Ashgabat, 10 September 2024 (TDI): Turkmenistan, with the support of the United Nations, is moving forward with plans to establish a regional climate technology center in its capital.
The initiative, which aims to address climate change challenges in Central Asia, comes ahead of the upcoming COP29 summit scheduled to be held in Baku this November.
UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, announced the development during a panel discussion titled “Economic Development of Turkmenistan and its Investment Potential” at the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024), currently underway in Ashgabat.
“The time for ambition is now, and this forum showcases what we can achieve together,” Shlapachenko stated.
“Climate change remains a key challenge for Central Asia, and no country can tackle this problem in isolation”, he said.
Shlapachenko added that this is why we appreciate the proactive efforts of the Turkmen government, which, in collaboration with the UN, is establishing a regional climate technology center in Ashgabat.
He further said that the center’s focus on climate mitigation technologies aligns closely with the region’s transition to green energy.
“It will serve as a springboard for cultivating eco-friendly energy banking initiatives, enhancing expertise in implementing top-notch climate change strategies, and disseminating this knowledge throughout the region,” Shlapachenko remarked.
Turkmenistan has pledged to fund the center during its initial phase, and details of the progress will be shared before COP29.
“We look forward to collaborating with Turkmenistan on these critical initiatives as we work towards a more inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable future for the country and the region,” he concluded.
Turkmenistan Investment Forum
The TIF 2024, being held from September 10 to 11, aims to attract investments into Turkmenistan’s economy.
Organized by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the forum features participation from leading global firms and organizations.
Key discussions at the forum include investment opportunities in the hydrocarbon sector, the TAPI pipeline project, gas chemistry, energy, construction, and transport.
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The program also includes thematic sessions with experts from UN specialized agencies, S&P Global Commodity Insights, and the World Trade Organization.
Concurrently, an exhibition highlighting Turkmenistan’s economic achievements is underway.