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The final seminar in the series on «Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Context of Climate Change» was held in Balkanabat on the first day of winter, 2025. This series is part of the project implemented by the «Tebigy Kuwwat» enterprise of the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan (NPST) Public Association, funded by the European Union (EU). Prior seminars had been successfully conducted in Mary, Turkmenabat, and Dashoguz since October of this year.

Twenty representatives from various organizations gathered in the stylish hall of the Self-Development Centre in Balkanabat, owned by entrepreneur Akmaral Hudayberdiyeva and managed by Liana Barsigyan: the Balkan velayat branch of the NPST Public Association, the Balkan velayat branch of the «Central Physical Culture and Sports Club for the Disabled of Turkmenistan», the company «Eni Turkmenistan Limited», volunteers from the Balkan velayat branch of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST), and local entrepreneurs.

The seminar followed the same format as in previous regional centers, featuring the same speakers and presentations. Berkeli Atayev, Director of the PAE «Tebigy Kuwwat» and representative of the Aarhus Centre of Turkmenistan, presented on «Turkmenistan in the Era of Global Warming». Meylis Rejepov, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Specialist at «Tebigy Kuwwat», presented on «Anthropogenic Impact on Climate Change and the Transformation of the RES Sector». Zahira Ongarbayevna Begaliyeva, Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Director of the «ITeachMe» Competence Development Center, joined via video link to present «Enhancing the Role of Society Amidst Climate Change». Finally, Ayna Atayeva, Project Manager at «Tebigy Kuwwat», presented on «The Role of Civil Society and Youth Participation in Combating Climate Change».

Each region of the country possesses unique characteristics and vulnerabilities to climate change. Given that the Balkan velayat holds vast reserves of hydrocarbon resources, the exploitation of which leads to significant emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly methane GHGs, the seminar was highly animated. Discussions focused on potential measures for both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

A particularly interesting contribution came from Ovlyaguly Kurbanov, Director of the NPST’s Balkan branch, who shared his experience in utilizing drainage and sewage water for watering seedlings in nurseries, addressing the local scarcity of irrigation water. This approach is aimed at the rational use of wastewater, thereby reducing the environmental load and consequently minimizing odor diffusion from sewage.

Volunteers from the NRCST, some of whom also volunteer for the Public Association «Mert», discussed their involvement in tree-planting campaigns in remote natural areas. Despite the deficit of irrigation water, the volunteers find solutions for watering the planted trees, motivated by their dedication to results. One such solution involves reservoirs, constructed by the PA «Mert», for accumulating rainwater and/or low-yield water sources. Naturally, all presentations were of interest to the participants; specifically, Z. Begaliyeva’s presentation was highly relevant for the volunteers, as the core of the NRCST volunteer movement involves providing first aid and the correct evacuation of casualties, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), during emergency situations—and climate change is often the underlying cause of natural disasters and technological accidents.The seminar in Balkanabat was highly informative and well-received by the audience. The speakers provided their presentations and contact information to the participants to maintain future follow-up communication.

With this, the series of seminars in the regional centers on civil society participation in the context of climate change is complete. The «Tebigy Kuwwat» Public Association Enterprise will now proceed with conducting four identical seminars in Ashgabat.

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Berkeli Atayev.

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On November 28, 2025, the «Tebigy Kuwwat» enterprise of the «Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan» Public Association conducted a one-day seminar titled «Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Context of Climate Change» in the country’s northern regional center, Dashoguz city. This seminar is the third in a series planned for all regions (velayats) and is part of the eponymous project by the «Tebigy Kuwwat» Public Association Enterprise, which is funded by the European Union (EU). Prior awareness-raising seminars for civil society on climate challenges were previously held in the cities of Mary and Turkmenabat.

The seminar took place in the cozy office of «Ekodurmush», a partner Public Association in Dashoguz.Seventeen individuals attended the seminar, representing the Kaplankyr State Nature Reserve, the Dashoguz velayat branch of the Public Association «Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan», the Public Association «Ekodurmush», and the Dashoguz velayat branch of the «Central Physical Culture and Sports Club for the Disabled of Turkmenistan».

The seminar was traditionally moderated by Berkeli Atayev, Director of the «Tebigy Kuwwat» Public Association Enterprise and representative of the Aarhus Centre of Turkmenistan. He welcomed all participants, reviewed the day’s agenda, and delivered the first presentation, «Turkmenistan in the Era of Global Warming». He covered national and international acts on climate change, the assessment of natural and economic damage from climate change, how climate change affects vulnerable population groups, and potential cooperation within local and regional climate initiatives.

The second speaker, Meylis Rejepov, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Specialist at the «Tebigy Kuwwat» Public Association Enterprise, presented on «Anthropogenic Impact on Climate Change and the Transformation of the RES Sector». In his report, M. Rejepov particularly emphasized how humans can contribute both negatively and positively to the process of global warming, and the urgent necessity of transitioning to RES, especially given all the prerequisites present in Turkmenistan for this shift.

During the coffee and tea break, seminar participants were shown a short video clip titled, «How to Stop Global Warming».

The seminar content was meticulously developed to encompass the climate change response of all segments of the population, and a conscious decision was made to integrate an inclusion component. This involved a direct video conference connection with Zahira Ongarbayevna Begaliyeva, Director of the «IteachMe» Competence Development Center and Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Ms. Z. Begaliyeva’s presentation, «Enhancing the Role of Society Amidst Climate Change», addressed the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the factors by which climate change impacts PWDs, and the need to integrate PWD needs into climate strategies. The speaker provided examples of legislation, responses, and reaction mechanisms for PWDs to natural and man-made challenges in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as instances of international best practice. The presentation was particularly engaging for the PWDs attending the seminar, who actively debated the issues, posed questions, and received comprehensive answers.

The concluding presentation was delivered by Ayna Atayeva, Project Manager for the «Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Context of Climate Change» project. Her presentation, titled «The Role of Civil Society and Youth Participation in Combating Climate Change», addressed the core objective of the seminar. Specifically, she highlighted the importance of civil society representatives participating in environmental decision-making at both national and regional levels. She emphasized the growing significance recently placed on youth involvement in climate action. As noted in her speech, Turkmenistan has been hosting an annual Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) on Climate Change since 2021, held in preparation for the global Conference of Youth (COY) and the Conference of the Parties (COP) sessions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Upon the seminar’s conclusion, participants and organizers expressed mutual gratitude for the keen interest shown in the topic, agreed to maintain follow-up communication, and committed to future meetings on various platforms to discuss climate change and pressing environmental issues in general.

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Berkeli Atayev.

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Yesterday, November 18, 2025, the International Scientific Conference «Towards Sustainable Civilization Development: Cooperation, Science, Education, Technology – The Path of CIS Countries to the 17 SDGs: A Comprehensive Approach» commenced at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University).

The conference aims to engage the expert and youth scientific community in discussing pressing contemporary issues, challenges, potential trends, and directions for the development of CIS member states, as well as raising awareness about humanity’s global Sustainable Development Goals.

This is the fourth time RUDN University has hosted the International Scientific Conference dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the relevance of the topics discussed, the event annually attracts over 1,500 participants from 60 countries. This year, at the invitation of the organizers, Berkeli Atayev, Director of the «Tebigy Kuwwat»’ Public Association Enterprise, participated in an online format. He delivered a presentation titled «Scenario of Climate Change Consequences in Turkmenistan.»

B. Atayev was allotted time to speak in Section 3: «Promising Directions for Low-Carbon Development Policy of the CIS Member States,» as part of Session No. 2 on the second day of the conference, which focused on the theme of «Biosphere.»In his presentation, he provided a concise overview of Turkmenistan’s regulatory and legal framework concerning climate change; the impact of climate change on natural resources, the economy, and vulnerable populations in Turkmenistan; the transformation of the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector; and the exchange of experience in addressing climate and environmental issues at both local and regional levels.

Each day of the conference is marked by a distinct theme, with numerous session halls and sections within them. For instance, the third day of the conference, November 20, is dedicated to the theme of «Economics, Politics, Law, Partnerships,» and the concluding day, November 21, focuses on «Society.»

RUDN University serves as a working platform for the exchange of experience among young scientists, business leaders, government representatives, and experts in the fields of sustainable development and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance. Participants share their knowledge and expertise to implement scientific, academic, and socially significant projects aimed at achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Berkeli Atayev.

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On November 4, 2025, the Ashgabat-based “Tebigy Kuwwat” enterprise, a component of the  for the “Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan” Public Association, conducted another one-day seminar in the country’s easternmost regional capital, Turkmenabat. The seminar was titled:“Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Context of Climate Change.” This event, which aims to raise civil society awareness regarding climate challenges, is a continuation of the seminar series launched in the city of Mary and is being implemented with the financial support of the European Union (EU).

Seventeen representatives of civil society from the Lebap velayat—including the Public Association “Täze Zaman,” the Lebap branch of the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan, and disability and women’s communities—convened in the welcoming hall of the host organization, “Täze Zaman.”

The seminar was moderated by Berkeli Atayev, Director of the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Public Association Enterprise, and was conducted in a hybrid format. It featured the online participation of Mr. Borislav Dimitrov, Programme Manager for the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan. Mr. Dimitrov warmly greeted all participants, highlighted the importance and necessity of international cooperation in combating environmental challenges, and wished everyone a productive session.

The event’s speakers were: B. Atayev with a presentation titled “Turkmenistan in the Era of Global Warming”; Zahira Ongarbayevna Begaliyeva, Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Director of the ‘ITeachMe’ Competence Development Center, who presented online on “The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Climate Change”; Meylis Rejepov, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Specialist at the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Public Association Enterprise, who delivered a presentation on “Anthropogenic Impact on Climate Change and the Transformation of the RES Sector”; and Ayna Atayeva, Project Manager at the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Public Association Enterprise, whose presentation was on “The Role of Civil Society and Youth Participation in Combating Climate Change.”

All presentations were engaging for the audience. Following each session, participants discussed urgent issues related to global warming, shared their perspectives and experiences, and proposed ideas for tackling climate change and improving the overall environmental component. Participants and organizers expressed mutual gratitude for the keen interest shown in the topic, agreed to maintain follow-up communication, and committed to future meetings on various platforms to address relevant environmental issues.

The meeting concluded with a pleasant gesture, as Mubarak Rejepovna Kurbanova, Chairperson of the “Täze Zaman” Public Assosiation, presented the guests from Ashgabat with commemorative gifts. These gifts—handicrafts created by the organization’s target group—were offered in appreciation for the informative seminar on such a relevant topic. Notably, some of the handicrafts carried an acknowledgment of support from the donor, the European Union .

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Berkeli Atayev.

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The annual meeting of Aarhus Centres took place on October 30–31, 2025, in Vienna, Austria. Organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), the meeting gathered over 30 representatives from Aarhus Centres in Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus.

At the meeting of the Aarhus Centres, traditionally held at the Hofburg Palace—one of the largest palace complexes in the world—the Aarhus Centre of Turkmenistan was represented by its Head, Yolbars Kepbanov, and Berkeli Atayev, Director of the public association enterprise “Tebigy Kuwwat”.

The experts’ meeting aimed to facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge among the Aarhus Centres regarding the implementation of the Aarhus Convention. It also focused on capacity building course on Gender Mainstreaming, the protecting environmental defenders, strengthening access to justice in environmental matters, raising disaster risk awareness at the local level and promoting community-based disaster risk reduction.

The first day of the meeting was dedicated to the crucial issue of Gender Integration. Specifically, presentations were given on the link between gender and climate, national action plans, and the international Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, which recognizes the important role of women in conflict prevention, peace maintenance, and post-crisis recovery. Discussions covered topics such as the interconnection between gender-based violence and climate change, the gender-sensitive protection of environmental human rights defenders, including a review of ODIHR guidelines, gender risks and vulnerabilities, and resources for protection.

The moderators and presenters led the first day’s work interactively, with the active engagement of participants. Case studies were examined, group work was conducted, and opinions and visions were shared on improving the activities of the Aarhus Centres with a focus on gender and the safety of environmental defenders. The day concluded with presentations from participants sharing the experiences of their respective Aarhus Centres.

The second day of the conference began with welcome addresses from the following officials:

• Ambassador Bakyt Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
• Mr. Kimmo Laukkanen, Deputy Head of Mission, Head of the Economic and Environmental Dimension Unit, Finland’s 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship
• Mr. Marco Keiner, Director, Environment Division, UNECE (remote)

The day’s focus centered on the protection of environmental human rights defenders, strengthening access to justice in environmental matters, increasing local disaster risk awareness, and promoting risk reduction measures at the community level.

This meeting was held in anticipation of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Aarhus Convention, scheduled to take place in Geneva this November. Consequently, the outcomes of the Vienna meeting will be incorporated into the agenda of the upcoming COP.

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Berkeli Atayev.

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Yesterday, on 27 October 2025, the “Tebigy Kuwwat” enterprise of the Public Association “Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan” conducted a one-day seminar in the Mary city titled: “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Context of Climate Change.” The event was dedicated to one of the most pressing global issues: climate change.

This seminar serves as the launch event for a series of similar workshops scheduled to take place in all regional (velayats) centers across the country. The project is being implemented with the financial support of the European Union (EU), underscoring international cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.

The seminar convened representatives from the regional civil society, including the Mary branch of the “Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan”, the Public Association “Mashgala,” the Economic Society “Dyap-Dessur,” with the online participation of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan.

Participants delved into current issues related to global warming and its impact on Turkmenistan. Berkeli Atayev, Director of the PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat”, opened the discussion by presenting a report on “Turkmenistan in the Context of Global Warming” and the current national situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Meylis Rejepov, a Renewable Energy Sources (RES) specialist, focused his presentation on the anthropogenic factor in climate change, noting the critical contribution of humanity to climate change processes and the necessity of implementing policies to mitigate harmful environmental impact. In Turkmenistan, as globally, a genuine transformation is underway in the RES sector, where solar and wind energy are emerging as key tools for sustainable development.

A particular highlight was the online address by Zahira Ongarbayevna Begaliyeva, Director of the “ITeachMe” Competence Development Center and Advisor to the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

She shared her country’s experience in adhering to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and elaborated on the linkages between climate change and the rights of people with disabilities, stressing that global challenges disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations.

“Climate crises exacerbate inequality,” Z. Begaliyeva stated. “We need to build an inclusive society where all voices are heard.”

“The problem of climate change is one of the most urgent issues currently occupying the attention of all humanity. Our project is aimed at increasing public awareness about climate change, its preventative measures, consequences, and strategies for counteracting climate challenges. We deliberately chose to augment the seminar’s theme with the vital component of climate change’s impact on the lives of people with disabilities, thus making our society more inclusive and democratic. The experience shared by Kazakhstan proved very valuable to the seminar participants,” commented B. Atayev.

The seminar concluded with a presentation by Ayna Atayeva, the Project Manager, who shared knowledge and experience regarding public participation, particularly youth engagement, in the fight against climate change across the country and the Central Asian region.

All participants and organizers expressed mutual gratitude for the keen interest shown in the topic, agreed to maintain follow-up communication, and committed to meeting again on various platforms to discuss relevant environmental issues.

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Ayna Atayeva.

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Today, the Central Asian Leadership Program (CALP) of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CARECeco) officially commenced. This year marks the 15th anniversary of CALP, bringing together 25 participants from 5 Central Asian countries. This year set a record for the selection of candidates from Turkmenistan, with 16 specialists from universities, state, private, international, and non-governmental organizations.

As in previous years, five participants are nominated from each country. From our country, two representatives from the Ministry of Environment Protection and three NGO representatives successfully passed the competition, including Nurberdy Atayev, a young ecologist from the public association enterprise “Tebigy Kuwwat.” Nurberdy is currently a second-year master’s student at the Kazakh-German University, specializing in Integrated Water Resources Management.

“I am fortunate to participate in CALP 15, which, in my opinion, is an excellent platform for young eco-leaders to build friendly and business bridges between Central Asian countries, exchange experiences, and generate ideas for the sustainable and rational use of natural resources. Undoubtedly, as a result of this program, I will expand my knowledge and certainly use it in my future career,” noted Nurberdy Atayev.

Over the next five days, until September 19, in the ecological pearl near Almaty, known as “Lesnaya Skazka” (Forest Fairy Tale), young environmentalists from Central Asian countries will develop their leadership and communication skills. The main themes of CALP 15 are:

• Climate resilience and water diplomacy;

• Sustainable natural resource management;

• The role of youth in promoting the green agenda;

• Countering disinformation and developing media literacy;

• Equality and inclusion in environmental governance.

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