An article b Iskandar Sangini and Aya Timurova posted on CABAR.asia’s website says the adverse impacts of climate change are worsening each year, and the window for action is rapidly closing. In the current economic system, the negative effects of climate change reportedly lead to exacerbating poverty, and widening inequality, particularly in regions that are more vulnerable to climate shocks and economic shifts.
The article notes that there is an urgent need to transition away from fossil fuel-based economies to a more sustainable, low-carbon system. This global movement of just transition aims to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices across industries. It also emphasizes the importance of social justice and equity, ensuring that vulnerable communities, workers, and marginalized groups are not left behind during this transformation.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) reportedly play a key role in the just transition in the Central Asian region accounting that socio-political structures often limit public participation in policy-making. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and direct engagement with local communities, CSOs work to bridge the gap between policy-makers and the broader population, ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union and radical changes in economic and social life, the state lost its monopoly role in the formation of social policy, leading to the gradual democratization of Central Asian countries and the development of civil society institutions. Despite all the difficulties and challenges accompanying this process, CSOs have become an integral part of the social and political life of the region, contributing to solving pressing problems and strengthening democratic institutions.
Considering the lack of environmental education in school curricula and the disregard for environmental consequences by governmental authorities, CSOs reportedly play a central role in raising public awareness about these issues. They advocate for sustainable policies and educate the public on the pressing challenges of climate change and the benefits of renewable energy. Through community engagement and awareness campaigns, CSOs in the region try to keep environmental sustainability to be a priority in public discourse and action.
CSOs have also successfully influenced government policies, despite political constraints.
As of May 1, 2020, there were 26,100 non-commercial organizations (NCOs) registered in Kyrgyzstan, with the largest shares being public associations and public funds—37% and 25%, respectively. In Kazakhstan, there are over 23,000 registered NGOs, most of which are based in Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, as well as in the Karaganda and Kyzylorda regions. In Uzbekistan, as of 2018, there were 9,235 organizations classified as NGOs, including territorial branches of political parties and trade unions.
In Tajikistan, civil society includes a wide range of participants, from local organizations to officially registered public associations. However, despite the existence of 1,723 NGOs registered with state authorities as of 2009, the government of Tajikistan continues to impose restrictions on civil society. In November 2023, it was announced that 700 NGOs had been liquidated over the past 18 months. Some NGOs were forced to close following the unrest in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) in 2022. After these events, only about 10% of the 300 registered organizations can continue their activities.
CSOs in Central Asia are leading efforts to ensure that the region’s green and just transition is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. Their initiatives expand to a wide range of critical issues, from combating air pollution to providing clean energy solutions.
Climate justice, an emerging principle within international human rights discourse, emphasizes the need for equitable and fair treatment of all individuals and communities affected by climate change. It seeks to address not only the environmental impacts but also the social, economic, and legal implications of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The legal foundations of freedom of association in Central Asian countries are essential in ensuring that NGOs and CSOs can effectively participate in these processes.
CSOs in Central Asia play a crucial role in ensuring the region’s environmentally sustainable and socially equitable transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite difficult political conditions, government restrictions and economic difficulties, NGOs continue to have a significant impact on public debate and environmental policy development. They actively inform and engage the public, promote renewable energy solutions and protect the rights of vulnerable groups. However, recent legislative changes aimed at limiting their activities pose a serious challenge to the further development of civil society and environmental and social reforms in the region, the article says.
