Tajikistan's Path to COP29: Youth Perspectives

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The Youth Pre-COP29 Conference, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, brought together over 40 young people and policymakers to facilitate discussions on the unique climate vulnerabilities faced by children and advocating for targeted resilience strategies that prioritize their rights and futures.

Organised by UNICEF, the conference provided an opportunity for young people to present the newly established Tajik Youth Water and Climate Network and its Action Plan, which was endorsed earlier this year by the Committee on Youth Affairs during the Youth and Children Water and Climate Forum in June. The event also provided an opportunity for UNICEF to present specific data from recent research studies on the impact of climate change on children in Tajikistan.

Emphasising that the climate crisis is a children's rights crisis, UNICEF and its partners called on countries to ensure that their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) take into account the specific needs of children.

"Our children are the most precious guardians of our planet's future. As we face the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, it is imperative that we place the well-being of our youth at the centre of our efforts. Today's Pre-COP29 Youth Conference is an example of our country's commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient Tajikistan. By empowering our young people and working together with all stakeholders, we are taking significant steps to protect our ecology and ensure a healthier, greener world for generations to come," said Ms Tilloi Gulrukhsor - Head of the Centre for Environmental Information.

The Youth Pre-COP29 Conference in Dushanbe represents a significant step towards a collaborative and inclusive approach to climate action, ensuring that the voices and needs of the most vulnerable, particularly children, are at the forefront of global climate discussions.

"We, the youth, should try to increase the level of our understanding and knowledge in the field of climate in the conditions of Tajikistan and first of all show our potential at the national level," - noted Nozanin Ismatshoh, a member of the Tajik Youth Network for Water and Climate.