Series of Workshops on Strengthening the Role of CS in Climate Action Concludes in Ashgabat

Ashgabat, March 14 and 16, 2026 — The capital of Turkmenistan served as the final destination for an extensive national training series. Four specialized workshops titled “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Context of Climate Change” were held at the stylish office of the “Hormat Yoly” Economic Society (widely known as the Women Economic Society — WES).

These meetings were a logical continuation of a regional tour that began in October 2025, covering Mary, Turkmenabat, Dashoguz, and Balkanabat.

The uniqueness of the Ashgabat phase lay in its targeted engagement with diverse social groups. The workshops focused on an inclusive approach—ensuring every voice is heard. The organizers conducted dedicated sessions for:

• The women’s community;
• Youth leaders;
• Persons with disabilities;
• Representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The events were organized by the Public Association Enterprise (PAE) “Tebigy Kuwwat” within the framework of a project funded by the European Union, in close cooperation with the “Hormat Yoly” ES and the Turkmenistan Representative Office of the GIZ Regional Program “Integrated Land Use in Central Asia taking into account Climate Change.”

Berkeli Atayev, Director of PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat” and representative of the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan, served as the workshop moderator. He opened the sessions by welcoming the participants, expressing gratitude for their time, and providing an overview of the challenges the country faces in the era of global warming.

The program featured in-depth expert presentations:

– Berkeli Atayev presented the report “Turkmenistan in the Era of Global Warming,” setting the context for all subsequent discussions.

– Meilis Rejepov, a specialist in Renewable Energy Sources (RES), discussed anthropogenic impacts on climate change and the prospects for transforming the renewable energy sector.

– Zakhira Begaliyeva (Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the “ITeachMe” Foundation, Kazakhstan) joined via video link to present a unique perspective on the intersection of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and climate change, emphasizing the vital importance of protecting vulnerable groups.

– Ayna Atayeva, Project Manager, inspired participants with a presentation on the active involvement of youth and the civil sector in the environmental agenda.

– Gulnar Mergenova, Advisor for the GIZ Regional Program in Turkmenistan “Integrated Land Management with Climate Change in Central Asia” shared practical expertise on effective natural resource management under changing climatic conditions.

The venue—the Women Economic Society (WES)—was chosen intentionally to symbolize the continuity and the critical link between economic, social, and environmental aspects. Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also discussed specific mechanisms through which Turkmenistan’s civil society can influence the region’s climate resilience.

“Strengthening the role of civil society is not merely a slogan; it is the key to the survival of our ecosystems. In the face of increasing water scarcity and desertification, only through a genuine partnership between the state, international and public organizations, local communities, businesses, and active citizens can we implement climate-resilient management practices and preserve our natural wealth for future generations,” the organizers noted in their closing remarks.

Berkeli Atayev.