Kyrgyzstan Seeks to Make Bishkek a Global Hub for Mountain Climate Action
The initiative was presented at the Climate Finance Summit, held in Istanbul on September 4–5.
The summit, titled “From the COP31 Vision to Financing Climate Action,” was organized by the Government of Türkiye. Discussions focused on financing climate projects and measures to help the most vulnerable regions adapt to climate change.
Kyrgyzstan’s delegation was led by Special Representative of the President for Mountain Agenda Dinara Kemelova.
More Climate Finance for Mountain Regions
Speaking at the summit, Kemelova called for increased climate finance for developing countries, particularly for adaptation projects and efforts to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable regions.
She also highlighted the impact of melting glaciers and the growing risk of natural disasters in mountain areas. Citing devastating floods in the mountainous regions of Nepal and China, the Special Representative called on the international community to take stronger action in response to climate threats.
Kyrgyzstan identified the development of early warning systems, improved access to international climate finance for developing countries, and the possibility of redirecting funds freed up through debt-for-climate swaps toward green projects and climate action as key priorities.
At the summit, Kyrgyzstan also presented an initiative to establish a Global Center for Climate Resilience of Mountain Regions, headquartered in Bishkek.