OSCE promotes Tajik youth engagement in climate change and air pollution issues

From 19 to 22 August 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (Office), jointly with Tajikistan’s Committee for Environmental Protection, organized the Youth Eco – School. The four-day event was attended by 25 young people, of which 14 were female participants.    

The Youth Eco-School serves a platform for dialogue and exploration of the pressing global environmental challenges with a specific focus on climate change and air pollution. Participants were able to deepen their understanding of the interconnection between these two key issues. During the events, participants had an opportunity to participate in the exhibition of energy-efficient technologies and devices using solar power, including solar parabolic kitchens, solar lighting systems, and energy-saving food ovens, provided by the NGONGO
non-governmental organization Little Earth.

On the final day of the event, the participants made their “eco oath”, committing themselves to be more environmentally friendly and contribute to a sustainable future. In his congratulatory speech to the participants, Mr. Mavlodod Abduqodir, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection, highlighted the important role of the Tajik young people in addressing environmental challenges in the country and encouraged them to continue working together on climate action. Rati Japaridze, OSCE Officer-in-Charge, stressed the importance of addressing environmental challenges at an early age and noted in particular the importance of tackling climate change.

The event is part of the activities set out in the Action Plan of the State Program for the Development of Education and Environmental Awareness of the Population (2021-2025).

The Office will continue to support initiatives that promote Tajik youth involvement in good environmental governance.