Copyright daryo
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) have successfully completed their joint regional project aimed at enhancing the skills and collaboration of energy specialists across Central Asia. The final module of the project, “Supporting Sustainable Energy Development in Central Asia by Expanding Subregional and Cross-Country Cooperation through the Exchange of Competencies and Knowledge,” was completed on October 16, marking the culmination of a six-month initiative launched on April 14, 2025. The project, financed by UNESCAP and the EDB Technical Assistance Fund, forms part of the EDB’s flagship Central Asian Water and Energy Complex — one of the Bank’s three strategic mega-projects under its 2022–2026 Strategy. The program consisted of seven intensive modules held between April and October. Its main goal was to strengthen the professional competencies of dispatch and operations personnel, improve the reliability of power system management, and foster closer cooperation among the energy systems of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. A total of 164 specialists from major national energy companies and organizations took part, including: “KEGOC” (Kazakhstan)“National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan”State Unitary Enterprise “National Dispatch Centre” (Uzbekistan)“Barqi Tojik” (Tajikistan)Turkmenenergo State Power Plant (Turkmenistan)Coordination and Dispatch Centre Energia Participants engaged in lectures, case studies, and practical sessions on digitalization, monitoring systems, and ensuring the stability and reliability of power grids. The training also facilitated discussions on shared challenges and technological innovations shaping the region’s energy sector. Feedback from attendees reflected the program’s practical impact. Many participants noted that the course broadened their understanding of control systems and process monitoring, offering valuable insights into how other countries approach similar challenges. Others emphasized the program’s relevance, saying it helped them refresh their knowledge and discover new ideas to apply in their daily operations. Participants also highlighted the importance of such regional exchanges, describing them as vital for the coordinated and professional management of Central Asia’s interconnected power systems. Following the project’s completion, EDB representatives met with Hongpeng Liu, Director of the ESCAP Energy Division to review outcomes and discuss further cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2024. Both sides expressed a commitment to continue joint technical assistance projects in 2026, focusing on capacity building in energy, water, and infrastructure management across EDB member states. The EDB is a multilateral development institution investing in projects that promote regional integration and sustainable growth across its member countries. As of July 2025, the EDB’s portfolio included 319 projects worth $19.1bn, with a focus on transport, digital systems, green energy, and manufacturing. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), headquartered in Bangkok, is the UN’s regional development arm for the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1947, ESCAP promotes cooperation among its 53 member states in areas such as energy, environment, trade, and transport.
