The First Central Asia – European Union Summit and the Samarkand Climate Forum were held on April 4–5, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This high-level event was attended by the Presidents of the five Central Asian countries—H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakhstan), H.E. Sadyr Japarov (Kyrgyzstan), H.E. Emomali Rahmon (Tajikistan), H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedow (Turkmenistan), and H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Uzbekistan)—as well as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa.

The summit brought together international experts, policymakers, scientists, and civil society groups to address the urgent challenges of climate change and its growing impact on Central Asia. In her remarks, Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of building strong, trust-based partnerships between the European Union and Central Asia, highlighting collaboration opportunities through EU programs such as Horizon Europe and Copernicus. Leaders from Central Asia echoed the need for deeper cooperation with the EU across multiple areas, particularly in responding to the effects of climate change.

Dr. Abror Gafurov, Head of the Central Asia Water Projects within the Hydrology Section at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, was officially invited to take part in the event. Together with local partners, Dr. Gafurov presented GFZ's ongoing work in Central Asia, using the occasion as an opportunity to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen future collaborations.

GFZ has been actively involved in Central Asia Water projects since 2008, contributing to regional efforts in climate resilience, water management, and disaster risk reduction. These initiatives are implemented under the Berlin Process and the Green Central Asia Program, supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).