A key training workshop on the implementation of the Global Methane Commitment (GMP) in Turkmenistan took place in Ashgabat on October 27.

The workshop, held in a hybrid format, was organized by GIZ in close cooperation with the GMP Secretariat—the Coalition for Climate and Clean Air (CCAC), an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—as part of the project "EU for Green Development in Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2028," funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office.

The Global Methane Commitment (GMP) 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. GMP participants commit to taking collective action to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 (compared to 2020 levels).

The workshop was attended by representatives of Turkmenistan's government agencies, as well as key agencies working in the energy and environmental sectors.

The goal of the workshop is to familiarize policymakers and technical experts in Turkmenistan with the practical application of GMP, showcase international best practices, highlight support for methane emissions reduction, and facilitate dialogue on next steps for national implementation in the lead-up to COP30.

Participants also explored opportunities for international cooperation, including technical assistance and support mechanisms available to countries participating in the Global Methane Program.

"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 interest from our Turkmen partners," noted Dr. Karolina Milow, Programme Manager for the "EU for Green Turkmenistan: Political Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2028" programme.

She also emphasized: "Our joint EU for Green Turkmenistan project aims to provide the necessary technical expertise and financial support to ensure these climate ambitions are successfully implemented."