On February 16, 2024, Bishkek hosted a round table on the topic "Towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050: discussion and development of recommendations for implementation." The event was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic in cooperation with Unison Group and Global Factor with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kyrgyzstan within the framework of the "Climate Perspective".
The Kyrgyz Republic has been a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change since 2000 and has ratified the Paris Agreement. In October 2021, the country updated its Nationally determined Contribution (ONUV) and commitments under the Paris Agreement, setting more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. The UNDP plans to support the Cabinet of Ministers in developing a concept for long-term low-carbon development.
The main objectives of ONUV:
- The reduction of GHG emissions in Kyrgyzstan by 16.63% by 2025 and by 15.97% by 2030 is unconditional, according to the "business as usual" scenario, and can be increased by 36.61% by 2025 and by 43.62% by 2030 with international support.
- Adapting to the effects of climate change, increasing resilience and reducing risk exposure and vulnerability.
- Creating synergies and shared benefits between adaptation, mitigation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the 26th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP26) in Glasgow, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic announced the country's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The UNDP intends to support the Cabinet of Ministers, in particular the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is responsible for the implementation of climate policy.
The purpose of this round table is to discuss and develop recommendations on low-carbon development.
The participants of the round table discussed the priority needs for research and development to support Kyrgyzstan's transition to a low-carbon economy. This includes identifying legal and technological gaps, innovative opportunities, and areas where the efforts of government agencies, the private sector, public and scientific organizations, as well as regional and international partners can have the most effective impact on the country's low-carbon development.
Expected results of the round table:
- Recommendations for key research to achieve carbon neutrality;
- Identification of legal, institutional and other gaps to strengthen the country's climate policy and legislation;
- Measures to develop and transfer climate technologies and innovations in priority sectors and to encourage private sector participation;
- Conclusions and recommendations to stakeholders, including government organizations, representatives of the private sector and civil society organizations, including on issues of regional and international cooperation.
