Debat 'Energy transition, Sustainability and Inclusive Development in Central Asia 2024'

Europe and Central Asia are linked by decades of commodity trade but also evolving climate cooperation. Nevertheless, Central Asia plays only a limited role in the European public debate on global climate protection and the energy transition. The global as well as the local energy transition pose major challenges for Central Asia in view of a rapidly growing population, outdated infrastructure, heavy dependence on fossil fuels, and climate change. At the same time, the transition to renewable energies, and the development of hydrogen production and net-0 value chains offers new opportunities for all countries in the region.

On two panels, we will discuss with outstanding academics and practitioners from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and European Countries the energy transition, sustainability, and inclusive development in Central Asia. The first panel focuses on the successes, challenges, and pitfalls of energy transition in Central Asia, including regional and EU-Central Asian cooperation. The second panel will be devoted to energy transition and inclusive development. We will discuss how researchers and practitioners can engage with various kind of stakeholders and the public in Central Asia to support inclusive development. The conference is designed to engage a broad audience, encompassing researchers, policymakers, and members of civil society.

Co-director of the Eureast Platform, Professor Fabienne Bossuyt, will deliver a keynote address at the upcoming conference and participate in a panel session titled "Sustainability, Inclusion, and Participation: Perspectives from Researchers and Practitioners." Joining her on the panel will be Dr. Karolina Kluczewska, a Steering Group member of the Eureast Platform.

This conference is organized by Sustainability Partnerships across Central Asia and Europe (SPCE Hub), with support from the European Neighborhood Council, Intersectoral School of Governance Baden-Württemberg, and the Eureast Platform of Ghent University.