The program of transition to green economy has been launched in Central Asia, Asia plus reports.

To support sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the transition to green economy in Asia, the European Union (EU) SWITCH-Asia Program that was launched in 2007 has been extended to Central Asia this year.

Co-organized by the SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility, the European Commission, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, and concerned European Union Delegations, the event has brought together representatives of national governments, EU Delegations, United Nations agencies, and key stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities related to SCP and define its work plan for Central Asia’s nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) for the next three years.

The urgent need to change from unsustainable consumption and production patterns to a green economy and sustainable development is increasingly being recognized.  This shift requires adequate policies, implementation mechanisms with appropriate enabling capacity, awareness raising and education, together with innovation and responsibility.

The transition to sustainable consumption and production requires political, economic, institutional, behavioral and technological shifts.  These are made possible through a combined application of sustainable consumption and production principles, approaches and strategies.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Zulfira Zikirna, Key Expert for Central Asia, SCP Facility SWITCH-Asia Program, in particular, noted that there is a three-year system work to be done with the governments of the region within the framework of the program.  “It is already the fact that the countries have outlined the way to green economy”, - she said.

"The Qazaq Times"