Promoting future-ready urban development in Central Asian cities

Context

Cities in Central Asia are growing and their number is increasing. This is particularly true in the Fergana Valley, which spans the borders between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Agriculture plays a major role in the region, while industry is on the rise. This is leading to many environmental problems in the region, with water quality and availability, soil fertility, clean air and biodiversity, in particular, being negatively affected.

To date, the region has cooperated on climate change adaptation solely through the national governments. Cities’ potential to contribute to climate and development targets has not yet been adequately unlocked.

Objective

Local governments in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are capable of pursuing climate-smart urban development and involving the population.

Approach

The programme promotes dialogue between experts and managers working on climate-friendly urban development in cities in the Fergana Valley. This connects cities facing similar challenges and enables them to develop joint solutions. Stakeholders can improve their capabilities and take more effective action.

The programme also ensures that experts and managers are better prepared for future-ready, climate-friendly and participatory urban development. Many currently lack the expertise and methods needed to meaningfully link various aspects for the purpose of climate action. The programme enhances capabilities by providing continuing education and advising decision-makers on better urban cooperation.

In addition, it provides practical examples of how climate-sensitive and gender-sensitive urban development can be implemented locally. Experts and managers also gain experience from pilot projects. At the same time, the programme involves the local population. People learn how they can get involved and how climate-friendly urban development affects their day-to-day lives.

Last update: March 2025