Oriented on making people closer

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) published on 2 May a detailed report on the consultation that took place in Ashgabat on April 17, 2025. The event brought together various representatives from all regions of Turkmenistan to discuss important issues: how to accelerate the country's access to financing for climate change projects and how to more actively involve private businesses in this.

The consultation was organized within the framework of a special project of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Programme, which is implemented by FAO. The main objective of the project is to help Turkmenistan become better prepared to attract investments to combat climate change and build resilience to its consequences. Particular attention is paid to such important sectors as agriculture, forestry and land use, which are vulnerable to problems such as land degradation, soil salinization and water scarcity. The consultation was held in a mixed (in-person and online) format, which allowed a large number of interested parties to participate.

Identifying priority technologies and engaging the private sector

During the event, participants focused on two key areas.

Firstly, they identified the most appropriate climate-resilient technologies for Turkmenistan’s conditions, especially in agriculture, forestry and land management. Through presentations and group work, specific technology solutions were identified. They discussed how these technologies fit into the country’s national objectives and what investment strategies are needed to successfully implement them. In simple terms, they discussed which technologies will help the country better cope with climate change and how to implement them.

Secondly, much attention was paid to the issues of involving the private sector in climate projects and mobilizing financing. The current situation with the legal framework for private investment in this area was analyzed. Participants identified existing barriers and began to develop a "road map" - an action plan for expanding the participation of private business and improving its access to climate financing mechanisms, including GCF funds. Tools for tracking climate finance flows and identifying business opportunities in "green" sectors were also discussed.

Important step forward

“This is an important step forward in opening up access to climate finance for Turkmenistan,” Evetta Zenina, FAO natural resources officer said, commenting on the results of the consultation.

She stressed that bringing together government and private sector represenattives to identify key technologies and investment priorities lays the foundation for inclusive and sustainable action to combat climate change. “The spirit of cooperation demonstrated here illustrates the country’s commitment to innovation and building resilience in the face of climate challenges,” she added.

Specific results of the consultation

The discussions yielded very specific results:

On technologies: Priority list of technologies, criteria for their selection, draft investment structure, assessment of funding needs and recommendations for the inclusion of these technologies in national policy. On the private sector and finance: Assessing the legal and regulatory framework, recommending necessary reforms and incentives for business, and identifying mechanisms to strengthen partnerships between the government, development organizations, and private investors.

These results provide a solid basis for further expansion of cooperation and improvement of Turkmenistan’s access to climate finance. They will also help in implementing strategic measures to increase resilience to climate change and reduce its negative impacts in the country. Participants particularly noted the value of such a joint format, which allowed to take into account all points of view necessary for developing effective strategies.

The organizers of the consultation emphasized that this event was an important moment in strengthening interaction between all participants in the process aimed at improving access to “green” finance in Turkmenistan and supporting actions to create a more climate-resilient future.

ORIENT

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