Conclusion of the Eighth CAREC Think Tank Development Forum
Almaty, Kazakhstan, August 28, 2024 — The Eighth CAREC Think Tank Development Forum successfully concluded today, bringing together a diverse array of experts, policymakers, and academics from across the CAREC region and beyond. The second day of the forum centered on critical issues at the intersection of climate finance, institutional growth, and financial sustainability for think tanks, especially in the context of navigating the complex political and business landscapes of the region.
In-Depth Discussions on Climate Finance and Institutional Growth
The forum featured several impactful sessions, including a highly anticipated discussion on Fixing Climate Finance, which underscored the urgent need for substantial and sustained investments to support effective climate action. Speakers emphasized the significant gap between global commitments and actual disbursements, highlighting the severe challenges this disparity poses for developing nations, particularly within the CAREC region.
Key discussions focused on creating a conducive policy environment that incentivizes private sector engagement in climate initiatives. Presentations underscored the critical role of all stakeholders—governments, regulators, multilateral development banks (MDBs), and private finance entities—in mobilizing the necessary resources to address the climate challenge. Representatives from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Impact Hub Asia-Pacific shared valuable insights on bridging the sustainable finance gap, fostering transition finance, addressing Central Asia’s pressing water and sanitation infrastructure needs, and financing innovations for startups and green technologies in the CAREC region.
Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, Deputy Director Two of the CAREC Institute, moderated the session on CAREC Think Tank Voices, which explored the unique challenges and opportunities that think tanks face in achieving financial sustainability and fostering institutional growth. Panelists, including representatives from various CAREC think tanks, discussed strategies for navigating political and business environments while maintaining independence and effectively engaging with key stakeholders.
CTTN Progress and Future Directions
In the CTTN Progress session, Dr. Hans Holzhacker, Chief Economist at the CAREC Institute, detailed several key achievements in 2024. These include the development of five research papers under the CTTN Research Grants program, the launch of the CTTN Talk Series with insights from regional think tanks, and the reactivation of the CTTN blog as a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing. The CAREC Institute also established 23 MoU partnerships, strengthening collaboration across the region. Additionally, ongoing networking efforts and the formation of research alliances on climate change, trade, and connectivity were highlighted, along with strategic insights for future CAREC and CAREC Institute initiatives.
Commitment to Climate Action and Institutional Collaboration
The forum concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Jingjing Huang, Deputy Director One of the CAREC Institute, who expressed gratitude for the rich discussions and insights shared over the two days. Dr. Huang reiterated the CAREC Institute’s commitment to addressing climate change and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among think tanks, academic institutions, and other stakeholders in the region.
As the forum draws to a close, the CAREC Institute looks forward to furthering these discussions at the upcoming 4th CAREC Institute Annual Research Conference, scheduled to be held from August 29 to 30, 2024, at KIMEP University in Almaty. This event will bring together academic researchers from across the CAREC region and beyond, fostering a deeper exploration of these critical topics.