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02 October 2024
Renovated medical facility put into operation in Parahatchylyk village of Akhal province to provide long-term quality medical services to Afghan and local communities
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26 September 2024
Turkmenistan Youth Engage in #YouthLead for the Future Watch Parties
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16 September 2024
Youth of Turkmenistan Take Climate Action: National Conference Prepares for COY19 and COP29
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Turkmenistan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Turkmenistan:
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04 October 2024
Renovated medical facility put into operation in Parahatchylyk village of Akhal province to provide long-term quality medical services to Afghan and local communities
October 2, 2024, Ashgabat. A medical facility was inaugurated in Parahatchylyk village of Akhal velayat following the renovation and re-equipped with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Turkmenistan for provision of long-term quality medical services to the village residents totaling about one thousand people, including the Afghan community living in the village. The opening ceremony, coinciding with celebrations of Turkmenistan's Independence Day, was attended by local representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, the velayat administration, villagers and representatives of the Afghan community. Other than renovation of rooms for gynaecological, immunization and therapeutic services, the medical facility also got two additional rooms for general medical consultation. All rooms were equipped with relevant medical devices, computer equipment and furniture. The renovation of the medical facility and technical supervision was carried out by a national construction company and a national expert. 18 Afghan and 4 local community representatives were also contracted for the renovation works. As was noted by the ceremony participants, the renovation of the medical facility in Parahatchylyk village is evidence of the successful cooperation between IOM and national partners in expanding the socio-economic opportunities of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, and strengthening the social cohesion of local communities and Afghan nationals residing there to ensure long-term sustainable development at the local level. The renovation of the medical facility in the village of Parahatchylyk is one of the components of IOM’s three-year regional project “Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries”. The project successfully operates a Mobile Resource Center, which to date has provided medical services and legal consultations to over 4,000 beneficiaries from the Afghan and local communities living in the villages of Akhal and Lebap provinces. In addition, the project supported the provision of vocational training in sewing to 50 women from the Afghan and local communities at the Vocational School of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan in Mary, 17 of whom have by now managed to establish their own businesses.The project is implemented with direct involvement of representatives of the Afghan and local communities in Akhal and Lebap provinces and close cooperation with local authorities and non-governmental organizations. IOM Contact Person in Turkmenistan:Dovlet Chariyev, Project Associate tel.: +99365708755, e-mail: dchariyev@iom.int
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18 September 2024
Youth of Turkmenistan Take Climate Action: National Conference Prepares for COY19 and COP29
September 16, 2024, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - the Government of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, the UN Development Program (UNDP), the Embassies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates in Turkmenistan, and supported by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), hosted the National Conference of Youth on Climate Change. This event held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and brought together young participants from across the region to discuss environmental issues and explore opportunities for youth involvement in climate action. The conference was attended by guests of honor: Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Gismet Fizuli oglu Gezalov, British Ambassador in Turkmenistan Mr. Stephen Conlon, Ambassador of the UAE Mr. Ahmed Al Hameli, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, Director of the EU for Green Turkmenistan Program Ms. Caroline Milow; young people aged 17 to 35, young SDG Ambassadors, eco-activists, as well as representatives of UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, European Union, GIZ and specialists from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The Conference of Youth on Climate Change, attended by more than 700 young people from all over Turkmenistan, was held ahead of the 19th Conference of Youth (COY19) and the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference aimed to raise awareness among younger generations about climate change, its impact on socio-economic development, environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and to develop common approaches to implement innovative solutions that promote climate change adaptation and mitigation. This year the conference has further expanded its scope. Regional meetings were held in the cities of Dashoguz, Balkanabat, Mary, Turkmenabat and Bezmein, thereby covering all 5 velayats of Turkmenistan. Young SDG Ambassadors and eco-activists interacted with youth from these cities, facilitating the exchange of ideas and providing the opportunity for the most active participants to show their projects at the final conference.After the opening ceremony, where the youth were welcomed by the honorable guests of the Conference, the first session commenced with a presentation by the Ozone Center representative on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Then youth representatives presented the results of the conferences held in the velayats. During the second session, the participants divided into working groups, each of which discussed different aspects of environmental challenges and possible ways to address them. Key topics of discussion included the sustainable management of natural resources in the Turkmen region of the Caspian and Aral Seas in the context of climate change, sustainable water management in agriculture, the role of IT technologies in addressing climate change, the benefits of renewable energy sources, air quality, ozone layer protection and environmental education. Experts and facilitators led the discussions, outlining the objectives and expected outcomes of each session. Following the discussions, each group prepared their proposals for inclusion in the preliminary version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement. At the final session, the leaders of each working group presented their proposals, which were included in the preliminary version of the Youth Roadmap for Climate Action. These proposals will be included in the final version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement, which will be presented at COY19 and then at COP29.The conference served as a vital platform to empower Turkmenistan's youth, foster dialogue and equip the next generation of climate leaders with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact. The final Youth Climate Statement will reflect the collective vision of Turkmen youth and contribute to the broader UNFCCC processes, emphasizing their commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient future. The Conference of Youth (COY) is an annual event that brings together young people from across the globe to engage in climate action discussions. COY19 will serve as a preparatory platform for youth engagement ahead of COP29, the pivotal UN conference dedicated to global climate change solutions. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) serves as the international framework for addressing climate change, and the Conference of the Parties (COP) is its highest decision-making body.
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16 August 2024
“With citizenship, I will feel complete.”
By Mariko Hall, UNHCR External Relations Officer, with Balzhan Oshakbayeva, Protection AssociateFor most of her life, Anna thought she was a citizen of Russia. Since moving to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in the early 90s when she was five years old, she would tell people that she was a Russian citizen. It wasn't until recent years, when her and her mother visited the Russian embassy, that documents were uncovered stating she was, in fact, not a citizen at all. Suddenly Anna understood that not only was she not a citizen of Russia, but she was not considered a citizen of any country in the world – she was stateless. “I was so lost when I heard that I’m not a citizen,” says Anna. Inter-generational impacts of statelessnessWhen Anna came to the newly independent Turkmenistan as a child, she was enrolled in kindergarten, and went on to complete primary school and high school in Ashgabat. She learnt Turkmen language and settled into her new home, while still believing herself to be a citizen of Russia. Even when her birth certificate was lost, and she faced challenges as an adult because of her lack of identity documents, she was not too concerned. Anna worked unofficially, first as a waitress until she was 25 years old, and then doing private jobs such as cleaning. “I had issues because I didn’t have citizenship documents, but I didn’t pay serious attention to them,” says Anna. “I only started to pay attention when I had children.” When Anna's two children were born, they could not be registered because she did not have any documents to prove her identity or nationality. Anna’s two children were then stateless too. Statelessness in TurkmenistanA stateless person is not considered as a national by any country. As of mid-2023, there were 3,351 reported stateless people in Turkmenistan. Most are ex-citizens of the former Soviet Union, or their descendants, who have not yet acquired or confirmed citizenship of Turkmenistan. Others are born stateless or became stateless due to gaps in nationality laws, international migration, and mixed marriages.Turkmenistan hosts documented stateless people, as well as stateless people who do not have documents – so-called ‘people with undetermined nationality’. With no proof of having a nationality or any legal status, people with undetermined nationality have difficulty accessing basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of movement. They may be unable to register marriage, or – like with Anna – the birth of their children. Documented stateless people in Turkmenistan are issued with a ‘Stateless person’s certificate’ from the government, enabling them to stay in the country, and access legal employment, public services and healthcare. Turkmenistan also practises the ‘propiska’ system, inherited from the Soviet era, requiring every adult and household to prove ownership of a place of permanent residence to be able to access employment, social benefits (such as maternity and child support, and pension payments), free health care and education for children. Stateless people in Turkmenistan, however, cannot get propiska. “I’m tired of this situation,” says Anna. “I just want official, decent work, with official payment.”As they were born in Turkmenistan, Anna's children were eventually confirmed as citizens based on the expired USSR passport of their grandmother. Even so, without his mother’s ‘propiska’, 16-year-old Dmitriy cannot complete his mandatory military service, obtain a passport, or pursue higher education.Ending statelessness by 2024Since the launch of the 10-year global #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness, Turkmenistan, supported by UNHCR, has made great process in reducing and preventing statelessness, documenting the citizenship of more than 13,000 people. Turkmenistan is the only country in Central Asia that has already acceded to the two UN Conventions on Statelessness.In 2020, Turkmenistan introduced a law on Civil Status Acts ensuring all children born in the country can be registered at birth, including those with undocumented parents. In 2021, Turkmenistan adopted Statelessness Determination Procedures.These improvements in legislation have enabled Anna to be documented as a stateless person. With her Stateless Person’s certificate, Anna has been able to apply for citizenship of Turkmenistan, which – as per Turkmenistan’s National Action Plan to End Statelessness – she should obtain later this year. “With citizenship, I will feel complete,” says Anna. “I will feel like a full-fledged person, a member of society.”
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13 August 2024
Youth Day Celebrated with the Documentary Film Screening Event on SDGs
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – August 13, 2024 – In a celebration of Youth Day, the Documentary Film Screening event was held to engage young people in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event, which took place at the UN House in Ashgabat, provided a platform for youth to explore the significance of the SDGs and their role in shaping a sustainable future. The highlight of the event was the screening of the film "The Agreement", a compelling 45-minute documentary film recently unveiled by the UN Office for Partnerships during the SDG Summit. The UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko hosted this exclusive screening. Independent film, known for its blend of drama, suspense, and an insightful storyline, delves into the creation of the SDGs, offering viewers a deeper understanding of how these goals were established and their impact on the world. The event was well-received, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the film's powerful message and the opportunity to engage in discussions about the SDGs.Following the screening, a lively discussion was held, where participants reflected on the themes presented in the film and shared their thoughts on how they can contribute to achieving the SDGs. The discussion highlighted the importance of youth involvement in global development efforts and underscored the role of the SDGs as common ambitions for all people across the globe. "The film "The Agreement" provides an insightful and comprehensive examination of the complex process behind establishing the SDGs. These goals, which serve as a global blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future, are central to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice. The film not only captures the intricacies of the negotiations and agreements that led to the establishment of the SDGs but also emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in achieving these ambitious targets." Servi, young SDG Ambassador said.The event fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility towards building a better and more sustainable world. It was a fitting celebration of Youth Day, emphasizing the critical role that youth play in advancing the SDGs.
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09 July 2024
Guterres commends Turkmenistan’s ‘policy of neutrality’ amid troubled times
Cooperation between the United Nations and Turkmenistan, and regional developments in Central Asia, were the focus of a meeting between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held in the capital, Ashgabat, on Saturday.The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation to Turkmenistan for hosting the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat, and commended Turkmenistan’s generosity in granting citizenship to stateless people.He also thanked the President for providing the UN Country Team with a new building.Regional challengesLater at a press encounter, Mr. Guterres told journalists that “Turkmenistan is playing a very important role in international relations”, particularly in cooperation with the UN.“In these troubled times, I commend Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality,” he said.The Secretary-General is on an official visit to Central Asia, which covers Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.Mr. Guterres last visited the region seven years ago. Since then it has been affected by numerous global challenges, he said, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions and the intensifying climate crisis.He was encouraged that relations between Central Asian countries have improved in the face of these challenges, and regional cooperation has deepened, again highlighting the important role played by Turkmenistan.He said the region continues to face many obstacles to development, including water shortages, land degradation, natural hazards, and a lack of adequate connectivity. “The solutions are interlinked and can be found through dialogue and cooperation, and Turkmenistan plays a central role in that cooperation,” he said.UN commitmentThe Secretary-General noted that the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy demonstrates the Organization’s commitment to Central Asia.“With the engagement of all five Central Asian countries, the Regional Centre will continue to provide a forum for coming together around common solutions, especially on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia and the management of natural resources to the benefit of all,” he said.Climate action and sustainable developmentThe Secretary-General also used the opportunity to highlight how like other countries across Central Asia, Turkmenistan is suffering the impacts of the intensifying climate crisis.He stressed the need for “far more ambitious climate action and cuts in emissions if the world is to stay within 1.5 degrees of global heating.”Mr. Guterres further noted that Turkmenistan has made “important strides” towards achieving a number of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the UN Country Team is engaged with the Government in identifying gaps and risks.“Sustainable, inclusive development can be enormously enhanced by respect for the full spectrum of human rights – economic, social, political, cultural and civic,” he added.In this regard, the Secretary-General encouraged Turkmenistan to continue engaging with UN human rights mechanisms and recommendations. ***As part of the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Turkmenistan, on July 6, 2024, a document signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with participation of the heads of UN Agencies and the national ministries and departments.The event saw the signing of several important documents aimed at strengthening the cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN in various sectors. A joint program document titled " Strengthening of integrated and coordinated employment and social protection systems for just transitions" was signed by the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, and the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan, Mr. Muhammetseyit Sylapov. The joint program document will be submitted to the UN’s Joint SDG Fund for funding. Additionally, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Tomica Paovic signed three project documents - "Strengthening National Capacity for Seismic Risk Assessment, Prevention, and Response to Potential Earthquakes"; “Capacity Building for the Central Commission for Holding Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan” and “Enhancing the Capacity of the Board of Lawyers in Turkmenistan in Ensuring Human Rights” - with the national partners, namely: Institute of Seismology and Atmospheric Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, Central Election Commission, and Bar Association.
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Press Release
30 September 2024
Turkmenistan Youth Engage in #YouthLead for the Future Watch Parties
In this spirit, The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Turkmenistan hosted the #YouthLead for the Future Watch Parties, which will allow the young people to actively participate in the Youth Action Days and related side events. The event aimed to discuss on key topics and an opportunity to connect with fellow youth leaders from around the world, inspire young people to think about their role in building a sustainable and inclusive future. Young participants aged 13-24 took part in the event, engaging in discussions. The UN RCO team shared their knowledge on topics like youth leadership, job opportunities, and sustainable development, while the youth expressed their views and ideas on how they can contribute to positive change in their communities. #YouthLead watch parties are global events designed to connect young people and promote conversations about leadership and social impact. These events help youth understand how they can take action on challenges such as climate change, gender equality, and employment, while working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This watch party provided a valuable platform for youth in Turkmenistan to learn, connect, and get inspired to take part in future initiatives. The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office is committed to continuing its efforts to support youth-led projects and further engage young people in shaping a brighter future.
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Press Release
17 September 2024
Eco-initiatives of Bezmein youth for a sustainable future
The conference was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Gismet Fizuli oglu Gezalov, the British Ambassador Mr. Stephen Conlon, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, young SDG Ambassadors, eco-activists, youth aged 17 to 35, as well as representatives of UNDP, embassies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Great Britain in Turkmenistan and representatives of national ministries and departments. The conference started with welcoming remarks, followed by the first session in the hall. During this session, the young SDG Ambassadors presented the results of previous conferences, sharing their experience and achievements, suggestions for improving the environmental situation. In the second session, all participants were divided into working groups, where experts and facilitators explained to the participants the objectives and expected results of the meeting. Then important topics such as the implementation of innovative technologies in Arkadag City, the impact of transportation infrastructure on climate change and sustainable development technologies in the transportation sector, innovative engineering solutions to reduce carbon footprint were discussed. At the end of the second session, each working group prepared their proposals for solving the tasks, which will be combined into a preliminary version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement. In the final session, the leaders of each working group presented the results of their work and proposals for inclusion of the discussed actions in the Roadmap of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement.The conference was an important step towards involving Turkmen youth in addressing climate change and developing sustainable solutions for the future of the country.
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Press Release
12 September 2024
Youth conference in Turkmenabat: Contribution of youth to climate change issues
The conference brought together young people from all over Lebap velayat to discuss current environmental issues and find ways for youth to actively participate in solving problems related to climate change. The Conference was attended by the British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Mr. Stephen Conlon, young SDG Ambassadors, eco-activists, young people aged 17 to 35, as well as representatives UNDP, the British Embassy and specialists from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.The conference began with welcoming remarks, followed by the first session, in which representative of the UNDP presented the UN's role in combating climate change, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation on this issue. Young SDG Ambassadors presented the results of previous conferences, sharing their findings and proposals for improving the environmental situation.At the second session, participants were divided into working groups that held thematic discussions on main areas such as: the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems of Lebap velayat in the context of climate change and the impact of the Aral crisis, environmental education and sustainable development programs, development of programs to increase environmental awareness of students and the role of teachers in the formation of environmental values.Experts and coordinators of the working groups explained the goals and expected results of the discussions to develop proposals that will be included in the preliminary version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement.During the final session, group leaders presented the results of their discussions, proposing actions and initiatives to be included in the Roadmap of the Youth Statement from Turkmenistan aimed at strengthening on climate change issues. The Conference of Youth on Climate Change in Turkmenabat became a significant platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of ecology, showing that the youth of Turkmenistan are ready to actively participate in solving global climate challenges.
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Press Release
10 September 2024
Youth Conference in Mary: Innovative Solutions to Climate Change
The conference, took place at the Turkmen State Energy Institute, became a significant event for young activists from all over Mary velayat, providing an opportunity to discuss current environmental problems and contribute to solving problems related to climate change.The conference was attended by the UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan, Ms. Jalpa Ratna, Director of the program “EU for a Green Turkmenistan”, Ms. Karolina Milov, youth aged 17 to 35 years, young SDG Ambassadors, eco-activists, as well as representatives of UN agencies, the European Union, GIZ and specialists from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.After the welcoming remarks, the first session began, at which Dr. Karolina Milov presented the project “EU for a Green Turkmenistan”, and a representative of the British Embassy spoke about the embassy’s contribution to mitigating the effects of climate change in Turkmenistan. Young SDG Ambassadors presented the results of previous conferences, sharing their experiences and proposals.During the second session, participants were divided into working groups, each of which discussed various aspects of environmental challenges and possible solutions to them. Thematic sessions covered the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from energy enterprises, the transition to clean energy sources, the development of strategies to inform the public about renewable energy sources, energy conservation and sustainable lifestyles, the introduction of smart grids and advanced technologies to improve energy efficiency, as well as development prospects solar and wind energy in Turkmenistan.Experts and coordinators of the relevant groups told participants about the main goals and expected results of the meeting. As a result of the discussions, each group prepared its proposals for inclusion in the preliminary version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement, which will be considered in the development of the Climate Action Roadmap.The final session became a platform for the presentation of proposals from each working group, which included their actions in the Roadmap of the Youth Statement from Turkmenistan. Parallel to the Conference of Youth, the National Conference of Children on Climate Change was held at the Algorithm Educational Training Center in Mary, attended by students of secondary schools and educational centers aged 12 to 17.Specialists from UNICEF Turkmenistan made a playful and accessible presentation on “Climate Change and Children of Turkmenistan”, including information for children on global warming, greenhouse effect, energy saving and environmental protection, and discussed ideas on actions that children can take to mitigate the effects of climate change. The Conference of Youth on Climate Change in Mary demonstrated the active participation and interest of young people in addressing global environmental issues.
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Press Release
09 September 2024
Youth of Balkanabat unite to discuss climate change issues
The conference brought together young people from all over the Balkan velayat to discuss environmental issues and explore the possibility of young people participating in solving problems related to climate change. The event was attended by the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, youth aged 17 to 35 years, young SDG Ambassadors, eco-activists, representatives of UNDP and specialists from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. After welcoming remarks at the first session, representatives of the UNDP spoke about the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea. Young SDG Ambassadors presented the results of previous conferences, which allowed to establish the context and identify key aspects of the event.At the second session, participants were divided into working groups, where thematic sessions were held in different halls. Topics discussed included the Caspian Environment Initiative, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, introducing new technologies to reduce the carbon footprint, and environmental education with local participation.Experts and coordinators of the relevant groups explained to the delegates the goals and expected results of the meeting. Based on the session topics, each group prepared its part of proposals for solutions, which will then be combined into a preliminary version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement.During the final session, the group leaders presented the results of their work and proposals that will be included in the Roadmap of the Youth Statement from Turkmenistan. These proposals will form the basis for further actions and initiatives aimed at strengthening the contribution of young people on climate change issues. The Conference of Youth on Climate Change has become a platform for the exchange of views, ideas and plans aimed at solving problems related to global environmental challenges.
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