First CICA Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues Held in Astana
The recent CICA Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues, which took place on Aug. 28, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan, was a significant milestone in strengthening regional cooperation. Ministers and senior officials from across the Asian region came together to address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, the development of a green and sustainable economy, access to clean water, and other shared concerns.
During the conference, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, highlighted the importance of regional solidarity in tackling environmental issues. He proposed the establishment of the CICA Environmental Council to enhance environmental cooperation, shape policies, and mobilize funding. This initiative, originally suggested by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan during the sixth CICA summit in 2022, signifies significant progress in CICA’s environmental dimension.
CICA Secretary General and Ambassador Kairat Sarybay stressed the need for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building among member states, particularly in renewable energy, water management, and climate adaptation. The conference emphasized the urgency of addressing common environmental challenges through a unified and coordinated approach.
Member states pledged to engage in joint action in key areas such as climate adaptation and finance, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and the transition to clean energy. The conference provided a platform for countries to exchange perspectives and reaffirm their commitment to cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
Various countries presented their priorities and proposed initiatives, including building trust among member states, enhancing ecosystem valuation, promoting green development, combating pollution, and developing disaster management systems. The conference highlighted the need for collaboration to address the environmental vulnerabilities facing Asia, including climate-related risks, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters.
The commitments made at the CICA Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues set a strong foundation for regional action and cooperation. By working together and leveraging their strengths, Asian countries can effectively address environmental challenges and work towards a safer and more sustainable future for the region.
