On the way to COP28: youth of Turkmenistan discuss green energy projects

In the lead up to 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, Office of UNICEF in Turkmenistan and the Embassies of Great Britain and United Arab Emirates. The event, held at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan in Mary, was aimed at turning the youth of Turkmenistan into active partners in the global fight against climate change.

The Conference of Youth on Climate Change was designed to inspire young leaders to take an active role in solving problems related to climate change, to make decisions in the field of renewable energy sources, and to support initiatives to create "green hydrogen". By attracting the youth of Turkmenistan, the conference sought to ignite a passion for combating climate change and instill a sense of responsibility for environmental sustainability.

The conference was attended by young people aged 17 to 30, SDG ambassadors, representatives of various UN agencies, representatives of the British Embassy and Ambassador Mr. Stephen Conlon, representatives of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, as well as national partners: specialists of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environmental Protection, educational centers, and experts on climate change and environmental protection, including representatives of public organizations.

The conference featured young, dynamic speakers who touched on such important topics as “Promoting green, sustainable, and modern energy and technology.” These discussions provided valuable insights into the innovative approaches and technologies needed to effectively combat climate change.

A conference for children on climate change organized at the Algorithm Educational Center in Mary became an important event. For the first time in Central Asia, schoolchildren took part in the Conference, and their older comrades, young experts, and a specialist from the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan told them about the main problems associated with climate change, instilling in them a sense of environmental responsibility from a very early age. The children's conference on climate change was organized by the Government of Turkmenistan together with the UNICEF Office in Turkmenistan.

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 provided an opportunity to discuss and resolve key climate change issues affecting the nature of Turkmenistan. By promoting dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical experience, the conference served as a platform that inspired meaningful change at both the local and global levels.

In a world facing ever-growing environmental challenges, and with youth as the key to a sustainable future, the Conference of Youth on Climate Change was a testament to the determination and enthusiasm of Turkmenistan's youth to create a greener and more sustainable planet.