Climate, Peace and Security in Central Asia: A dialogue on water-related regional risks, practical entry points and cooperation pathways
When: 5 October 2026, 09:30-16:30 CEST
Where: adelphi global
Format: Workshop
Hosted by adelphi global and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC)
by invitation only
Central Asia and neighbouring countries form a diverse and resource-rich region of high mountains, fertile valleys, drylands, river basins and strategic trade corridors. The region holds significant potential for regional connectivity, sustainable energy, agricultural development and shared prosperity. At the same time, rising temperatures, glacier retreat, desertification, droughts, floods and shifting river flows are placing growing pressure on livelihoods, food security, infrastructure and human mobility. Water sits at the centre of many of these dynamics. Transboundary river systems connect upstream and downstream countries, creating strong incentives for cooperation but also potential tensions around infrastructure development, seasonal water availability, irrigation needs, energy production and existing water-sharing arrangements.
This event will bring together practitioners, regional experts, UN colleagues and partners to reflect on water-related risks to security in the region, practical entry points for programming and regional cooperation, and what the Central Asia and broader regional context can contribute to the wider Climate, Peace and Security agenda. The discussion will move from diagnosis to action, exploring the questions:
- What are the most urgent water-related security risks in the region?
- Where can water, energy and environmental cooperation serve as entry points for dialogue?
- What practical role can the UN and partners play in supporting preventive diplomacy, programming and regional cooperation?