The growing impacts of climate change and the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy systems are increasingly shaping policy agendas across Central Asia. Ensuring that this transformation is fair and inclusive remains a key challenge for the region.
A just energy transition means safeguarding the rights, livelihoods, and social protections of workers and communities affected by structural change—particularly in major urban centers such as Almaty, Tashkent, and Bishkek. These cities are at the forefront of economic transformation, facing rising energy demands, air pollution, and infrastructure pressures, while also offering opportunities for innovation and sustainable urban development.
At the same time, protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems must be an integral part of this transition. Urban development and energy reforms need to be aligned with the preservation of surrounding landscapes and ecological systems, which are vital for long-term resilience in Central Asia.
FES Central Asia works with trade unions, civil society organizations, policymakers, and researchers to foster dialogue and exchange on just transition pathways. By connecting local urban experiences with regional and international perspectives, it supports the development of policies that combine climate action with social justice—ensuring that the transition to a green economy benefits communities across the region.
Philipp C. Jahn
Building stronger networks to address shared foreign policy challenges.
Political discourse has changed significantly in recent decades.
