LCOY Turkmenistan 2023: how the third youth conference on climate change went
November 3rd, Friday. The weather is clear on the streets of Ashgabat: the sun is shining, a light breeze is felt. However, despite the early hour, a rather lively atmosphere reigns in one of the capital’s hotels: on this day, the third Local conference of youth on climate change (LCOY) took place, held under the motto “Happy youth with Arkadag Serdar”. The work was literally in full swing, and not only today - on the eve of the capital meeting, a local conference was also held in three regional centers of Turkmenistan, namely Mary, Turkmenabat and Dashoguz. In general, the proven platform brought together about 500 youth representatives of Turkmenistan from four cities, which is certainly an important indicator of the involvement of the growing generation in the decision-making process.
Well, now to how the event went. After registration, all participants gathered in the conference room. Further, opening remarks were made by the UAE Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ahmed Al-Hai Hamad Khamis Al-Hameli, Chargé d'Affaires of the British Embassy Martin Whalley, Permanent Coordinator of the UN Office in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko, as well as Deputy Minister of Education Azat Atayev, Minister of Environmental Protection Charygeldy Babaniyazov and Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Magtymguly Akmyradov.
At the end of the plenary session, participants went to the adjacent hall for group photography, after which young climate activists returned to the main hall, where they watched video messages from YOUNGO regional coordinators, COP 28 delegates, and also watched a presentation by young SDG ambassadors.
As the third session began, the discussion guests were divided into groups. They were asked to play “Climate Mural.” The essence of the game is to connect the components of the chain of processes affecting climate change and establish a cause-and-effect relationship between them. This was followed by presentations by specialists, representatives of UNDP, UNICEF, UNRCCA, local NGOs and young SDG ambassadors. I note that the topics for each group were different: adaptation to the effects of climate change, water resource management, green energy, sustainable consumption, environmental education and gender equality in climate matters - they covered a lot. Immediately after the presentations, young people expressed their ideas and proposals, on the basis of which the Roadmap of Youth Initiatives will be developed.
Upon returning to the hall after the lunch break, the participants took their seats and the final session began. Young SDG Ambassadors spoke about the facts and challenges of the climate crisis, as well as the positive impact of youth on the situation. Next, Maral Allaberdiyeva and Leyli Merdanova, delegates-representatives of Turkmenistan at COY 18 in Dubai, spoke. The girls made a presentation of the final Statement of the Youth of Turkmenistan 2023, which included the results of five thematic groups, and briefly outlined the new Roadmap of youth initiatives and activities of Turkmenistan for 2023.
At the end of the conference, representatives of the British Embassy, the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan and the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs made final addresses. “You are the youth of the future, you are the creators of future concepts, and it is you who will find a solution to the global problem,” was the general message of the speakers to the audience. After thanking everyone for their participation, the moderators concluded the conference. Well, then the informal part began - the participants talked with each other for a long time and took photos for memory before leaving.
To summarize, we can say with confidence that the series of meetings held throughout Turkmenistan was fruitful, and the voices of young “future makers” will definitely play a significant role in the sustainable development of Turkmenistan and the world.
Saparguly MAHTUMOV
