First Meeting of the Regional Network under the EU–UNEP Project

On 18–19 December 2025, as part of the EU–UNEP project, the first meeting of the regional network in Central Asia was held in the city of Fergana. The aim is to promote exchange of experience, mutual learning, and joint planning in the project’s priority areas. It also seeks to develop a shared vision for a community of practitioners and to lay the foundation for its future work, drawing on the knowledge, expectations, and commitments of the project’s grant recipient organizations. The event brought together local authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen accountability and commitment, while fostering open dialogue.

The meeting brought together representatives of government bodies, environmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, the expert community, and EU–UNEP project grantees from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

The event opened with remarks from representatives of the Fergana Provincial Administration and relevant agencies, who emphasized their commitment to supporting climate adaptation as a pathway to socio-economic stability. Sherzod Muminov, Deputy Director of SIC ICWC and Project Manager, highlighted the particular importance of regional cooperation as part of the project. B. Gojenko and A. Dolidudko also participated on behalf of SIC ICWC.

Project grantees presented and discussed preliminary results from sessions with local communities, including identified climate risks and proposed sub-projects. In addition to key areas of activity, participants identified training priorities and thematic interests for each grantee organization.

At the conclusion, participants underscored the high relevance of the proposed sub-projects and their contribution to enhancing climate resilience, reducing conflict potential, and strengthening socio-economic stability in the region. The official program was followed by a welcome reception, providing an opportunity for informal exchange and further strengthening of partnership ties.