Climate Justice Begins with Childhood: Kazakhstan Seeks Solutions to Integrate Children's Rights into Climate Action

ASTANA, 25 July 2025 — The two-day workshop ‘Children, Youth, and Climate: Integrating the Rights and Well-being of Children into Climate Policy’ concluded today in the capital of Kazakhstan. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan, the workshop brought together government officials, international organizations, researchers, experts, youth initiatives, and development partners to address a critical issue: how to make the climate policies of Kazakhstan more responsive to the rights and needs of children and young people.

Participants placed a special emphasis on the perspectives of young people themselves. Speaking on behalf of youth actively engaged in climate and environmental issues, Madina Abdikarimova shared her gratitude and the vision of young activists:

"This is more than just a dialogue for us; it is a genuine platform for youth to participate in shaping the country's climate agenda. It is crucial that our voices are not only heard but also meaningfully integrated into key decisions and documents."

As one of the groups most vulnerable to climate change’s impact, children’s rights and interests in sustainable solutions development require special consideration. Amidst intensifying droughts, air pollution, water shortages, and growing climate-related health risks, Kazakhstan is already taking steps to more deeply embed these considerations into its strategic documents.

According to a recent UNICEF U-Report poll of young people, 13.9 per cent of participants noted the presence of pollution, dust, or other environmental factors in their local areas. Youth identified air pollution as one of the most pressing issues, with one in three expressing a need for more information on how to adapt to the consequences of climate change. These findings underscore the importance of environmental education and expanding youth participation in sustainable development processes.

Workshop participants discussed potential pathways for integrating the rights of children and youth into the country's key climate documents, including the draft of the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), the National Adaptation Plan, and other strategic frameworks. Participants also presented proposals on how this integration could further strengthen the resilience of the health, education, and social protection systems to climate change, natural disasters, and other contemporary challenges.

"We are confident that together we can create an environment where every child is protected from climate risks and can grow up in a safe and sustainable setting," said Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan. "Children and young people are not just beneficiaries but crucial partners in the climate agenda. Their voices are essential and must be heard at all levels of decision-making."

Representing Kazakhstan, the Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources attended the event and emphasized:

"Integrating children's rights into climate policy is not just a matter of justice but a strategic step towards a sustainable future. We are open to dialogue and inter-agency collaboration to build climate solutions that consider the interests of the younger generation."

Workshop participants included representatives from UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, UNESCO, the World Bank, GIZ, the NDC Partnership, the International Green Technologies Center, and the Project Office for Central Asia on Climate Change and Green Energy, as well as youth activists and volunteers, including representatives from LCOY Kazakhstan (Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change in Kazakhstan).

The discussions resulted in a set of recommendations that will be submitted to relevant ministries and agencies to inform future national strategies on climate and sustainable development. These proposals will also support the country's preparations for international climate forums, including the 2026 Regional Climate and Environment Summit and COP30.

This workshop marked the first national platform in Kazakhstan where the issue of climate justice for children was addressed so systematically. It highlighted a crucial direction: children and youth must be at the center of the climate agenda as both the most vulnerable group and as drivers of solutions for a sustainable future.