On October 27 a key training seminar on the Global Methane Pledge and practical steps for its implementation in Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat in a hybrid format. The event was organized in close cooperation with the GMP Secretariat — the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), within the framework of the project ‘EU for Green Development of Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2028’, funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office, and implemented by GIZ.
The seminar brought together representatives of Turkmenistan’s state institutions, including key agencies working in the fields of energy and environmental protection.
The purpose of the seminar was to familiarize policymakers and technical experts with the practical application of the Global Methane Pledge, showcase international best practices, draw attention to available support mechanisms for methane reduction, and promote dialogue on next steps for national implementation ahead of COP30. Participants also discussed opportunities for international cooperation, including technical assistance and support mechanisms available to countries participating in the GMP.
“Reducing methane emissions is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity, especially for countries with large energy sectors such as Turkmenistan. We are pleased to see such strong engagement from our Turkmen partners. Our joint project aims to provide the necessary technical expertise and financial support to turn these climate ambitions into reality,” said Dr. Caroline Milow, Manager of the Programme ‘EU for Green Development of Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2028’.
For information: Methane is a potent yet short-lived greenhouse gas responsible for about 30% of global warming. Over a 20-year period, its impact on the climate is more than 80 times stronger than that of CO₂. However, since methane remains in the atmosphere for only about ten years, rapid reductions in its concentration can bring significant climate and health benefits in the short term.
The Global Methane Pledge was launched at COP26 in 2021 and currently brings together 159 countries and the European Commission. Turkmenistan joined the GMP at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023. The participating countries have committed to collectively reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
