The SIPA session titled “Accelerating the Delivery of Sustainable Infrastructure for a Clean and Resilient Economy in Central Asia”, held on 22 April 2026 in Astana, became one of the key discussion platforms of the Regional Ecological Summit. Both speakers and participants found the session successful in facilitating meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the role of evidence-based policy and international partnerships, and positioning sustainable infrastructure as a central pillar of the region’s transition to a clean and resilient economy. It also strengthened the visibility of the University of Central Asia and IPPA as an active contributor to regional policy discussions and knowledge exchange.
The session convened high-level representatives from national governments, international organisations, and academia, ensuring a well-balanced exchange of perspectives. Among the key speakers were representatives of the OECD, the European Commission, and national authorities from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, alongside expert contributions from the IPPA.
Structured in a clear and engaging format, the session began with opening remarks and a comprehensive scene-setting presentation by the OECD, outlining progress, challenges, and priorities for sustainable infrastructure development in Central Asia. This was followed by two rounds of panel discussions and interactive engagement with the audience. The first round focused on national reform priorities and practical challenges in aligning decarbonisation with economic development, while the second round explored opportunities for regional cooperation, cross-sector integration, and inclusive approaches to infrastructure planning .
The discussion demonstrated strong engagement from both panellists and participants, with active contributions from the audience enriching the dialogue. Key themes that emerged included the importance of integrated policy frameworks, improved financing mechanisms, strengthened institutional capacity, and enhanced regional collaboration to accelerate the transition towards sustainable infrastructure.
