The CICA Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues, held 28 August 2024 in Astana, concluded successfully, marking a pivotal moment in pan-Asian environmental cooperation. Proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the Sixth CICA Summit, the Conference brought together high-level officials from CICA Member States to address critical environmental challenges and concluded with the adoption of a high-level statement.
The event was inaugurated with welcoming remarks by the Chair Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan. Minister Nyssanbayev noted that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to cooperation on the CICA platform and called for continuing the discussion on the institutionalization of the cooperation between Member States in the environmental theme by establishing the CICA Environmental Council, as proposed by the President Tokayev at the Sixth CICA Summit.
CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay highlighted that this conference marks a crucial milestone in addressing the urgent environmental issues confronting the continent. He noted that, despite the diverse ecosystems, climates, and cultures of the 28 CICA Member States, common environmental challenges require a unified and coordinated response.
Conference delegates held extensive discussions on several pressing issues, including pollution, climate change, green and sustainable economy, biodiversity and clean water. In particular, delegates discussed various types of pollution affecting communities, with particular emphasis on pollution control.
Regarding climate change, delegates highlighted the urgent need for action as its impact has become increasingly severe. The discussions centered on aligning with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. This alignment is essential for achieving climate action goals, which are integral to all other UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On the topic of a green and sustainable economy, delegates stressed the importance of transitioning to environmentally friendly economic practices. They discussed the need for countries to adopt measures that foster environmental culture and awareness, which are crucial for creating sustainable systems.
In the area of biodiversity, delegates explored effective measures to overcome challenges faced by protected areas and considered innovative approaches to strengthening regional cooperation in biodiversity management.
In addressing clean water issues, delegates underscored the need for improved water management, climate resilience in the water sector, and the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. The discussions aimed at enhancing sustainable water management practices among CICA Member States through the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
In their statements the officials underlined the visionary leadership of President Tokayev to initiate such a high-level gathering on environmental issues in CICA region and recognized CICA as a unique platform for cooperation in environmental dimension and to share knowledge, experience as well as best practices for sustainable future of the region.
The diversity of environmental challenges across CICA region underscores the need for dialogue and collaboration among the Member States. To that end, the institutionalization of the cooperation between CICA countries in the environmental theme by establishing the CICA Environmental Council, as it was proposed by the President Tokayev at the Sixth CICA Summit, could promote interaction among CICA Member States on pressing environmental issues.
The Ministerial Conference adopted by consensus a high-level statement that reflects 28 CICA Member States’ dedication to advancing collaboration, sharing best practices and addressing critical issues. The CICA Member States decided to strengthen water management through capacity building and technology exchange, tackle climate change in alignment with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement and improve quality of life by focusing on climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and pollution control. These commitments reaffirm the shared responsibility of the CICA Member States and their dedication to a sustainable future for the region. The Conference concluded with a unified commitment to enhancing regional cooperation on environmental challenges.
