Youth Conference in Mary: Innovative Solutions to Climate Change

The conference, took place at the Turkmen State Energy Institute, became a significant event for young activists from all over Mary velayat, providing an opportunity to discuss current environmental problems and contribute to solving problems related to climate change.

The conference was attended by the UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan, Ms. Jalpa Ratna, Director of the program “EU for a Green Turkmenistan”, Ms. Karolina Milov, youth aged 17 to 35 years, young SDG Ambassadors, eco-activists, as well as representatives of UN agencies, the European Union, GIZ and specialists from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

After the welcoming remarks, the first session began, at which Dr. Karolina Milov presented the project “EU for a Green Turkmenistan”, and a representative of the British Embassy spoke about the embassy’s contribution to mitigating the effects of climate change in Turkmenistan.

Young SDG Ambassadors presented the results of previous conferences, sharing their experiences and proposals.

During the second session, participants were divided into working groups, each of which discussed various aspects of environmental challenges and possible solutions to them.

Thematic sessions covered the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from energy enterprises, the transition to clean energy sources, the development of strategies to inform the public about renewable energy sources, energy conservation and sustainable lifestyles, the introduction of smart grids and advanced technologies to improve energy efficiency, as well as development prospects solar and wind energy in Turkmenistan.

Experts and coordinators of the relevant groups told participants about the main goals and expected results of the meeting. As a result of the discussions, each group prepared its proposals for inclusion in the preliminary version of the Turkmenistan Youth Statement, which will be considered in the development of the Climate Action Roadmap.

The final session became a platform for the presentation of proposals from each working group, which included their actions in the Roadmap of the Youth Statement from Turkmenistan.

Parallel to the Conference of Youth, the National Conference of Children on Climate Change was held at the Algorithm Educational Training Center in Mary, attended by students of secondary schools and educational centers aged 12 to 17.

Specialists from UNICEF Turkmenistan made a playful and accessible presentation on “Climate Change and Children of Turkmenistan”, including information for children on global warming, greenhouse effect, energy saving and environmental protection, and discussed ideas on actions that children can take to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Conference of Youth on Climate Change in Mary demonstrated the active participation and interest of young people in addressing global environmental issues.