This report gives an overview of the status, development and possible future steps needed to facilitate the introduction of a green economy in States participating in the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

The theme selected by Tajikistan as the Chair country of SPECA in 2024 is “Green development in the SPECA region”. The initiative of Tajikistan is well aligned with the decision taken during the eighteenth session of the SPECA Governing Council, held in Baku on 23 November 2023, on the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue as well as the initiative of Azerbaijan, the SPECA Climate Smart Cities Forum.

Section 2 gives an overview of the green economy and other related concepts.

Section 3 outlines the challenges of SPECA States to implement green economy principles. The most critical issues in the SPECA States regarding the green economy are the inefficient use of water for irrigation and the high level of greenhouse gas emissions in some States. Energy generation and efficiency, industry, trade, transport and digital inclusion are other sectors where reforms are needed.

Section 4 lists and describes the frequently ambitious green economy and sustainable development strategies and programmes introduced by States participating in SPECA.

Section 5 gives an overview of opportunities that can be utilized and some indications on the progress or lack of thereof towards achieving a green economy. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are areas where more needs to be done. The steps taken on energy efficiency and generation of renewable energy are in many cases limited. Some countries have ambitious programmes to improve the water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture. Challenges as well as opportunities exist in industrial production. Trade, transport and digital inclusion are themes that have already been raised in the SPECA framework and are areas where work can be intensified.

Section 6 provides an overview of the broad range of activities supported by regional and international organizations on the green economy and climate change, and section 7 gives and outline of what is being done on the SPECA platform and by the partner organizations ESCAP and UNECE. The ongoing work supported by international organizations, including ESCAP and UNECE, in the area of the green economy is impressive.

Finally, section 8 proposes steps towards the development of a “SPECA Green Development Work Plan” to be further discussed and approved by the SPECA States.