National capacity to predict and manage slow-onset disasters for adaptation and resilience in Central Asia are strengthened

On 17-18 March 2025, in Almaty, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), jointly with the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR), held a subregional workshop aimed at improving climate risk assessment and forecasting.

The main objective of the event was to strengthen national capacity to forecasting climate risks and managing slow-onset disasters such as droughts, heat waves and floods.

The workshop brought together leading specialists from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in disaster risk management, hydrometeorology, agriculture, water resources and the energy sector. Experts from the North Eurasian Climate Center (NEACC) and the Institute of Global Climate and Ecology named after Academician Yu. A. Izrael (IGCE) also joined the event.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to new impact-based forecasting (IBF) tools and practical methods for their application. They were also introduced to modern methods to assess damage and losses caused by climate-related disasters. The workshop contributed to strengthening intersectoral cooperation and enhancing the competencies of national specialists.

The program included an interactive session on impact-based forecasting, a presentation of new data on glacier conditions and climate databases, discussions on a regional disaster risk profile and digital tools for their monitoring, and the development of recommendations for transformative adaptation and strengthening interstate cooperation.

The workshop marked a significant step in advancing the scientific and practical potential of the countries of the region to reduce climate risks and adapt to climate change. Participants noted the importance of continuing joint initiatives and strengthening partnerships to develop sustainable solutions in this area.