RU
2026
Prospects for the Transformation of Labor Markets in Central Asia in the Era of the Green Transition: Challenges and Opportunities”
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED)
In the context of the global green transition, the sustainability of Central Asian labor markets increasingly depends on the ability of the region’s states to integrate into the emerging geo-economy of green development, while simultaneously maintaining social stability, sovereignty over human resources, and control over strategic areas of modernization. The concept of a “just transition” serves as a key framework for reconciling climate goals, economic development, and the state’s social responsibility toward its citizens.
Goal:
To develop a comprehensive, evidence-based, and practically oriented understanding of the transformation of labor markets in Central Asian countries in the context of the global green transition, with a focus on identifying employment-related risks and opportunities, fostering human capital development, and formulating approaches for implementing the principles of a just transition in the region.

Tasks:

  • Analyze the impact of the green transition and climate policies on employment structures and labor markets in Central Asian countries.
    1
  • Identify key socio-economic risks associated with job losses in traditional energy- and resource-intensive sectors.
    2
  • Assess the potential for creating new employment opportunities in green economy sectors, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and digital and environmental technologies.
    3
  • Examine the transformation of education systems, vocational training, and workforce reskilling in the context of the emerging green labor market.
    4
  • Analyze the influence of global geoeconomic and geopolitical processes on human resources development strategies in the countries of the region.
    5
  • Develop expert recommendations for adapting the principles of a just transition to the socio-economic specificities of Central Asian countries.
    6
  • Establish a platform for dialogue among representatives of academia, government authorities, civil society, business, and educational institutions.
    7

The main activities:

Within the framework of the project "Prospects for the Transformation of Labor Markets in Central Asia in the Era of the Green Transition: Challenges and Opportunities" an international conference will be organized featuring leading experts from Central Asian and other countries; two master classes will be held for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students at UWED, featuring leading experts on the relevant topics; an international roundtable will be organized; and conference materials will be compiled and edited in Russian for submission to RLS for further publication and distribution.

  • Organization of an international conference on “Prospects for the Transformation of Labor Markets in Central Asia in the Era of the Green Transition: Challenges and Opportunities” (UWED, Tashkent, August 25–26, 2026), attended by leading experts from Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, China, India, and Germany;

  • Conducting two master classes for UWED undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students: (1) “European Experience with the ‘Just Transition’ and Opportunities for Its Application in Central Asia” (UWED, August 26, 2026). Trainer: Iryna Ponedelnik, Coordinator, CAN EECCA (Germany); (2) “The Transformation of China’s Manufacturing Industry and Vocational Education” (UWED, August 26, 2026). Trainer: Dr. Sun Zhongwei, Professor at South China Normal University (Guangzhou, China);

  • Organization of a regional roundtable on “Green Jobs as a Response to Water and Climate Challenges in Central Asia” (UWED, Tashkent, September 25, 2026);

  • Preparation for the publication of conference and roundtable materials, including participants’ presentations as well as articles by students and doctoral candidates;

  • Promotion of the conference and roundtable outcomes in the media and among the expert community.

Roundtable programs