Oriented on making people closer

Dubai, UAE - November 26-28, 2023

In the heart of Dubai, the COY18 unfolded as a three-day symphony of global collaboration, where over 1000 participants from 165 countries gathered to confront the pressing challenges of our climate crisis.

COY18 is the 18th conference and serves as a platform for youth engagement and activation ahead of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Diverse Dialogues in Numerous Sessions

Amidst the glittering cityscape, participants immersed themselves in numerous sessions that delved into the intricacies of climate action. Workshops on Climate Mitigation explored innovative strategies to curb carbon emissions, while discussions on Climate Negotiations scrutinized the complexities of international cooperation.

In a fascinating intersection of technology and environmentalism, sessions on AI interlinkage sparked spirited conversations about harnessing artificial intelligence to address climate challenges. The corridors buzzed with ideas as participants exchanged thoughts on the ethical use of technology in the pursuit of sustainability.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speakers

The event kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony, graced by influential figures like H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and H.E. Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation. Almheiri emphasized the pivotal role of young people, stating, "Young people are the future generations and agents of change." Al Hashimy echoed the sentiment, urging collective action to address the impacts of climate change.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted the critical nature of youth voices in shaping climate change. "Let’s fight as one to help the future you deserve," he urged.

Forging Friendships Across Borders

Beyond the formal sessions, the atmosphere of COY18 was characterized by a spirit of camaraderie. Delegates from the whole planet, Shukurgeldi Myradov, Maral Allaberdyyeva and Leyli Merdanova from Turkmenistan included, actively engaged in cultural exchanges, forming bonds that transcended geographical boundaries. The vibrant cultural night, featuring diverse performances and cuisines, became a microcosm of global unity.

Maral Allaberdyyeva, who actively contributed to discussions on the Global Youth Statement, expressed, "Being part of the Turkmen youth delegation at COY18 was eye-opening. It allowed me to see how the global community is united in addressing climate challenges. Our voices from Turkmenistan matter, and together, as a youth delegation, we amplify the urgency of climate action."

Leyli Merdanova reflected, "COY18 empowered me to engage with diverse perspectives on climate change. It's inspiring to witness youth from Turkmenistan actively participating in shaping the global narrative. Our collective efforts send a strong message that every nation, including Turkmenistan, is committed to a sustainable future."

In the midst of this cultural kaleidoscope, Turkmen youth delegates found themselves at the forefront of building bridges. They not only represented Turkmenistan but became catalysts for connecting with individuals from different corners of the world. Friendships were forged, transcending language barriers and cultural nuances, all in the shared pursuit of a sustainable future.

Integrating Turkmen Voices on the Global Stage

Amidst this global dialogue, Shukurgeldi Myradov, the official youth delegate of Turkmenistan, played a pivotal role. Hailing from Turkmenistan, Shukurgeldi presented the National Youth Statement, a culmination of discussions held during the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) with the youth of Turkmenistan.

We invite you to see in more detail how all 3 days of the conference took place in a special video report by Shukurgeldi Myradov directly from sunny Dubai.

Our national youth delegation's impassioned representation integrated the voices of Turkmen youth into the broader Global Youth Statement. This harmonization of local concerns with global advocacy showcased the interconnectedness of the climate struggle.

Reflecting about his experience, Shukurgeldi shared, "Representing Turkmenistan at COY18 was more than a responsibility; it was a privilege. In each conversation, in every shared idea, I felt the weight of our collective commitment to a sustainable future. We aren't just delegates; we are architects of change, and together, we build a world that echoes with the voices of every nation, including Turkmenistan."

Global Youth Statement and Closing

The essence of COY18 culminated in the crafting of the Global Youth Statement, a powerful call from over 700,000 voices across 150 countries urging world leaders to step up to the global challenge of climate change. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, applauded the creation of the statement, pledging to elevate its impact.

In this dynamic and critical moment of history, Shukurgeldi Myradov, Maral Allaberdyyeva and Leyli Merdanova, representing Turkmenistan, stood as beacons of hope. Their journey as Turkmen youth delegates to COY18 in Dubai exemplified the power of youth engagement in shaping global conversations on climate change. “I am happy that after having organized LCOYs in Turkmenistan 3 years in a row and having worked on numerous climate related occasions together with the British Embassy in Ashgabat, the government and other stakeholders, we finally had a chance to present the outcomes of our work on the global stage. I am deeply grateful to the US Embassy in Ashgabat for their tremendous support, empowering my journey as a youth delegate at COY18. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of young people is truly inspiring and paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future”, says Shukurgeldi.

As the conference concluded, the efforts of Turkmen youth delegation resonated not only within the walls of COY18 but reverberated globally, contributing to the collective determination to create a sustainable and resilient future for all.

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Photo: provided by Shukurgeldi Myradov and YOUNGO