The Conference of Youth on Climate Change provides an opportunity for future leaders of Turkmenistan

Ahead of the Conference of Youth (COY18) and the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a Conference of Youth on Climate Change was held in Turkmenistan, organized by the Government of Turkmenistan jointly with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, and the Embassies of Great Britain and United Arab Emirates. The event, which took place at the prestigious Turkmen State Agricultural Institute in Dashoguz, brought together young people from all over the velayat to discuss vital environmental issues and explore opportunities for youth participation in the fight against climate change.

The Conference of Youth on Climate Change is aimed at empowering and educating the youth of Turkmenistan on crucial environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable agriculture, the Aral Sea crisis, and adaptation of agriculture to climate change. The event became a platform for the exchange of experience, capacity building, and developing innovative solutions to solve global problems.

The conference was attended by young people aged 17 to 30, SDG ambassadors, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, and representatives of the Embassies of Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates as well as national partners, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, educational centers, experts, specialists on climate change and environmental protection, and representatives of public organizations.

Conference attendees engaged in lively discussions and knowledge sharing through practical workshops, in which they gained the knowledge necessary to create positive change in the community. They stressed the importance of aligning local efforts with international commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement, to build a more sustainable future.

The conference, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrated the desire of youth to contribute to the fight against climate change and solving environmental issues both locally and globally, and promoted an inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to solving these complex problems.

The conference highlighted the role of the younger generation as a key partner in the fight against climate change, inspired young people of Turkmenistan to actively participate in projects aimed at combating climate change, and also provided an opportunity to discuss and resolve key climate change issues affecting the nature of Turkmenistan. The success of the Conference of Youth on Climate Change was evidence of the unwavering commitment of the youth of Turkmenistan to address urgent problems related to the climate crisis, and it is clear that the enthusiasm, innovation, and determination of young leaders will play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future for Turkmenistan and the world.