At the Award Ceremony, organised as part of the Second EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days (SEDs), he announced the main prize – an online study course on climate, sustainable energy, and solutions for energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment for the students and faculty members of the Karaganda Industrial University delivered by the Florence School of Regulation (Italy), a European centre of excellence for innovative trainings on energy and climate.

The Ceremony took place during the Interregional Forum of Environmental Initiatives “SAF AUA” organised jointly by the ECOJER Association and the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” with the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, as well as Akimats of the Karaganda region and the town of Temirtau.

Addressing the Ceremony participants, Mr Brudzynski said: “The EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days in Temirtau aim to contribute positively to the region’s sustainable development. Cooperation and involvement of local communities is crucial in this regard. We appreciate the active participation of the Karaganda Industrial University, its professors and students. I hope that the new knowledge and skills that you have acquired during these days will empower you to drive innovation and shape the energy future for Kazakhstan”.

The SEDs campaign events at the Karaganda Industrial University took place on 3-4 June 2024 and involved more than 100 students and faculty members. They aimed to raise awareness among the youth about sustainable and just energy transition in response to challenges to the environment and climate caused by production and consumption of energy and greenhouse gas emissions. The students attended the lectures on energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions delivered by the European and Kazakhstani experts and, at the Students’ Debate, they argued on the best sustainable energy solutions for Temirtau.

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 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 and Media Relations Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Temirtau, Kazakhstan – Based on the European Union (EU) experience, the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” in close cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan work on a wider dissemination of building energy efficiency labelling in Kazakhstan, which has been implemented in the country since 2012, when the Law on Energy Saving was adopted.

At the Second Interregional Forum of Environmental Initiatives “SAF AUA” organised jointly by the ECOJER Association and the SECCA Project in Temirtau on 4 June 2024 within the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days, representatives of the EU and the Ministry of Industry and Construction presented the Energy Efficiency Labels to two schools – the Kosshy School Gymnasium and the Kazakh School Lyceum in the town of Qonayev. These two school buildings scored the highest on energy efficiency among other analysed 100 new public schools and received “A” and “B” ratings accordingly.

Mr Robert Brudzynski, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, said: “I am proud that with the EU support this European practice is now being implemented in Kazakhstan. In the EU, we call these labels energy performance certificates. I am pleased that the new public buildings in Kazakhstan, such as these two schools, are built with consideration of energy saving and energy efficiency standards. Healthy buildings, healthy people – let us always remember that. Energy efficiency labelling of buildings is one step closer towards reducing emissions, caring more for the nature and its resources, ensuring public health and well-being and, ultimately, achieving climate-neutrality goals”.

The building energy efficiency labelling promotes energy savings by visualising the amount of energy consumed by a building with the aim to reduce its operating costs and environmental impact. This also aligns with Kazakhstan’s energy policy priorities. In his 2023 State of the Nation Address, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised the urgent need to enhance the country’s energy security through conservation of natural resources, reduction of energy consumption and improvement of energy efficiency. At the next stage of work, the SECCA project and the Ministry of Industry and Construction will issue the energy efficiency labels to the rest of public schools, kindergartens, and healthcare facilities.

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 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 and Media Relations Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Astana, Kazakhstan – On June 1, the capital of Kazakhstan became the venue for a grandiose celebration of Europe Day. The EuroFest2024 was successfully held in Astana, bringing together thousands of residents and guests of the capital, students and children in an atmosphere of unity, diversity and friendship. European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski, ambassadors and diplomats of the European Union, as well as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nazira Nurbaeva welcomed EuroFest2024 guests on the big stage, the EU Delegation reports.

In his welcoming speech, European Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski noted: “EuroFest2024 is the opportunity to celebrate our shared interest and commitment to a strong and supportive EU-Kazakhstan relationship. It is a day of “Friendship, Culture, and Cooperation!”

EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kestutis Jankauskas: “Today, we celebrate Europe Month to honour the unity, peace, and shared values of the European Union. Enjoy the festivities, discover the beauty of the EU member states, explore EU-funded projects for Kazakhstan, experience the rich cultural diversity of Europe. I hope that EuroFest2024 symbolically happening at the “Lovers” park in the heart of Astana will make you fall in love with the European Union!”

The rich program of the festival offered visitors various interesting events. The stands of each EU member state presented delicious European delicacies and a variety of delights of European gastronomy. The guests of the festival learned more about the culture of different countries, travelled around Europe, visiting their stands and got memorable souvenirs. On this festive day, all participants and guests of EuroFest2024 contributed to the improvement of society by a good deed together: part of the collected funds from sales were donated to charity.

In addition, the guests of the event learned about significant initiatives and programs implemented in our region. There were also special stands that demonstrated various projects funded by the EU, emphasizing their positive impact on Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

As part of the exciting program of EuroFest2024, guests enjoyed live music and dance performances. Estonian and Romanian, as well as Polish dances, German songs, a master class in Spanish flamenco, French lessons, as well as various workshops and flash mobs created an unforgettable festive atmosphere. An open-air cinema, various activities and competitions were organized for children.

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.

Astana, Kazakhstan – High-level officials, policymakers and energy professionals from Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of the European Union (EU), the EU Member States, and international organisations gathered today at the Central Asian and European Hydrogen Diplomacy Forum.

With the global commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, green hydrogen as a sustainable carrier of green energy and molecules for decarbonization is gaining increasing interest in the Central Asian and Caucasus region, and in Europe. All regions are considering green hydrogen to address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and economic growth in the upcoming years and decades.

By 2030 the EU plans to produce 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen and to import 10 million tonnes annually. Kazakhstan, with its potential to produce cheap renewables from wind and solar, could become one of the importers to the EU.

Addressing the participants, Mr Kestutis Jankauskas, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, noted: “Energy generation from renewables is essential for the green hydrogen production. Kazakhstan should take quick and decisive action in development of the necessary normative base with orientation on and alignment with the EU market as the main prospective consumer of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen can become an important source for sustainable exports revenue and a driver of modernisation of the Kazakhstani economy. With the Memorandum of Understanding on Raw Materials, Batteries and Hydrogen signed between Kazakhstan and the EU in 2022, we have a strong basis for our cooperation”.

The Hydrogen Diplomacy Office Astana, serving as an international exchange platform between Kazakhstan and Germany on the topic of green hydrogen, organised this event in cooperation with the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”. Considering both exports and domestic use of green hydrogen, the event aimed at facilitating a common understanding of synergy potentials and challenges for regional cooperation and raising awareness about the significance and benefits of sustainable energy.

The Forum featured several high-level discussions on topics such as the development of policies on green hydrogen, production of the green hydrogen in Central Asia and Caucasus, decarbonisation and diversification of the economies in Central Asia.

The SECCA project moderated Session 2 of the Forum titled “Decarbonisation: support for the development of renewable energy and hydrogen in Central Asia”. This session was organised as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days. SECCA experts presented and shared the European experience on promoting small-scale renewable energy and guarantee of origin for electricity from RES.

Session 2 presentations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The Tashkent Botanical Garden hosted the European Union (EU) Festival to celebrate the Europe Day and 30 years of partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Thousands of guests participated in the festive event and its extensive programme of cultural and educational events in honour of the important cooperation milestone between the European Union and Uzbekistan, the EU Delegation reports.

The highlight of the Festival was a large exhibition showcasing 50 projects funded by the EU and its Member States in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. This unique platform featured initiatives in various fields, including trade, employment, human rights, education, skills development, sustainable development, agriculture, culture, and more.

“This year marks the celebration of 30 years of a mutually enriching partnership between the European Union and Uzbekistan. The EU Festival stands as a vibrant testimony to our unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable development, upholding democratic principles, and advancing economic prosperity throughout Uzbekistan. We are proud to be able to present a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at improving trade, education, human rights, sustainable development and cultural exchange. Our collaboration thrives on mutual respect and shared values, laying the foundation for even greater achievements in the future through our collective endeavours,” expressed Her Excellency Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, during the inauguration of the Festival.

The EU-funded SECCA project also took part in the event and was represented by Team Leader and Key Expert Paata Janelidze and communication experts Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic and Yerik Ilyassov. The project invited the students and teachers of School 242, which was recognised by the EU as the most energy efficient school of Tashkent last year. The SECCA experts held a quiz challenge “Energy Efficiency Champions” with participation of the schoolchildren and the guests of the event.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – The Joint Conference titled “The 30^th Anniversary of Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union: Working Together for a Better Future” took place on the occasion of the Europe Day, as well as to mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union (EU) celebrated in November 2023.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan.

The conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including high-level representatives from both sides, namely, H.E. Mr Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, H.E. Ms Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia and Ms Sarah Rinaldi, Head of Department Central Asia and Middle East, DG INTPA, European Commission. Additionally, Turkmen government officials, diplomats, and representatives of EU-funded regional and national projects participated in the event.

The Conference took stock of the achievements of cooperation, highlighted the transformative impact of collaborative projects and initiatives, and their lasting contributions to the economic and social development, fostered dialogue and exchange of experiences among stakeholders.

The EU-funded SECCA project was represented at the event by Team Leader and Key Expert Paata Janelidze and National Coordinator Atamuhamet Sariyev. At the Conference session devoted to showcasing successful partnership projects in the field of green economy, SECCA Team Leader spoke of the practical application of EU best practices in promoting sustainable energy in Central Asia, as well as the work carried out by the project in Turkmenistan.