PRACTICAL STEPS FOR CLIMATE ACTION: YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION IN TURKMENISTAN
On October 24, 2026, the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan hosted a youth conference focused on climate solutions and environmental innovations. This conference was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan with the public organization “Yash Tebigatchy” and key partners. The event brought together young activists, environmental experts, university students, and young professionals from across the country to address pressing climate challenges.
The conference served as an engaging platform for exchanging ideas, developing leadership skills, and exploring practical ways to apply digital technologies, scientific research, and engineering innovations to advance sustainable development. During thematic sessions, participants explored key tools of environmental diplomacy and discussed how young people can actively contribute to achieving global climate goals at the local level.
The event was conducted within the framework of two major initiatives: the joint UNDP/UNEP project for Turkmenistan’s Fifth National Communication under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the regional UNDP/UNEP project titled “Combating Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian” implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation.
This conference was part of a broader series of youth and environmental events dedicated to United Nations Day, integrating environmental education, healthy lifestyle initiatives, and cultural exchange. Associated activities included the “Green Heritage” tree-planting campaign at the Technology Center of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan on October 22, and a youth eco-marathon held on October 23 in the “15 Years of Independence of Turkmenistan” Park in collaboration with the Run Rush running community.
All key activities were supported by the UNDP project “Development of Turkmenistan’s National Capacity through Improving the Regulatory Framework for Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Building Construction (TEESB)” funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Overall, the event was of great importance to all participating young people. It made a profound impression and proved deeply inspiring, not only deepening environmental awareness but also empowering the next generation to actively lead climate action across the country.
Aylar JYTDANOVA,
the 2nd year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan