Young representatives from Central Asian countries convened at the Congress Center within the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 to deliver a unified message: the future of the region must be shaped with the active participation of youth as equal partners.

During the press briefing, delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan presented their coordinated regional vision of ecological challenges and proposed an approach based on cooperation, education, and practical action. The event served as a platform for direct dialogue between youth leaders, international organizations, and media representatives on key issues of the ecological agenda in Central Asia.

Opening the event, UNICEF Representative Samman J. Thapa emphasized in his speech, that ecological risks are already directly affecting the lives of young people today: “For young people, this is not an abstract agenda — it is part of their daily reality and our shared future.”

He also noted the need for systematic youth engagement: “Youth participation in the climate agenda is not a symbolic gesture, but a necessary condition for effective and inclusive policy.”

During the presentations, delegates shared both national experiences and common regional priorities.

Representative of Kyrgyzstan Ayana Ulanova stessed the importance of linking education and climate policy: “Sustainable development is impossible without a close connection between climate policy, education, and youth participation.”

Delegate from Tajikistan Rukniya Niozbekova highlighted the role of youth in practical solutions: “Young people can not only raise issues but also take part in solving them — from the community level to national processes.”

Representative of Turkmenistan Chynar Garlyeva noted the significance of applied educational approaches: “The “green schools” initiative combines learning and practice, fostering environmental responsibility among youth.”

Delegate from Uzbekistan Shakhnoza Rakhmanova emphasized the transformation of the role of youth: “We are not just beneficiaries of change; we are already equal partners in its implementation.”

Representative of Kazakhstan Alimkhan Abulkhan presented the Central Asian Youth Statement, prepared with the support of UNICEF and based on the outcomes of national and regional youth climate conferences. He highlighted the scale and inclusiveness of the Statement’s development process, emphasizing that the document reflects the consolidated position of the region’s youth and is aimed at influencing long-term decisions shaped within the framework of the summit.

“The document reflects the views of more than 1,200 young people from the Central Asian region and brings together priorities in climate adaptation, water security, air quality, ecological education, development of ‘green’ skills, and the expansion of youth participation in decision-making,” said Alimkhan Abulkhan.

The common thread of all the speeches was that Central Asian youth are not only identifying problems but also proposing concrete solutions — from advancing climate education and green skills to strengthening regional cooperation and institutionalizing youth participation.

The discussion also addressed key regional challenges, including water scarcity, glacier melting, air pollution, and the need to enhance interstate cooperation. Participants emphasized that these issues require joint solutions in which youth initiatives can play an important role.

In conclusion, the speakers called on governments, international organizations, and partners to expand opportunities for youth participation and to take their recommendations into account in the development and implementation of ecological policy.

The press briefing concluded with a reaffirmation of the readiness of Central Asian youth to act as active partners in advancing a sustainable and resilient future for the region.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-pretoria/press/news/details/1209864?lang=kk