Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Climate change conferences in Dashoguz, Balkanabat, Turkmenabat, Buzmeyin and Ashgabat.
The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) stands as a unique and significant platform for students.
With encouragement and support from the President of Turkmenistan (and in the lead up to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), a series of youth conferences on climate change were held in Turkmenistan across all ‘velayats’ (regions) including: Dashoguz, Balkanabat, Turkmenabat, Buzmeyin and Ashgabat. These events brought together young people to discuss current environmental issues and looked at finding ways for Turkmenistan’s youth to actively participate in solving problems related to climate change.
The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) participants
The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is a unique and significant platform, as the youth-led climate initiative fully supported by the Turkmen government. This initiative was introduced by the British Embassy in Turkmenistan back in 2021, supported by the United Nations Coordinators Office and other UN agencies. Fellow embassies have since lent their support, including the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in 2023 and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in 2024. The biggest leaders of this movement are however the Sustainable Development Goal Ambassadors and climate activists who have campaigned throughout the years.
The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) stands as a unique and significant platform
Hosting the series in different cities has allowed local youth to address climate issues specific to each location. This ensures that local challenges are recognised and tailored solutions are developed to meet needs. Through LCOY, Turkmenistan’s youth are at the forefront of driving change, positioning themselves as critical players in the challenges against climate change.