ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 23 April 2026 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, announced a new partnership to help strengthen climate-resilient health systems across Central Asia and address the impact of climate change on sexual and reproductive health. The announcement was made today in the margins of the Regional Ecological Summit held this week in Astana.

The new partnership, which will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding later this year, will enhance cooperation in addressing the growing intersection between climate change and health and ensure health infrastructures can withstand extreme weather events and provide continuous and accessible health care during climate shocks. This will include, for example, retrofitting health facilities, building the capacity of health personnel and  strengthening supply chains. The partnership is expected to initially focus on the Kyrgyz Republic, where the government has expressed strong interest in strengthening the resilience of health systems and infrastructure to climate change, including through the response of emergency medical centers.

Speaking at the Regional Ecological Summit, representatives from both organizations emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to deliver integrated, cross-sectoral solutions that address climate and health challenges, including sexual and reproductive health. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to advance our collaboration with GGGI in Central Asia to build a more resilient future where green growth and social well-being go hand-in-hand. Together, we will ensure that climate action in the region is inclusive, sustainable, rights-based and empowers the people we serve, particularly women and girls,” said Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 

“This important partnership with UNFPA represents a meaningful step toward bridging the health-climate gap in Central Asia. GGGI and UNFPA, drawing on each other’s mutual strengths, will support Central Asian governments and communities to respond to the growing health vulnerabilities as the impacts of climate change continue to evolve. People are at the heart of green growth and climate resilience – without supporting their health, safety and well-being, no  green transition can be fully realized,” said Dr. Malle Fofana, GGGI Director for Asia and Deputy Executive Director, OIC.

The partnership is expected to accelerate joint efforts in mobilizing technical expertise and financing for sustainable, low-carbon, and climate resilient health systems and infrastructure.