Green 5+1 for Central Asia

About the Event

Since 2015, the C5+1 diplomatic platform has served to engage the United States with the five Central Asian states: Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The mechanism of cooperation has increased U.S.-Central Asia dialogue on security, economy, energy, and the environment. In November 2023, the Central Asian states and United States launched B5+1 business platform to boost economic integration. The B5+1 initiative, operating within the framework of the existing C5+1 cooperation, prioritizes economic security by promoting regional economic integration, implementing reforms, fostering public-private dialogue, encouraging innovation, and attracting foreign investment to the member states.

Following the success of these cooperation initiatives, a new initiative is being proposed to address Central Asia’s burning environmental problems. The effects of climate change and years of Soviet water mismanagement are affecting the region faster than any other part of the world, leading to water scarcity, desertification of lands, wildlife endangerment, and threatening the livelihood and survival of the growing Central Asian populations. With increased regional collaboration on the environment and more robust engagement by the United States, the European Union and international financial and development institutions, Central Asia will have a better chance to protect its water sources, transition to green energy, and develop a modern blue economy.

The “Green 5+1 for Central Asia” conference will examine Central Asia's environmental challenges and discuss the potential for establishing a mechanism for enhanced cooperation between the Central Asian states and United States on addressing the impact of climate change, water management, and energy transition in the region.

This event will be held in-person, but will also be hosted on and livestreamed on Jamestown's channel, where it will later be posted.

Agenda

10:00 am—Opening Remarks: Peter Mattis, President, The Jamestown Foundation

10:10 – 10:30 am—Keynote Address: Brian K. Stimmler, Director, Office of Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State

10:30 am – 12:00 pm—Environmental Challenges, Climate Change, and Energy Transition in Central Asia

• Water Security, Border Disputes, the Fate of the Aral Sea, Caspian Sea, & Lake Balkhash
• Climate Change, Green House, and Methane Gas Emissions: Energy Transition
• The Human Factor: Population Growth, Poverty Increase, and Quality of Life Impact

12:00 – 1:00 pm—Lunch

1:00 – 2:30 pm—Central Asia Becoming Part of the Solution

• Central Asia’s Response to Environmental Threats: Regional Cooperation and Joint Actions
• International Actors’ Approach: World Bank Priorities and Programs
• The Role of the United States: Green 5+1 Proposal

2:30 – 2:45 pm—Closing Remarks

Speakers:

• Sarah Cameron, University of Maryland
• Askhat Orazbay, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS)
• Ambassador (Ret.) Allan Mustard
• Edward Lemon, Texas A&M University
• Margarita Assenova, The Jamestown Foundation
• Alejandro Sanchez, Second Floor Strategies
• Sanjay Srivastava, Practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources Management and the Blue Economy in Europe and Central Asia, The World Bank
• Mary Melnyk, Environmental Security & Resilience Division Chief, Asia Bureau, USAID

Host or Publisher The Jamestown Foundation