Kyrgyzstan strengthened regional collaboration with the aim to establish business linkages and develop common positions for the promotion of the Green Economy in Central Asia as part of the Bishkek Investment Forum (BIF) and the Green Economy Forum (GEF) that took place on 10-11 November. Both events offered an exchange platform for all partners from Central Asia to discuss, find and apply green solutions in the region. Entrepreneurs, local officials, UN representatives and experts from Central Asia had the opportunity to discuss current challenges, possible solutions and opportunities in sustainable green finance, future of investments, green transportation and sustainable tourism.
Mr. Asad Naqvi, head of PAGE, stressed that “Green economy and green business is THE opportunity our generation has.”
The Green Economy Forum brought together experts across sustainable business and governance for the day of the conferences, exhibitions, and high-level Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) dialogue sessions. The event explored the key role of an inclusive green economy as a vehicle to improve human well-being and build social equity while reducing environmental risks and scarcities.
The UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms. Louise Chamberlain, stated: “Green economy prioritizes health of the planet and of the people, and these are interlinked. If adopted in an inclusive way it is also potentially transformative – by driving employment, poverty eradication, and reducing the stress on vital ecosystems.”
Stakeholders discussed how Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries can benefit from the global turn to green growth and implement a long-term strategy for sustainable green development to drive the country and the region forward.
“Dramatic effects of climate change & environmental degradation showed the need for a more sustainable economy, and under PAGE, UNDP will continue to work with the government to boost green economy”, shared Azamat Usubaliev, UNDP Team Leader of Sustainable Inclusive Economic Growth.
