At the Samarkand Investment Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), stressed the critical necessity for a green transition in Central Asia. She highlighted the region's vulnerability to the climate crisis, with challenges like rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and shrinking river flows jeopardizing energy security and livelihoods. Renaud-Basso framed this environmental crisis as an opportunity for growth, emphasizing the benefits of investing in green technologies and a green economy. She noted that such investments create jobs, attract capital, enhance competitiveness, and foster economic resilience. The EBRD has been actively involved in supporting green initiatives in Central Asia. Notable projects include improving water management in the Kyrgyz Republic, financing renewable energy projects in Uzbekistan, constructing the region's first green hydrogen facility, and facilitating competitive auctions for renewable energy capacity in Kazakhstan. In addition to financial support, Renaud-Basso stressed the importance of collaboration through country platforms. These platforms, by uniting governments, private sectors, financiers, and other stakeholders, can align efforts, provide regulatory support, and mobilize resources effectively for climate action. The EBRD has successfully implemented country platforms in several countries and is exploring this model in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Renaud-Basso expressed optimism about the potential of this collaborative approach to drive sustainable development in Central Asia.