Children and youth can drive the transformative action to combat the devastating effects of climate change

BOSTONLIQ, TASHKENT REGION, 21 August 2024 – Today, Ministry of Preschool and School Education, International Public Foundation Zamin, UNICEF with the support of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and the Youth Affairs Agency are launching a National Network of Young Climate Champions.

The network is one of the recommendations of children and youth from Uzbekistan and four other Central Asian countries integrated in the National and Regional Strategies on Promoting Sustainable Development Culture and Engaging Children and Youth in Climate Agenda.

The young champions made up of 50 adolescents between 15-18 years old from 20 schools from all regions of Uzbekistan will participate in a capacity-building bootcamp for the network in the next five years. As the key outcome of the training, young people will have a developed advocacy workplan based on which schoolchildren will conduct awareness-raising campaigns and youth-led eco events in their communities for the next academic year. They will contribute to the development and dissemination of youth-friendly information and materials on climate change, conduct youth eco events in their communities, and participate in advocacy at the national and international levels.

“At UNICEF, we recognize the potent force of children and youth on climate action. We believe that young people can play an active role in addressing the impacts of climate change by advocating for their rights, enhancing their participation in climate action, disaster risk reduction and mitigation measures,” said Regina Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “UNICEF stays committed to green skills development and engagement of children and youth in climate change action, so they can play the leading role in the region,” she added.

Lola Abduvakhidovna Saidova, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Zamin MOF welcomed children: “Today for you – young eco-volunteers there will start meaningful trainings on the most important topics necessary for volunteering activities across the country during the upcoming academic year – communication and public speaking skills, conflict resolution and listening skills, as well as thematic knowledge and skills on climate change, adaptation and mitigation. We believe in you, in your abilities!”

The network will consist of schoolchildren – eco-activists – from all regions of Uzbekistan. The key objective of the network is to promote a sustainable development culture and spearhead climate resilience and mitigation interventions at school and community levels.