Scope and topics

For the past two years, the ESTEC conferences have focused on education and science. However, with climate change reaching a critical juncture—evidenced by scientists confirming in early 2025 that global temperatures in 2024 exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels—the urgency of addressing environmental challenges has never been greater. This breach signals a rapid shift toward increasingly dangerous territory, with consequences unfolding faster than expected.

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It is especially critical for CAMCA countries because they are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including extreme weather events, water scarcity, desertification, and disruptions to agriculture and energy systems. Many economies in the region rely on climate-sensitive industries, making adaptation and sustainability essential for long-term resilience. Without immediate action, these nations risk facing severe economic, social, and environmental consequences, further exacerbating existing challenges. The CAMCA region must, therefore, take a proactive role in developing sustainable policies, fostering climate innovation, and strengthening regional cooperation to mitigate these growing threats.

The expert roundtable aims to facilitate a dynamic, solution-oriented discussion on the socio-economic and policy responses to climate change in the CAMCA region. Key objectives include:

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• Assessing the regional impact of the 1.5°C global warming threshold on natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic stability.

• Analyzing policy responses at national and regional levels, identifying best practices and gaps in governance.

• Exploring economic adaptation strategies, including the role of green technologies, sustainable industries, and financial mechanisms for climate resilience.

• Strengthening regional collaboration in climate governance, trade, and cross-border environmental initiatives.

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Format of the Roundtable

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​Unlike traditional conferences, ESTEC 2025 emphasizes active, critical discussions centered around the most pressing climate-related questions. This roundtable will follow an interactive and Socratic discussion format, fostering deep engagement and debate among participants.

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Key Features of the Format:

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• Short, Impactful Presentations: Registered speakers will have 5 minutes to present their key arguments, supported by slides, visuals, or other materials. Presentations should focus strictly on essential insights rather than exhaustive data.

• Socratic-Style Discussion: After the initial presentations, the session will transition into a moderated dialogue where participants critically engage with each other's arguments, offering diverse perspectives and challenging assumptions.

• In-Person Participation: This event will be conducted exclusively in person. Online presentations will not be possible.

• English as the Working Language: No interpretation services will be provided.

• Networking and Refreshments: Informal networking opportunities and refreshments will be available throughout the event, encouraging further discussions and collaborations.​

Key Themes (critical questions to discuss)

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1. Policy and Governance in a Warming World

   • Is the CAMCA region ready for the extreme weather and resource crises coming with +1.5°C?

   • What bold policy changes must governments make now to avoid climate disaster?

   • Can regional cooperation be the game-changer in tackling climate risks? If so, how?

2. Economic Transformation and Green Growth

   • Will CAMCA’s economies survive the global shift away from fossil fuels?

   • How can climate action create jobs and new industries instead of just risks and costs?

   • Who should pay for climate adaptation—governments, businesses, or global institutions?

3. Building Resilience: Technology and Innovation

   • Can AI and technology help CAMCA adapt, or is it just hype?

   • Are universities and schools doing enough to prepare future leaders for a climate-altered world?

   • How can cities and rural areas build infrastructure that survives a hotter, drier, and stormier future?

4. Building a Climate-Conscious Society

   • How do we make climate action a personal priority for people in CAMCA, not just a government issue?

   • What’s the best way to counter climate skepticism and conspiracy theories in the region?

   • Can social movements, youth activism, and local communities drive real climate change, or is policy the only way?

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Submission Guidelines:

Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words, written in English.

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Review Process:

Each abstract will undergo a peer review by the conference committee. Selection will be based on relevance to the theme, originality, and potential contribution to the field.

Important Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: May 25, 2025 

Notification of Acceptance by: June 1, 2025

General attendee registration deadline: June 1, 2025 

Final program sent to participants: June 5, 2025

Conference Date: June 17, 2025 

Conference Registration Fee: Free for both speakers and attendees (registration required)

Contact Information:

For any inquiries, please contact the Conference chair

Prof. Murad Ismailov (CAMCA Academic Consortium) at murod.m.ismailov@gmail.com

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Organizers and Partners