Urban climate resilience has become a global priority as cities face growing exposure to the impacts of climate change. In Central Asia, urban centers such as Almaty, Bishkek, and Tashkent are increasingly affected by extreme heat, air pollution, water scarcity, and deteriorating infrastructure. These challenges are further compounded by rapid urbanization, legacies of Soviet-era centralized planning, and insufficient integration of climate risks into city development frameworks. As a result, many cities remain highly vulnerable to cascading environmental and social crises, threatening both human well-being and sustainable growth.
At the same time, Central Asian cities also represent opportunities for innovation, experimentation, and cross-sector collaboration. Integrating climate data into urban planning, adopting nature-based solutions, and leveraging digital tools for risk assessment can help transform cities into adaptive and sustainable spaces. Inclusive governance and policy support are equally crucial to ensure that resilience measures are not only technically sound but also socially equitable and scalable across diverse urban contexts.
This session will bring together scientists, urban planners, policymakers, and international experts to examine the vulnerabilities and opportunities facing Central Asian cities. Case studies and best practices from the region and beyond will showcase how sustainable planning strategies can mitigate the impacts of climate change while fostering healthier, more livable cities. Special attention will be given to the role of municipal governance, financing mechanisms, and participatory approaches in embedding climate resilience into long-term development agendas.
By bridging science, policy, and practice, the session aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening institutional capacity, aligning municipal development plans with national climate commitments, and advancing inclusive strategies for urban adaptation. The ultimate goal is to support Central Asian cities in shifting from reactive approaches to proactive, climate-smart planning that ensures resilience for current and future generations.