On 10-11 July 2025, Ashgabat hosted a seminar of the regional project ‘Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risks and Climate Change in Central Asia’, organised by the United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with the Turkmen authorities and with financial support from Japan. This was reported by IIC.

The event brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives of government agencies, diplomatic missions, the scientific community and international organisations. The discussions focused on the development of comprehensive approaches to urban planning that take into account the climate risks and natural hazards characteristic of the region.

As noted by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Tomica Paovic, Turkmenistan, like other countries in Central Asia, is facing an increase in extreme weather events. The project will help Ashgabat become a model of sustainable development for the entire region.

During the workshop, experts presented methodologies for integrating climate adaptation into urban planning, including risk assessment tools and a roadmap for sustainable development of the capital of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to seismic safety, combating desertification and water resource management.

The project provides for the creation of an interdepartmental working group and the development of specific measures to improve the sustainability of urban infrastructure. The solutions obtained can subsequently be scaled up to other cities in Turkmenistan and Central Asia.