Astana Hosts Regional Environmental Summit 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The Regional Environmental Summit 2026 (RES) opens on 22 April in Astana under the slogan “Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future.”

The forum aims to develop coordinated regional policies and practical mechanisms for protecting, restoring, and rationally using ecosystems, water and land resources, as well as preserving biodiversity across Central Asia.

The summit is organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan with support from the United Nations and international partners. RES is positioned as the first large-scale forum designed to develop integrated solutions tailored to regional conditions and pressing environmental challenges.

Participants include heads of state from Central Asian countries, as well as leaders of Armenia, Georgia, and Mongolia, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, and heads of UN specialized agencies such as UNDP, FAO, UNECE, UNEP, WHO, WMO, UNESCO, and UNICEF.

Representatives of major international organizations, including the OSCE, OECD, SCO, and leading financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, are also taking part.

Official delegations from 15 countries, including Germany, Italy, China, Japan, and others, are expected to attend.

The summit serves as a key platform for bilateral and multilateral negotiations on environmental and economic cooperation.

The program begins with a plenary session involving heads of state and leaders of international organizations.

The agenda is structured around eight priority areas, including climate transition support, adaptation to natural risks, food security, sustainable natural resource management, pollution reduction, development of environmental goal implementation mechanisms, inclusive green transition, and strengthening environmental and digital competencies.

A total of 58 events are planned within the summit framework, including 17 high-level sessions, four Central Asia country meetings, and 37 thematic events in the form of roundtables, conferences, and seminars.

Special attention is given to water-related issues, including consultations on establishing an international water organization within the UN system involving relevant agencies and the scientific community.

Key outcomes of the summit will include the joint declaration of Central Asian heads of state titled “Environmental Solidarity of Central Asia,” as well as a Regional Action Program with UN agencies for 2026–2030. In total, 51 documents are expected to be signed, including memorandums, agreements, joint statements, regional initiatives, and investment projects.

An accompanying international exhibition, RES 2026 EXPO, showcases green technologies and features national pavilions from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan as an observer state. The exhibition runs from April 22 to 24 and brings together around 300 companies from 30 countries, with an expected attendance of approximately 20,000 visitors.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev stated at a press briefing that the summit reflects the region’s commitment to consolidating efforts in addressing environmental challenges.

He noted that environmental issues are now central at the global level and emphasized the importance of coordinated approaches in Central Asia to water management, pollution reduction, and climate adaptation. According to him, the summit will serve as an effective platform for dialogue, exchange of best practices, and launching joint initiatives for sustainable development.