AGP Executive Report

EU–Tajikistan Cooperation: The 12th EU–Tajikistan Cooperation Committee meeting in Brussels mapped deeper work on trade, energy, transport connectivity, digitalisation, education, and water management, with continued EU support for Rogun Hydropower. Regional Disaster Resilience: RESILAND CA+ is pushing a June 24–26 Bishkek dialogue on mudflow and flood risk reduction, better natural-hazard monitoring, and coordinated climate action across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Health Investment Expansion: HIIP’s steering committee approved new technical assistance for Angola and Tajikistan, aiming to unlock financing for primary health care and universal health coverage through WHO, the EIB, and the IsDB. Connectivity Funding Push: The European Commission launched a Connectivity Agenda Platform and agreed deals expected to mobilise up to €2 billion for strategic connectivity investments across the Black Sea and South Caucasus, with Tajikistan among participants. Education and Infrastructure Finance: Kuwait Fund (KFAED) signed a KD 6 million loan for Tajikistan to upgrade schools in Dushanbe, Sughd, and Khatlon, including classrooms, labs, utilities, and sanitation. Bilateral Climate Links: Georgia and Tajikistan signed cooperation documents covering tourism, aviation, education, and climate change mitigation, plus a joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation. Snow Leopard Conservation Talk: A community-focused snow leopard interview with researcher Rodney Jackson highlighted monitoring and human-wildlife conflict lessons across Central and South Asia.

EU–Central Asia Connectivity: The EU launched its Connectivity Agenda Platform in Brussels, aiming to coordinate transport, energy, digital links and trade across the Black Sea, South Caucasus and Central Asia, with agreements expected to mobilize up to €2 billion—an approach that directly touches Tajikistan’s regional access and logistics. EU–Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership: EU leaders met Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev in Brussels as the EU signed a strategic declaration and deals on connectivity and critical raw materials, framing Central Asia as a “gateway” for jobs and trade. RESILAND Flood Risk Talks: Bishkek will host a June 24–26 regional dialogue on mudflow and flood risk reduction, including better natural-hazard monitoring and coordinated action under RESILAND CA+ with World Bank support—key for Tajikistan’s climate resilience. Circular Green Tourism in CICA: A Baku conference on circular green tourism is set to support nature-based tourism villages and local initiatives across CICA countries, including Tajikistan, linking community livelihoods with environmental protection. Tajik–Georgia Cooperation: Georgia and Tajikistan signed multiple agreements during high-level talks, including climate-change cooperation and plans for direct aviation and tourism links. Snow Leopard Conservation: A new interview highlights why community needs matter more than just counting snow leopards, pushing for better human-wildlife conflict solutions across mountain habitats.

Forest & climate finance push: A practical workshop in Dushanbe focused on improving access to analytical information to identify priority areas for public and private investment in Tajikistan’s high-value tree crops, tying forest restoration to better decision-making and funding pipelines. Biodiversity & wildlife conservation: A new interview with snow leopard researcher Rodney Jackson highlights why community needs must be centered in monitoring and conservation, and calls out gaps in collaboration across snow leopard groups. EU–Tajikistan cooperation: The 12th EU–Tajikistan Cooperation Committee meeting in Brussels mapped deeper work on trade, energy, transport, water management and governance, with attention on EU support for Rogun Hydropower and the Global Gateway agenda. Green economy in bilateral talks: Georgia and Tajikistan signed multiple agreements during Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit, including a climate-change cooperation memorandum and plans for a joint intergovernmental commission—plus aviation and tourism links. Disaster resilience planning: Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek will host a regional dialogue (June 24–26) on harmonizing policies and building roadmap tools for coordinated action on transboundary natural hazards, with CAREC and RESILAND CA+ involved.

EU–Central Asia Afghanistan Talks: EU special representatives met in Almaty to prevent further deterioration in Afghanistan, with Brussels increasingly routing practical engagement through Central Asia as a humanitarian crisis deepens. Snow Leopard Conservation: Rodney Jackson, a pioneer of community-based snow leopard research, argues monitoring must center herding communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Tajikistan–Georgia Green Cooperation: Tajikistan and Georgia signed a package of agreements in Dushanbe, including a climate-change mitigation and environmental cooperation memorandum, alongside aviation, tourism, education and science deals. EU Water and Energy Support: The 12th EU–Tajikistan Cooperation Committee discussed EU Global Gateway support for Rogun Hydropower and broader work on water management and connectivity. Forest Restoration Funding Prep: A Dushanbe workshop under RESILAND Tajikistan focused on improving access to analytical information to attract public and private investment into high-value tree crops and strengthen forest and ecosystem protection. Regional Disaster Response Roadmap: CAREC and RESILAND Kyrgyzstan will host a June 24–26 dialogue in Bishkek to harmonize policies and build a roadmap for coordinated action on transboundary natural hazards. Hydropower Governance Lesson: A new analysis on Nepal’s Budhigandaki hydropower project stresses that governance and institutional continuity—not engineering complexity—are what unlock financing and delivery, echoing regional lessons for hydropower megaprojects. IsDB Energy Connectivity for Tajikistan: At IsDB Annual Meetings in Baku, Tajik officials discussed support for Rogun and CASA-1000 electricity trade, linking hydropower potential to regional energy interconnections. EIB Steps Up in Central Asia: The European Investment Bank opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, targeting transport, clean energy, water management and climate resilience, with a pipeline nearing €3 billion.

Wildlife & Communities: Snow leopard researcher Rodney Jackson says population monitoring must go hand-in-hand with the needs of herding communities, warning that major conservation groups still collaborate too little. Bilateral Climate Cooperation: Tajikistan and Georgia signed a package of agreements in Dushanbe, including a climate-change cooperation memo and steps on aviation, tourism, agriculture, education, culture, sports, and a joint economic commission. Green Finance Training: A Central Asia workshop on developing Green Climate Fund concept notes wrapped up, aiming to help countries build a pipeline of climate projects and improve access to climate finance. Forest Restoration Push: In Dushanbe, Tajik officials and partners held a practical workshop on improving access to analytical information to attract private investment into high-value tree crops and strengthen forest and ecosystem protection. Regional Disaster Readiness: Kyrgyzstan will host a RESILAND dialogue (June 24–26) to harmonize policies and roadmap joint mechanisms for preventing and responding to natural hazards across Central Asia. Investment for Water & Energy: The European Investment Bank opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, with a focus on transport, hydropower like Rogun, water management, digital connectivity, and climate resilience.

Climate Finance Push: A regional training workshop on developing Green Climate Fund (GCF) concept notes wrapped up in Almaty, helping Central Asian countries build a pipeline of climate projects and improve access to climate money. Disaster Risk Cooperation: RESILAND Kyrgyzstan will host a June 24–26 regional dialogue in Bishkek on harmonizing policies and building joint mechanisms for prevention and response to natural hazards across Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Forest Restoration & Investment Planning: In Dushanbe, a practical workshop under RESILAND Tajikistan focused on improving access to analytical information to identify priority areas for public and private investment in high-value tree crops, aiming to strengthen forest and ecosystem protection. Green Economy in Bilateral Talks: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze in Dushanbe, signing cooperation documents that include climate change, plus agreements spanning aviation, agriculture, tourism, science, education, culture, sports and a joint economic commission. Clean Energy & Water-Related Infrastructure: The European Investment Bank opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, with a pipeline nearing €3 billion across transport, hydropower (including Rogun), water management, digital connectivity and climate resilience.

Tajikistan–Georgia Climate Link: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and visiting Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze signed a package of cooperation documents in Dushanbe, including a climate-change mitigation and risk-assessment memorandum between their environmental agencies, alongside deals on air transport, agriculture, tourism, education, and green economy plans. Forest Restoration Push: A practical Dushanbe workshop under RESILAND Tajikistan focused on better access to analytical information to identify priority areas for public and private investment in high-value tree crops, aiming to protect forests and restore degraded lands with World Bank support. Regional Disaster Readiness: Kyrgyzstan will host a June 24–26 hybrid dialogue on harmonizing policies and building a roadmap with digital tools for coordinated action on transboundary natural hazards, organized with CAREC under the RESILAND CA+ program. Green Finance Pipeline: A regional training workshop in Almaty wrapped up on developing Green Climate Fund concept notes, helping Central Asian countries build a stronger pipeline of climate projects—Tajikistan was represented through its GCF readiness coordinator. Clean Energy & Water Projects in the Region: The European Investment Bank opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, signaling support for environmentally sustainable transport, hydropower (including Rogun), water management, and climate resilience as part of the EU Global Gateway.

Tajikistan–Georgia Cooperation: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Dushanbe, where both sides signed a package of agreements covering civil aviation, agriculture, tourism, science and education, culture, sports—and climate change—plus a plan for a joint intergovernmental economic commission, with Tajikistan also pushing green economy and technology cooperation. Forest Restoration in Tajikistan: In Dushanbe, a practical workshop under the RESILAND Tajikistan project focused on improving access to analytical information to identify priority areas for public and private investment in high-value tree crops, linking forest protection, restoration of degraded lands, and better decision-making with World Bank support. Regional Disaster Preparedness: CAREC and the RESILAND CA+ program will host a June 24–26 hybrid dialogue in Bishkek on harmonizing policies and building a roadmap and digital tools for coordinated action against natural hazards across Central Asia, including Tajikistan. Climate Finance Pipeline: A regional Green Climate Fund training in Almaty wrapped up, helping Central Asian countries strengthen their national climate project pipelines and readiness for GCF submissions, with a Tajik coordinator among participants. EIB Eyes Green Infrastructure: The European Investment Bank opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, signaling a push for projects tied to transport, hydropower (including Rogun), water management, digital connectivity, and climate resilience across the region. IsDB Support for Tajikistan’s Energy Links: At IsDB annual meetings in Baku, Tajik officials discussed progress on the Rogun hydropower project and CASA-1000 electricity trade, highlighting energy security and regional connectivity.

Tajikistan–Georgia Cooperation: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and visiting Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze signed a package of agreements in Dushanbe, including deals on agriculture, tourism, science and education—and climate change—while both sides flagged interest in expanding the green economy and industry. Forest Restoration in Tajikistan: A practical workshop in Dushanbe under RESILAND Tajikistan focused on improving forest and ecosystem protection by better access to analytical information for priority public and private investments in high-value tree crops, with the World Bank involved. IsDB Support for Tajikistan’s Energy and Trade: At the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, IsDB and Tajik officials discussed progress on Rogun hydropower and CASA-1000, with financing highlighted for Tajikistan’s development priorities and regional electricity connectivity. Climate Finance Push: A GCF concept note training workshop wrapped up in Almaty, with Tajikistan among participants building a pipeline of climate projects for Green Climate Fund submissions. Regional Disaster Planning: Kyrgyzstan will host a RESILAND dialogue in Bishkek (June 24–26) to harmonize policies and develop a roadmap for coordinated action on transboundary natural hazards involving Tajikistan and others. EIB Central Asia Office: The European Investment Bank opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, pointing to climate resilience, water management, and support for projects like Rogun HPP.

Climate Finance & Project Prep: A regional workshop in Almaty wrapped up, helping Central Asian countries—including Tajikistan—build stronger Green Climate Fund concept notes and a pipeline of climate projects. Disaster Risk Planning: Kyrgyzstan will host a June 24–26 hybrid regional dialogue on harmonizing policies and roadmap tools for coordinated natural-hazard prevention and response, with Tajikistan among the participants. Forest Restoration in Tajikistan: In Dushanbe, a practical workshop under RESILAND Tajikistan focused on improving access to analytical information to identify priority areas for public and private investment in high-value tree crops, linking forest protection with restoration and investment. Water Security Push: Tajikistan is discussing with the Asian Development Bank a modernization plan for the Tajik Sea (Kayrakkum) reservoir, including dam reinforcement, pumping upgrades, irrigation and drainage improvements, and digital monitoring to cut flood risks and adapt to climate change. Regional Investment for Green Infrastructure: The European Investment Bank opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, signaling a near-€3 billion focus on transport, clean energy, water management, climate resilience, and digital connectivity, with Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower highlighted in the broader agenda. High-Level Ties: Georgia’s prime minister began an official visit to Tajikistan with a delegation that includes environment and sustainable development officials.

Forest Restoration in Tajikistan: A practical workshop in Dushanbe under the RESILAND Tajikistan project focused on improving access to analytical information to target public and private investments in high-value tree crops, with the World Bank backing evidence-based decisions for restoring degraded landscapes and protecting forest ecosystems. Water Security & Climate Resilience: Tajikistan is planning modernization of the Tajik Sea (Kayrakkum) reservoir, including dam reinforcement, pumping upgrades, irrigation and drainage improvements, and digital monitoring to cut flood risks and adapt to climate-driven transboundary water pressures. Regional Finance for Green Infrastructure: The European Investment Bank opened its Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, signaling support for sustainable transport, renewable energy, water management, and climate resilience, with a pipeline of projects discussed under Uzbekistan’s “2030” strategy. IsDB Push for Connectivity & Clean Power: At the IsDB Annual Meetings in Baku, Tajikistan and the bank reaffirmed cooperation on Rogun hydropower and CASA-1000 electricity trade, while IsDB approved Tajikistan road rehabilitation financing to strengthen climate-resilient transport links. Desertification Reminder: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought highlighted rangeland restoration as a key response to land degradation and worsening drought impacts across the region.

Forest Restoration in Dushanbe: Tajikistan held a practical workshop under the RESILAND Tajikistan project on improving forest and ecosystem protection using better analytical information to target priority areas for public and private investment in high-value tree crops, with the World Bank supporting evidence-based decisions and private sector engagement. Water Security & Infrastructure: Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank discussed modernizing the Tajik Sea (Kayrakkum) reservoir, including upgrades to protective dams, pumping stations, irrigation and drainage systems, and digital monitoring to cut flood risks and strengthen climate-resilient water management. Regional Energy for Sustainability: At the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, Tajikistan reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the IsDB, including progress on the Rogun hydropower project and the CASA-1000 electricity trade initiative linking Central Asia and South Asia. Afghanistan Talks With Climate Lens: EU and Central Asian envoys met in Almaty to coordinate on Afghanistan, focusing on regional stability and connectivity while also raising water management and climate change concerns. Desertification Reminder: A UNCCD-linked message marked World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, urging action to recognize, respect, and restore rangelands amid worsening land degradation.

Forest Restoration & Investment Planning: A practical workshop in Dushanbe under RESILAND Tajikistan focused on improving access to analytical information to identify priority areas for public and private investment in high-value tree crops, with the Committee for Environmental Protection and the World Bank urging sustainable forest management and restoration of degraded lands. Tajikistan–IsDB Energy & Water Links: At the IsDB Annual Meetings in Baku, Tajik officials met IsDB leadership to reaffirm cooperation on infrastructure and regional connectivity, including support for the Rogun hydropower project and the CASA-1000 electricity trade initiative. Water Security at Home: Tajikistan is discussing modernization of the Tajik Sea (Kayrakkum) reservoir with the Asian Development Bank, aiming to strengthen protective dams, upgrade pumping and irrigation systems, and add digital monitoring to better manage floods and climate-driven transboundary water pressures. Regional Water Stress Warning: A new analysis highlights worsening Central Asia water shortages, arguing that upstream “water surplus” is no longer guaranteed and that climate change and irrigation mismanagement are driving deeper instability risks. Desertification Reminder: Ahead of UN World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a reminder of the scale of land degradation and drought impacts calls for restoring rangelands and healthier landscapes. One Health Coordination: Central Asia consultations wrapped up on “One Health” implementation, targeting pandemic prevention, food system sustainability, and ecosystem health through a shared regional regulatory package.

Water Security Watch: Central Asia’s water crunch is deepening as “upstream” Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan can no longer send enough water downstream, raising fears of instability and forced migration unless regional water policies shift. Climate & Land Degradation: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17) spotlights rangeland restoration, warning that drought and land degradation already affect billions and could expand sharply by 2050. Tajikistan Water Infrastructure: Tajikistan and the ADB discussed modernizing the Tajik Sea (Kayrakkum) reservoir—upgrading dams, pumping stations, irrigation and drainage, plus digital monitoring—to cut flood risks and improve climate-ready water management. Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation: Uzbekistan hosted a regional meeting on wildlife conservation and sustainable landscapes, focusing on transboundary mountain ecosystems and species like snow leopards, saiga, and argali. Regional Policy on Health & Ecosystems: Central Asia’s “One Health” consultations wrapped up, aiming to align pandemic prevention, food system resilience, and ecosystem health rules across the region. Air Pollution Alarm (Regional): Pakistan was flagged as having the world’s most polluted air by PM2.5 levels, underscoring serious public health risks across South Asia. EU–Central Asia Talks on Afghanistan: Envoys in Almaty discussed Afghanistan’s impact on regional security and connectivity, including water management and climate challenges.

Desertification & Drought Focus: On World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, UNCCD-backed figures highlight how drought and land degradation already affect billions and could intensify by 2050, with this year’s theme urging rangeland action—recognize, respect, restore. Water Security in Tajikistan: Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank discussed modernizing the Tajik Sea (Kayrakkum) reservoir, including dam protection, pumping upgrades, irrigation and drainage improvements, and digital monitoring to cut flood risk and boost climate-ready water management. Regional Climate Governance (One Health): CAREC reports Central Asia consultations have wrapped up on “One Health” implementation, aiming to align pandemic prevention, food system resilience, and ecosystem health across the region ahead of a June 25 coordinating council meeting. Nature & Wildlife Conservation: Central Asian countries signed a mountain ecosystem declaration at GEF, spotlighting transboundary habitats and species protection as a shared conservation priority. Digital & Green Economy Angle: A Dushanbe IT hub initiative is framed as a step toward a knowledge-based economy, while noting limited internet access remains a major barrier to scaling sustainable innovation.

Water & Climate Resilience: Tajikistan is moving ahead with plans to modernize the Tajik Sea (Kayrakkum) reservoir, including upgrades to protective dams, pumping stations, and irrigation and drainage systems, plus digital monitoring to better manage flood risks and climate-related water stress. Regional Water Security: EU and Central Asia envoys meeting in Almaty also put water management and climate change on the agenda while discussing Afghanistan’s impact on regional stability and trade routes. One Health & Ecosystem Health: Central Asia’s “One Health” consultations wrapped up, aiming to align regional pandemic prevention, food system resilience, and ecosystem health through a package of strategic and regulatory documents ahead of a June 25 coordinating council meeting. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Uzbekistan’s ecology committee says Central Asian officials and UN partners met on wildlife conservation and sustainable landscapes, highlighting transboundary ecosystems and species like snow leopards and saiga. SCO Focus in Dushanbe: Tajikistan hosted discussions around the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s 25 years, with emphasis on coordination and shared development across the region. Connectivity & Investment: The IsDB approved $2.8bn in development financing, including $93.8m for Tajikistan’s Rushan–Varshez road rehabilitation to strengthen trade links and climate resilience.