Participation of Staff of the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre in the Regional Ecological Summit

(April 22–24, 2026, Astana)

 

The Regional Ecological Summit 2026 was held in Astana on April 22–24.

 

 

The Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES 2026) was initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023. At the Astana International Forum in May 2025, it was announced that the Summit’s agenda would be expanded from climate to broader ecological issues.

The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre, Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO (CARGC), was represented by the following staff members:

1. Takir Ospanovich Balykbayev – Director;
2. Vasily Petrovich Kapitsa – Head of the High-Mountain Geocryology Laboratory;
3. Alexandr Borisovich Yegorov – Head of the International Relations Department;
4. Daulet Kurmangazyevich Kissebayev – Researcher, Laboratory for Monitoring the Dynamics of Snow and Glacier Resources.

 

Within the framework of the Regional Ecological Summit, CARGC staff participated in the following events:

1. April 22, 2026, 14:00–15:45, Congress Center, “Astana” Plenary Hall

Opening of the Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACCC-2026): “NDC 3.0: From Commitments to Action”

Organizers: Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), NDC Partnership (NDCP), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), World Bank, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)

The session set the overall political and strategic tone of CACCC-2026 and focused on the implementation of updated NDCs of Central Asian countries. Heads of профильных государственных органов and international organizations discussed key climate policy priorities, financing needs, and opportunities to strengthen the implementation of NDC 3.0.

 

2. April 23, 2026, 09:00–10:45, Congress Center, “Burabay” Hall

Thematic Session: “Cryosphere of Central Asia: From Scientific Assessment to Joint Climate Adaptation Actions”

 

   

                   

 

Organizers: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Objective: To present the Joint Subregional Programme of Action (JSPA) on the cryosphere. The session aimed to align a unified approach to glacier monitoring and introduce innovative tools for assessing climate risks.

Director of CARGC, Takir Ospanovich Balykbayev, participated in the panel discussion: “Joint Subregional Programme of Action – a response of Central Asian countries to the challenges posed by climate change impacts on the cryosphere and water resources.”

Outcomes:

– Policy decision: presentation of a Joint Statement by heads of environmental authorities of Central Asian countries in support of the JSPA on the cryosphere;

– Coordination mechanism: establishment of a foundation for joint monitoring and advancement of adaptation measures at the regional level.

 

3. April 23, 2026, 09:00–11:30, EXPO International Exhibition Center, Conference Hall No. 3–4

Workshop: “Swiss Environmental Solutions for Central Asia”

Organizers: Embassy of Switzerland in Kazakhstan, Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources under the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Team Switzerland Infrastructure

 

Objective: To provide an expert overview of key environmental priorities and policies in Central Asia, as well as to establish a platform for showcasing innovative technologies and practical solutions offered by leading Swiss companies in water supply, clean technologies, and waste management.

 

4. April 23, 2026, 11:15–13:00, Caspian Hall

High-Level Session: “Mobilizing Global and Regional Efforts to Protect Glaciers and the Cryosphere (Republic of Tajikistan)”

Organizers: Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Asian Development Bank (ADB)

 

 

The event was held in the context of the implementation of:

– the United Nations General Assembly Resolution proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation;

– the proclamation of 2025–2034 as the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences;

– the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution “On the Protection of Glaciers and the Cryosphere, Particularly in Mountain Regions.”

 

5. April 23, 2026, 11:15–13:00, Hilton Astana, “Aral” Hall

Thematic Session: “Early Warning System in Central Asia: From Regional Cooperation to a Sustainable Future”

Organizers: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazhydromet, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

The main objective of the panel session was to establish a foundation for a sustainable and integrated regional early warning system for hydrometeorological and climate risks in Central Asia.

During the session, discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, hydrometeorological data exchange, and the implementation of modern forecasting technologies. A Joint Statement under the “Early Warnings for All” initiative was also adopted, along with the presentation of best regional practices from Asian countries.

 

6. April 24, 2026, 09:00–10:45, Hilton Astana, “Aral” Hall

Thematic Session: The Role of the Academic and Scientific Community in Shaping Regional Climate Solutions

  

Organizer: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The objective of this session, held within the framework of the Regional Ecological Summit, was to facilitate a broad strategic discussion on the role of the academic community in supporting environmental and water sustainability in Central Asia, as well as in shaping climate and environmental solutions through the development of innovation and institutional cooperation platforms.

 

7. April 24, 2026, 11:00–12:00, Congress Center, Hall

Working Meeting between representatives of the University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre, Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO (CARGC)

Participants:

UCA: Rector – Christopher Gerry; Researcher – Denis Samin; Director of Public Relations – Adylbek Ismailov; Head of Strategic Projects and Initiatives, Graduate School of Development – Saule Chalbasova.

CARGC: Director – Takir Ospanovich Balykbayev; Head of the High-Mountain Geocryology Laboratory – Vasily Petrovich Kapitsa; Head of the International Relations Department – Alexander Borisovich Yegorov; Researcher, Laboratory for Monitoring the Dynamics of Snow and Glacier Resources – Daulet Kurmangazyevich Kissebayev.

 

           

During the meeting, opportunities for cooperation were discussed, including participation in joint research projects, field studies, summer schools, training sessions, and seminars. A preliminary agreement was reached on the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding.

 

8. April 24, 2026, 12:00–12:20, Congress Center, Hall

Meeting between the Director of the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre, Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO, T.O. Balykbayev, and the Director General of RSE “Kazhydromet”, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the WMO, D.K. Alimbayeva.

 

The meeting focused on discussing prospects for strengthening cooperation between the organizations.

 

 

9. April 24, 2026, 12:30–13:00, Congress Center, “Shanyrak” Hall

Signing of a Memorandum on Joint Research and Innovation Activities

On the sidelines of the Regional Ecological Summit, a Memorandum was signed between the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre (Category 2) under the auspices of UNESCO (CARGC), Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Research Hydrometeorological Institute (NIGMI), Republic of Uzbekistan.

The main objective of the Memorandum is to establish a long-term partnership for conducting joint fundamental and applied research in the field of glaciology, cryosphere monitoring, and the assessment of climate change impacts on water resources in Central Asia.

 

10. April 24, 2026, 14:00–17:00, Congress Center, “Burabay” Hall

Seminar: “Cryosphere and Economy: Water Resources, Agriculture, and Emergencies”

Organizer: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

          The objective of the seminar was to raise awareness among decision-makers of the interlinkages between cryosphere changes, water resources, agriculture, and economic development. The seminar aimed to strengthen the science–policy interface and promote integrated solutions that ensure a balance between economic growth, water security, and sustainable development.

 

Results:

– Increased awareness among decision-makers of the importance of cryosphere changes for economic systems;

– Development of policy recommendations for integrating cryosphere-related considerations into national and regional development strategies;

– Identification of priority areas for regional cooperation, capacity building, and investment.