THE 6TH SIPA WEBINAR HELD IN CENTRAL ASIA

On April 1, 2026, the 6th SIPA Regional Webinar in Central Asia took place online via Zoom, gathering representatives of international organisations, the scientific community, and academic institutions.

The webinar was organised by the Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA) of the
University of Central Asia, one of the region’s leading research centres in public policy and sustainable development.

The discussions focused on key challenges faced by Central Asian countries in transitioning to low-carbon development pathways. Participants emphasised the need to balance climate commitments with economic growth and energy security.

Experts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development presented findings from the Climate Actions and Policies Measurement Framework (CAPMF), highlighting the evolution of climate policies in the region, key mitigation instruments, and comparisons with international practices.

The webinar also featured results from a nationwide survey on public perceptions of a just energy transition in Kazakhstan. While public awareness of climate change is relatively high, the findings indicate limited understanding of transition policies. Key concerns include employment risks, lack of economic alternatives, and insufficient communication at the local level. At the same time, strong public support for renewable energy development was observed.

In addition, the session addressed the future of Kyrgyzstan’s energy sector, including its reliance on hydropower, increasing electricity demand, and structural supply challenges. Experts discussed potential pathways for a green transition, including the expansion of solar and wind energy, as well as the need to balance energy security with decarbonisation commitments.

The webinar served as an important platform for knowledge exchange and contributed to strengthening international cooperation in climate policy and sustainable development across Central Asia.