On 1st of April, 2026, the Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA) of the UCA will host the sixth SIPA Regional Webinar. It will focus on the evolving landscape of climate action policies, public perceptions of energy transition, and the future of energy systems in Central Asia. As countries in the region work toward low-carbon development pathways, they face the challenge of balancing climate commitments with economic development, energy security, and public acceptance of transition policies.
The OECD will present findings from the Climate Actions and Policies Measurement Framework (CAPMF), a harmonised database tracking climate mitigation policies across countries. Drawing on the latest evidence for Central Asia and Mongolia, the presentation will highlight how climate action in the region has evolved over time, the key policy instruments supporting mitigation efforts, and how these trends compare with those in OECD countries. The discussion will also reflect on the implications for sustainable infrastructure development in Central Asia.
The webinar will also present findings from a nationwide survey on public perceptions of a just energy transition in Kazakhstan. The study explores how citizens understand climate change and transition policies, particularly in fossil-fuel-dependent communities. While awareness of climate change is relatively high, the findings reveal limited public understanding of transition policies and concerns related to job losses, limited economic alternatives, and insufficient local communication. At the same time, the survey highlights strong public support for renewable energy development and economic diversification.
Finally, the session will examine the future of Kyrgyzstan’s energy sector, focusing on the country’s reliance on hydropower, growing electricity demand, and structural supply shortages. The discussion will explore possible pathways for a green transition, including the expansion of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, while also addressing policy debates around planned coal-based power generation and the broader challenge of balancing energy security with decarbonisation commitments.
Together, these perspectives aim to provide a comprehensive discussion on how Central Asian countries can navigate the complex trade-offs between climate action, sustainable infrastructure development, and long-term energy security.
The webinar will be held on April 1st at 2:00 pm (Bishkek time).
Registration link in English language: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/9j1E32Xu2T
Registration link in Russian language: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/KU8tK2tTA
Target audience: policymakers, energy and environmental experts, researchers, civil society, private sector representatives, and international organizations from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia
