Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan – More than 70 delegates from Turkmenistan, the European Union (EU) and other countries of Central Asia gathered at the International Conference “Climate change – challenges and solutions for sustainable energy” today to share experiences in the implementation of sustainable energy policies in practice.
The Conference was held within the EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days 2024 (SEDs) campaign and was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, Turkmenbashi city administration, the EU through its project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated development of green cities in Ashgabat and Avaza”.
The event gathered energy experts, policy makers, researchers, representatives of civil society, international organisations, and international financial institutions. It provided an action-oriented forum to share experiences and best practices, including based on the lessons learned by EU Member States and Energy Community Contracting Parties
Addressing the participants of the Conference, Ms Enejan Kakaeva, representative of the Ministry of Energy, said: “Sustainable energy is one of the driving forces behind economic development, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and plays a huge role in mitigating climate change. Recognising the role of sustainable energy plays in today’s society is of paramount importance. To achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is necessary to ensure the rational use of natural resources, develop sustainable production and consumption patterns, and create sustainable energy infrastructure. Sustainable energy is the basis for ensuring social and economic well-being, ensuring a healthy lifestyle and raising living standards. The adoption of the new Law of Turkmenistan “On Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency” is a decisive step towards sustainable energy. In developing this law, the EU’s SECCA project together with the UNDP project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan” provided assistance to the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, in particular, technical support in studying international best practices in promoting energy saving and energy efficiency. The International Conference “Climate Change – Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Energy” will be a platform for sharing experience and discussing areas for further co-operation”.
H.E. Ms Beata Peksa, EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, reiterated the EU’s support and said: “Transition towards sustainable energy is not only desirable but imperative for combating challenges posed by climate change and supporting the well-being of current and future generations. Cooperation and dialogue are essential in this regard. The European Union welcomes the Turkmen Government’s multifaceted approach to advancing sustainable energy through policy reforms, improvements in energy efficiency, and fostering international partnerships. Let me take this opportunity and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to accelerating the just energy transition in Turkmenistan. Through collaborative efforts, Turkmenistan and the EU can work together to unlock the full potential of clean energy and drive positive socio-economic and environmental outcomes”.
The participants of the Conference reviewed the evolution of the EU climate change mitigation policies and practical application of EU best practices in Central Asia. They discussed the European and international experience in improving energy efficiency in buildings and industry, as well as integrated solutions for promoting renewable energy.
In addition to the Conference, a series of lectures were held for the students of higher educational institutions in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi, and the Environmental action for the schoolchildren along with the EU Award Ceremony “The Most Energy Efficient School” took place in Turkmenbashi, as part of the EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days.
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 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. Website: www.secca.eu.
UNDP project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated development of green cities in Ashgabat and Avaza”. The objective of the project is to significantly reduce the negative effects of urban growth in Turkmenistan and simultaneously achieve the goals of social and economic development. To this end, the project provides technical assistance, organizational and political support, the organization and development of programs, as well as the promotion of behavior change in combination with national priorities and specific needs formulated by the Government. The measures introduced in Ashgabat and Avaza have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and social benefits in themselves, as well as creating the basis for replication in other regions of Turkmenistan.
The Energy Community is an international organisation which brings together the European Union and its neighbours to create an integrated pan-European energy market. Its key objective is to extend the EU internal energy market rules and principles to countries in South East Europe, the Black Sea region and beyond on the basis of a legally binding framework. The Energy Community has nine Contracting Parties: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.
The EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader EU–Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.
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 Turkmenistan: Aygul.BASHIMOVA@eeas.europa.eu.
