BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. The OSCE is actively advancing climate cooperation in Central Asia, focusing on innovative green port initiatives, Helga Schmid, OSCE Secretary General, told Trend in an exclusive interview.
According to Schmid, the organization plays a key role in helping countries across the region transition to more sustainable practices, especially in crucial sectors like port management.
Schmid highlighted the OSCE’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of ports in the Caspian and Black Sea regions, emphasizing the significant progress made in recent years. "When I visited the Port of Baku last July, I saw firsthand the difference this is making," she stated. The OSCE is leveraging advanced technologies to enable ports to monitor various environmental factors, allowing them to adapt their operations to meet ambitious sustainability goals.
Beyond port initiatives, the OSCE is also fostering broader climate cooperation across Central Asia, bringing cities like Astana, Ashgabat, and Tashkent into the fold. Schmid underscored the importance of urban areas in addressing climate challenges, given that most of the global population now resides in cities. The organization is working to develop sustainable, resilient, and innovative urban solutions, sharing knowledge and best practices across borders to ensure that Central Asia is well-prepared for the future.
The OSCE’s efforts in green ports and urban cooperation reflect a broader commitment to cross-border collaboration as a central strategy for overcoming climate-related challenges. Schmid concluded, "There is simply no other way. The OSCE is doing its part to deliver for the citizens across the OSCE region."