26 July 2011: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Turkmenistan have organized the Third Inter-ministerial Dialogue focusing on the Development of a National Strategy on Climate Change. Development of the strategy on climate change is the first step to be followed by preparation of detailed action plans for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving preparedness of the economy to respond to climate change.

The meeting, which took place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 20 July 2011, reviewed the National Strategy on Climate Change of Turkmenistan until 2030, which focuses on “economy in harmony with climate.” The strategy reflects environmental, social and economic aspects of the country’s development and prepares for the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC, to be held in Durban, South Africa, at the end of 2011 and the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) to be held in Brazil in June 2012.

Meeting participants discussed the main stages of the strategy preparation, including strategic planning, as well as issues relating to development of action plans for reducing GHG emissions and adaptation, taking into account international experience. Participants agreed on a timeline for preparation of the strategy, and set up an interagency mechanism that will finalize the National Strategy and action plans on reduction of GHG emissions and adaptation, including issues of biodiversity, land and water resources management. The meeting, which was facilitated by UNDP international experts, gathered representatives of various ministries and departments working on various issues related to the country’s socioeconomic development. [UNDP Turkmenistan Press Release] [UNCSD 2012 Press Release] [UNDP Turkmenistan – Video of the Meeting]