Climate change in Central Asia through the eyes of youth
Samarkand hosts the Third Regional Conference of Youth RCOY Central Asia 2026, titled “Central Asian Youth for Water Security and Climate Justice”.
The international forum, organized in cooperation with the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the National Agency for Social Protection, the Zamin International Public Foundation, and UNICEF, brings together more than 100 young activists, experts, and representatives of international organizations and government bodies from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye.
The first day of the conference focused on building participants’ capacity, exploring current trends in climate change and water resource management, and preparing a regional youth statement.
The agenda covered the latest scientific data on climate change in Central Asia, an analysis of global climate policy, and issues related to regional water governance and water security.
The proposals and initiatives developed during the conference will be summarized and presented at the next UN Climate Change Conference, to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November. The most practical projects are expected to be implemented as examples of international best practice.
Training sessions have been organized for participants to enhance political engagement, advance initiatives, raise funds for projects, and build partnerships.
The second day of the conference will focus on discussing and finalizing the regional youth statement. Six thematic working groups will prepare proposals addressing pressing issues related to the climate agenda and the rational use of water resources.
The final day of the program will feature a visit to the Zarafshan National Nature Park.
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G. Khasanov, photos by A. Isroilov, UzA
