Empowering the Turkmen youth: Conference of Youth on Climate Change focuses on water resources

In the run-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 Embassies of Great Britain and United Arab Emirates, the UN Mission in Turkmenistan. The event, which took place at the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi in Turkmenabat, was dedicated to youth participation in discussions on the impacts of climate change on water resources in the Central Asian region, and in particular, the Amy Darya River. 

The Youth Change on Climate Conference was designed to inspire young leaders from Turkmenistan to actively participate in processes where their views and proposals can be heard by regional leaders and decision-makers. The event highlighted the critical importance of addressing the impact of climate change on water resources, which is a vital issue for the sustainability and future well-being of the region. 

The conference brought together Representatives of various UN agencies, representatives of the British Embassy and the Deputy Head of Mission to Turkmenistan Mr. Martin Walley, representatives of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, young people aged 17 to 30, SDG ambassadors, lecturers and students of the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute named after Seyitnazar Seydi, 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.

As part of the discussions, young speakers presented several interesting topics, including “Promoting sustainable agricultural development and food security by improving sustainable water management”, “Promoting sustainable and circular consumption”, and “Water safety and efficiency”. During the discussions, interesting points were made about the relationship between climate change, water resources, sustainable agriculture, and responsible consumption. Moreover, discussions on topics related to environmental education took place at the conference as well. Participants emphasized the need to develop environmental education, which is the key to solving the problem of climate change. 

The Conference once again emphasized 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 to combat climate change, and provided an opportunity to discuss and resolve the main issues related to climate change affecting the nature of Turkmenistan. By giving young people the opportunity to voice their thoughts and ideas, the Conference promoted dialogue and cooperation to solve the urgent problem of the impact of climate change on water resources, as well as the accessibility of environmental education for all, and became an important step in empowering the new generation to actively participate in shaping a sustainable and viable future for their country and the whole world.