Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 3-4 June 2026 — The Fourteenth Session of the Assembly was held from 3 to 4 June 2026 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, bringing together representatives of AFoCO Parties to review major organizational updates, climate finance opportunities, project development, and institutional matters.
Advancing Access to Climate Finance
A key highlight of the session was the update on AFoCO’s accreditation as an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), approved at the 44th Meeting of the GCF Board in March 2026. The Assembly took note of the progress and encouraged the Secretariat to undertake the necessary follow-up actions. The Secretariat also briefed the Assembly on the possibility of pursuing accreditation with the Adaptation Fund. The Assembly further discussed AFoCO’s efforts to develop a pipeline of GCF projects with Parties.
Building Scalable Pathways for Blended Finance
The session also reviewed progress on AFoCO’s blended financing mechanism, including pilot project preparation, partner engagement, and the development of a Project Preparation Facility. These efforts aim to broaden AFoCO’s financing pathways and mobilize catalytic, concessional, private, and carbon-related finance for forest-based climate action.
Advancing Carbon Cooperation in Central Asia
In addition, the Assembly was briefed on the development of a Carbon Framework in the Kyrgyz Republic as a potential operational model for regional cooperation. Building on ongoing agroforestry, afforestation and reforestation, and carbon-related initiatives, the proposed framework is expected to support coordination, project preparation, investment readiness, and partnership development in Central Asia.
Expanding Regular Projects
The Secretariat also provided updates on the development of Regular Projects, including the Second Call for Project Concept Notes for 2027. The Assembly encouraged continued support for the timely development and inception of new projects aligned with the Strategic Plan 2024–2030.
Strengthening Membership Relations and Global Engagement
Under the agenda item on Membership relations and engagement with the United Nations and international conventions, the Secretariat reported on its continued cooperation with Party governments and its participation in international forest, climate, land restoration, and biodiversity processes, including the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF). AFoCO will continue working with Member Countries to enhance the visibility of their priorities and achievements in relevant global platforms, including the upcoming UNCCD COP17 to be hosted by Mongolia in August 2026.
Strengthening Country-level Cooperation with Tajikistan
As part of the Assembly, AFoCO also signed two Memoranda of Understanding with the Government of Tajikistan, further strengthening cooperation between AFoCO and its host country partner. The two MoUs cover cooperation in sustainable forestry and carbon projects, as well as the establishment of a nursery with seed storage facilities to support the mass production of quality planting materials for national afforestation targets in Tajikistan. The signing marked an important step in translating regional dialogue into practical, country-level cooperation.
Through the Fourteenth Session of the Assembly, AFoCO reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional forest cooperation, strengthening climate finance readiness, expanding project pipelines, and supporting Member Countries in addressing forest and climate challenges through practical and scalable solutions.
Following the conclusion of the Assembly and related events, participants took part in a field visit to the Monument of Ismoil Somoni, the Istiqlol Monument, and the Botanical Garden in Dushanbe, offering an opportunity to experience Tajikistan’s cultural and natural heritage.
Contributed by Ms. Yujeong Chang, Assistant Program Officer, Operations and Resource Team