GEF-UNDP-UNESCO Cryosphere Project advances regional cooperation during GEF Assembly in Samarkand

On 3 June 2026, the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO Cryosphere Project organized the side event “From Joint Analysis of Key Cryosphere Challenges in Central Asia to the Joint Subregional Action Programme on the Cryosphere for 2027-2035” during the ECO EXPO, held alongside the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The event was organized by the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty in cooperation with the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, and the National Hydrometeorological Institute of UzHydromet. Representatives of the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub also participated as representatives of the GEF Implementing Agency for the project.

The event presented the Joint Subregional Action Programme (JSAP) on the Cryosphere for 2027-2035 and provided a platform to discuss regional cooperation on cryosphere monitoring and climate change adaptation in Central Asia. Participants exchanged views on the next steps towards implementing the Programme and continuing cooperation through the regional GEF-UNDP-UNESCO Cryosphere Project.

The discussion was particularly timely as Central Asian countries also highlighted the region’s vulnerability to climate change and the importance of stronger cooperation on glaciers, mountain ecosystems and water security during the Assembly. These statements reaffirmed the relevance of the Joint Subregional Action Programme and the national action plans being developed in participating countries. In particular, Kyrgyzstan proposed establishing a dedicated “mountain window” within the GEF to improve mountain countries’ access to financing, technologies and sustainable development solutions. Kazakhstan highlighted glacier melt and water scarcity among the region’s shared environmental challenges, while Tajikistan emphasized glacier protection, mountain ecosystems and climate finance as priorities for the GEF-9 cycle.

The side event was built on the Joint Statement issued by Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the Regional Environmental Summit 2026 in Astana on 23 April, which expressed support for the implementation of the Joint Subregional Action Programme. Bringing this commitment to the GEF Assembly helped connect regional priorities with international financing and programme discussions.

As the GEF Assembly brings together governments and partners to shape future environmental cooperation and investment, the side event and related bilateral meetings created an important opportunity to advance support for cryosphere monitoring, climate adaptation and transboundary resilience in Central Asia.