A youth conference was held within the framework of the UN Convention on Climate Change
2024-07-01 10:50:00 / News
The event was attended by 120 participants, both international and national, including the founder of the New Climate Innovation Center LLC, the head of the Board of Directors of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a “Better Future”, Raekwon Chung, the Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) representative office in Uzbekistan, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, and also the co-founder of the “Youth Negotiators Academy”, Veena Balakrishnan.
The purpose of the Youth Conference was to raise awareness and knowledge among youth about climate change issues, expand their participation in climate initiatives, develop leadership skills, and create a platform for sharing experiences and best practices.
The Youth Conference on Climate Change in Uzbekistan plays an important role in the implementation of reforms and the country's national strategy to combat climate change. The participation of young people at the conference contributes to the formation of new approaches to solving climate problems, adapting to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Carbon Neutrality required to address climate disaster cannot be done only by the Government or by the Business. Now is the time, Young Generation has to take charge of their own destiny by pioneering the “Me first” spirit that I should be the first to share the responsibility of carbon neutrality. Youth of today cannot remain as by-stander or outsider waiting others to solve the challenges of your future. You have to stand up and lead your own future”, said Mr. Raekwon Chung, Board Director of Ban Ki-Moon Foundation for a “Better Future”.
It is worth noting that the fight against climate change is becoming one of the priorities of Uzbekistan's state policy, requiring a systematic approach and effective measures to minimize the negative effects of climate change. In this context, it is important to train a new generation of leaders, managers, and experts who can effectively solve important environmental, socio-economic, scientific, and technical problems not only in Uzbekistan, but throughout Central Asia. Opened on behalf of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Green University in Uzbekistan emphasizes the importance of education in addressing climate change and environmental issues.
In addition, the creation of a group of youth climate negotiators will help prepare a new generation of leaders with the necessary skills to participate in national and international climate forums, facilitating generational dialogue and protecting the interests of youth in global climate negotiations.
However, in-depth, fundamental research is needed to successfully study climate change. This requires efforts to enhance scientific and academic capacity, as well as the integration of science into a national climate change strategy. In this context, it is planned to create a scientific and climatic residence at Green University, which will attract both local and international experts, researchers, and scientists to conduct collaborative research and develop innovative solutions in the field of climate science.
"The Asian Development Bank supports the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, endorsed by UNICEF. We support the youth of Uzbekistan in playing a critical role to drive positive change and advocate for a healthy planet", said Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Country Director, ADB in Uzbekistan.
The conference also stimulated the development of a map reflecting the climate problems identified by young people in various parts of the world, including Uzbekistan. Special attention was paid to the development and launch of the "Me First Pledge" program, a key youth initiative to reduce the carbon footprint through encouraging personal responsibility and active action.
In addition, the creation of a group of youth climate negotiators will help prepare a new generation of leaders with the necessary skills to participate in national and international climate forums, facilitating generational dialogue and protecting the interests of youth in global climate negotiations.