Bishkek, April 23, 2026 /Kabar/. The World Bank has already invested one billion dollars in projects in Central Asia and is ready to commit another $300 million, said Valerie Hickey, Global Director for Environment at the World Bank, speaking at the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Astana, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to her, Central Asia today stands as a global leader not only in announced climate commitments but also in putting them into practice.
Valerie Hickey noted that Central Asia is leading the way, demonstrating that investments in energy, water, and nature represent an agenda of opportunity. The region's countries, she said, are not merely discussing problems but understand how to solve them and implement concrete actions. Central Asia, the speaker added, has become a coalition of states seizing opportunities to build a viable planet.
Hickey emphasized that this approach helps reduce the burden on state budgets while developing infrastructure, including in energy and water supply.
She stated that the World Bank is proud to be part of three such initiatives. The Bank has already invested $1 billion in its Central Asian projects and is pleased to invest an additional $300 million, which will help create new value chains, enhance land productivity, and protect biodiversity.