Experts meet in Dushanbe to advance sustainable livestock development in the region

The Fourth Multistakeholder Regional Meeting of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL) came to a close today in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, bringing together livestock sector leaders and experts from across Central Asia, as well as participants from Azerbaijan and Türkiye. The event was jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the GASL.

Over the course of the three-day event, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the future of sustainable livestock systems. National presentations showcased how countries across the region are strengthening multistakeholder collaboration to build more inclusive and effective livestock policies. Experts also examined livestock-related developments from the recent 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, reflecting on the global commitments and climate priorities that will influence the livestock sector in Central Asia. Another key focus was the upcoming International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, with participants emphasizing the importance of healthy rangelands, pastoralist livelihoods and coordinated regional action.

The agenda further highlighted opportunities for increased investment in sustainable livestock systems, including the use of science-based assessment tools such as those developed by the Livestock Environmental Assessment Partnership. Presentations from FAO and international partners explored investment mechanisms and ongoing initiatives supported by the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility, alongside examples of innovative approaches from across the region. 

“Central Asia relies heavily on its livestock sector,” said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan. “By collaborating and investing strategically, we can safeguard our rangelands, empower pastoralist communities and build a more resilient future. This forum helped align our priorities and reinforce our shared regional vision.”

The participants – government representatives, researchers and specialists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – demonstrated a strong regional commitment to advancing sustainable livestock development.

“Sustainable livestock systems are indispensable for ensuring food security, climate resilience and viable rural livelihoods,” said Rajabov Najbuddin, Deputy Director of the Institute on Livestock and Pastures of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan. “This meeting has strengthened our collective commitment to finding solutions that benefit both people and the planet.”

As part of the programme, participants joined a field trip to the Republican Center of Livestock Biotechnology of the Institute for Livestock Production and Pastures of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Biocentre) and Latif Murodov’s farm, a local dairy enterprise specializing in milk production. There, they observed practical examples of livestock management, pasture restoration and smallholder innovation. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to connect technical discussions and real-world practices, highlighting the integration of modern approaches and traditional knowledge in supporting sustainable livestock production in Tajikistan.

“Multistakeholder dialogue is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing the livestock sector and for developing solutions that are both inclusive and effective,” said GASL Chair Hsin Huang. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Yuriy Nesterov and the organizing team for providing this invaluable platform to foster collaboration and shared learning among all stakeholders.”

The meeting concluded with participating countries renewing their commitment to strengthening evidence-based policymaking, enhancing regional collaboration and increasing investment in resilient livestock systems that align with global sustainability goals. The insights and recommendations arising from these discussions will inform future regional initiatives and encourage coordinated action across Central Asia.