Pre-COP29: Turkmen Youth Climate Changers on their way from Dubai to Baku

In partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held an event dedicated to the World Environment Day, outcomes of last year's Climate Change Conference (COP28), and preparations for this year’s Climate Change Conference (COP29) to be held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan. 

This event focused on handover of COP28 Presidency to Azerbaijan, which will host COP29. It also covered the results of COP28 and the involvement of young people in the decision-making process during COP29.

Thу event gathered representatives of the UN Country Team, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, diplomatic community, national partners, young SDG Ambassadors, environmental activists.

During the meeting, the speakers - Ahmed al Hameli, UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Gismet Gezalov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan, and Mahri Bashimova, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan - emphasized the importance of working together and reinforced the commitment to combating climate change and reaching sustainable development goals.

The opening ceremony was followed by statements by the Mr. Magtymguly Akmuradov, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, who highlighted the role of education and diplomacy in promoting sustainable solutions and strengthening global cooperation.

The conference also spotlighted the Road Map for Turkmenistan Conference of Youth on Climate Change 2024 presented by Gulshat Ayydova, providing a strategic framework for youth-led initiatives. LCOY participants shared their invaluable experiences from LCOY2023, reflecting on lessons learned and insights gained for future engagement in global climate summits.

"From the moment we stepped foot in Dubai city, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the youth conference, eager to engage, learn, and collaborate. At COY18, I discovered that climate change isn't a national issue, it's a global one. Working alongside young people from so many different countries gave me a sense of hope and a renewed belief that together we can make a difference. We learned, shared ideas, and strategized together.  The workshops and discussions at COY18 equipped me with the skills and knowledge to become a more effective advocate for climate action. I'm excited to put what I learned into practice.” - young SDG Ambassador Maral Allaberdyyeva shared her experience of participating in COY18.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of a video capturing the experiences and insights of Turkmen delegates from COY18, accompanied by a reflective discussion on the evaluation of lessons learned from COY18 and COP28 participation.

Last year's events, three in Dashoguz, Mary, Lebap velayats and one final in Ashgabat, organized by the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, the UAE Embassy, and the British Embassy, culminated in the Global Youth Climate Conference 2023 (COY18) and the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28), where Turkmen youth showcased their innovative solutions and advocacy efforts. This year's focus is on young SDG ambassadors, students and environmental activists who discuss refining solutions proposed at previous conferences for effective implementation.

As the conference progresses, participants will continue to explore avenues for advancing youth participation in decision-making processes within COP29, to be hosted in Baku this year. The contributions of Turkmen youth to previous global climate conferences demonstrate their commitment to driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.