Central Asia stands at the forefront of climate change, grappling with escalated water stress, rising temperatures, altered weather patterns, and increasing droughts, threatening agriculture and potentially intensifying water disputes, food insecurity, migration and displacement. The region’s role as a global migration hub and its high reliance on remittances underscore the nexus between water stress, climate change and migration. Additionally, inefficient water management and dysfunctional infrastructure exacerbate the crisis, contributing to the downward spiral of ecological deterioration and disrupted rural livelihoods.

While the climate-related challenges Central Asia faces are significant, they also present a unique opportunity for transformative change and regional cooperation. The adversity brought on by climate change and water scarcity fosters innovative approaches and adaptive strategies among local communities, and the region's high mobility presents an opportunity for turning current challenges into opportunities for long-term growth and collaboration.

The conference "Beyond Borders: Central Asia in the Face of Climate Change, Water Scarcity, and Migration Challenges" aims to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to enhance understanding of the interconnected dynamics of climate change, water scarcity and migration in Central Asia.

Conference themes

The conference will address the following themes:

Theme 1: Water Scarcity, Climate Change, and Adaption in Central Asia

Theme 2: Climate Change, Conflict, Migration and Displacement

Theme 3: Migration, Resilience, and Remittances

Theme 4: Policy Pathways for a Sustainable Future

Specific conference topics

• Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change and Water Scarcity
• Climate Change Impacts on Rural and Agricultural Development
• Policy Innovations for Climate-Induced Challenges
• Climate-Related Migration Processes and Patterns
• Remittances for Resilience and Post-Disaster Investment
• Indigenous and Local Knowledge of Climate Adaptation
• Scenario Development for Climate, Water Use and Migration
• Partnerships for Climate Action, Water Security and Mitigating Displacement

The conference is organized jointly by Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) and Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO).