Young people of Dashoguz at the forefront of climate initiatives

The conference brought together young people from all over the velayat, providing them with a unique opportunity to discuss pressing environmental issues and consider opportunities for youth participation in the climate change issues.

The conference participants included young people aged 17 to 35 years, young Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Ambassadors, environmental activists, students, as well as representatives of UN agencies, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan and specialists from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

After the welcoming remarks, the first session began, where representatives of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the British Embassy presented their role and contribution on the climate change issues. 

Representatives of the youth of Turkmenistan presented the results of previous conferences, which became the starting point for further discussions.

In the second session, the young people divided into working groups and participated in thematic sessions, which took place simultaneously in different halls.

The topics discussed included the adaptation of agriculture aimed at soil conservation and biodiversity protection; sustainable water resource management, optimizing water use, and implementing efficient irrigation systems; methods for mitigating the impacts of droughts and floods in the context of climate change; sustainable management of natural resources in the Turkmen region near the Aral Sea, protection of rare species and natural areas in Dashoguz, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems in the region; and research into the agricultural sector to ensure food security, increase crop yields under changing climate conditions, and the introduction of new technologies in agriculture.

Experts and working group coordinators explained to delegates the goals and expected results of each meeting. Based on the session topics, each group prepared proposals for inclusion in the preliminary version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement.

In the final session, the leaders of the working groups presented the results of the work and proposed specific activities for inclusion in the Roadmap of the Youth Statement from Turkmenistan.

The Conference of Youth on Climate Change has become an important platform for the exchange of views, ideas and plans aimed at combating global environmental challenges. The youth of Turkmenistan are actively involved in the process of developing solutions that will be presented at upcoming international forums.