The Kazakhstani youth climate organization "Climate for Us" successfully implemented a series of key events in preparation for and participation in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which took place in November in Baku, Azerbaijan. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening the role of Central Asian youth in global climate processes. At COP29 in Baku, the youth organization was represented by its chairman, Alimkhan Abulkhan.
On November 18, the organization participated in the event "Youth and Children in Global Climate Processes," where they shared their experience working with youth and children in Kazakhstan. The outcomes of the PRE-COP29 conference titled "Youth and Science in Combating Climate Change" were presented, including recommendations developed in collaboration with universities, the civil sector, and scientists to address the issue of limited youth participation in decision-making processes, climate actions, and research. The main proposal was to provide more channels of opportunity for youth in educational and research purposes and representation in processes.
During the panel discussion "Green Leadership for a Sustainable Transition: Building Skills for a Decarbonized Future," organized by the UN Global Compact initiative, Climate for Us shared their experience working with students from Kazakhstan and Eurasia. Key skills necessary for sustainable leadership and recommendations for educational programs were discussed. The discussion focused on the concept of "green leadership" and included the creation of recommendations for the competencies required to manage sustainable activities and the role of higher education institutions in developing these skills among leaders.
Additionally, at the meeting "Climate Change and Health: The Role and Prospects of Cross-Sectoral Interaction," Climate for Us presented youth demands to reduce the impact of climate change on the health of Central Asian populations. These proposals were based on the Regional Youth Statement on Climate Issues for Central Asia prepared by Climate for Us, developed by over 600 participants in 2024. The document was also included in the content of the global youth statement to be submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat. The statement can be accessed here → link.
These initiatives highlight the active stance of the region's youth and their commitment to building a sustainable future through science, education, environmental protection, and international cooperation.