By Ainur Argynbekova, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Climate Change and Member of Parliament from Kazakhstan
This op-ed was originally published at European Interest.
Climate change has long been treated as a distant threat—a slow-moving crisis unfolding beyond the policy horizon. That illusion has now collapsed. It is here, already exerting a chilling effect across economies, societies, and security frameworks alike. Across the OSCE region, its impacts are no longer abstract but visible, measurable, and increasingly disruptive. From extreme heat to water stress, from wildfires to failing harvests, the impacts are no longer theoretical.
In Central Asia, the pressures are already acute: glacier-fed rivers are shrinking, water is becoming more uncertain and contested, and entire sectors—from agriculture to energy—are being reshaped in real time. These dynamics are not only environmental; they are economic and social, placing growing strain on shared resources and regional stability.
Recent global assessments make the situation harder to ignore. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the Earth’s climate is now more out of balance than ever before in recorded history. This is not just a scientific observation—it is a political and economic reality. It means greater instability, more frequent crises, and rising pressure on already fragile systems.
The implications are economic as much as environmental. Climate stress is beginning to erode productivity, strain public finances, and disrupt trade. It amplifies existing vulnerabilities, turning water shortages into food insecurity, and environmental shocks into political pressure. In the language of policy, it is a threat multiplier. In practice, it is a test of resilience.
This is why the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has placed climate change at the heart of its work. In my reports, I have stressed that we are entering a period of accelerating disruption—one that requires political courage, not incremental steps. Our Assembly has called for stronger regional co-operation, a just and realistic energy transition, and the integration of climate resilience into our security thinking.
With the right choices, the OSCE region can become a model for co-operation, for sustainable development, and for practical climate solutions.
Kazakhstan, in particular, has both experience and capacity to contribute meaningfully to this regional effort—bringing together economic transformation, environmental policy, and a commitment to international co-operation.
That is why this year’s Regional Ecological Summit in Astana comes at such an important moment. Bringing together policymakers, experts, and international partners, it offers a platform to move from discussion to action.
In this context, I am pleased to announce that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will convene a dedicated roundtable on climate change on 22 April during the Summit, bringing together parliamentarians and stakeholders to advance practical solutions at the intersection of climate, security, and sustainable development.
The participation of a high-level OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation—led by the President of the Assembly, Pere Joan Pons, the Chair of the Committee on economic affairs, science, technology and environment, Azay Guliyev, the Special Representative on Central Asia, Angelos Syrigos, and the Secretary General, Roberto Montella—will further underline the Assembly’s commitment to constructive dialogue and coordinated action.
Our goal is simple: to turn commitments into concrete action. To strengthen co-operation. And to ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard.
