Central Asian Youth Voices on the Future of the Region

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As part of the Regional Ecological Summit 2026, young people from across Central Asia presented a consolidated youth position on the region’s most pressing environmental and climate challenges.

The document reflects the perspectives and recommendations of youth from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, building on the outcomes of the LCOY 2025 national conferences and the RCOY Central Asia regional dialogue.

At a time when the impacts of climate change — including glacier retreat, water scarcity, air pollution, and ecosystem degradation — are intensifying, youth are calling for coordinated and urgent action from governments, partners, and society.

The statement outlines key priority areas:

• advancing the climate transition and low-carbon development;
• strengthening adaptation and resilience to climate risks;
• sustainable management of water and natural resources;
• tackling air pollution and improving waste management;
• enhancing environmental education and youth participation.

The document emphasizes the importance of meaningful youth engagement in environmental governance and presents practical recommendations to support a sustainable and inclusive future for the region.