International experts will meet in Astana, Kazakhstan, in September to discuss environmental issues in Central Asia, officials said Thursday.

The Kazakh Ministry of Environmental Protection said in a statement that the "Environment for Europe" Ministerial Conference, scheduled for Sept. 21-23, will focus on two main themes: sustainable management of water and water-related ecosystems, and greening the economy.

The "Environment for Europe" process is a platform for stakeholders to join hands in addressing environmental priorities across the UNECE region.

The UNECE was set up in 1947 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to promote pan-European economic integration. It also covers such areas as energy, environment, population and transportation.