On September 20, 2025, the Kazakh-German University (DKU) successfully hosted the 5th Silk Road of Knowledge International Conference in a hybrid format. The event brought together over 160 participants from seven countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Germany.
The conference was held within the framework of the Regional Programme *Green Central Asia, Phase II’ and centered on the theme: Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in an Era of Social-Ecological Uncertainties.
Since its launch in 2020, the Silk Road of Knowledge has established itself as a respected platform for dialogue and cooperation among policymakers, scientists, practitioners, and civil society. The 2025 edition continued this tradition by addressing pressing regional and global challenges, including climate change adaptation, water management, energy security, and sustainable urban development.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Caroline Milow, Programme Manager, GIZ, and Dr. Wolrad Rommel, President of the Kazakh-German University. Both highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking, regional collaboration, and the active engagement of youth and women in climate action.
Six thematic sessions were organized in parallel, led by prominent international and regional institutions:
– Glacier monitoring and modeling in Central Asia in times of climate change – GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geocsiences
-Gender and climate change in Central Asia – Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
– Innovative approaches in hydrological forecasting in Central Asia – GFZ
-Interactive online platforms for climate change education – PIK
-Empowering drought resilience in Central Asia: hands-on training on the Droughtmap-ASB Tool – Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
-Urban climate resilience: sustainable planning for cities – Kazakh-German University
Outcomes and Next Steps
– Participants stressed the urgent need for regional cooperation on data exchange, early-warning systems, and joint adaptation strategies.
– The conference highlighted success stories and innovative tools in glacier monitoring, drought management, and sustainable urban planning.
– Key outcomes will be shared through the Silk Road of Knowledge website and partner networks.
