Ashgabat, June 8, 2025 — The Europe Today: In celebration of World Environment Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized an interactive youth session at the UN Building in Ashgabat, focusing on the critical nexus of climate action, gender equality, and youth leadership.
The event brought together students from the International University of Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan to discuss the vital role young people play in addressing climate change. Special emphasis was placed on empowering women and girls to lead climate solutions and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Participants were introduced to Turkmenistan’s progress in green urban development through two projects co-implemented by the UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). A video showcased highlights of the six-year Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan project, which aims to cut emissions, enhance energy efficiency, improve waste management, and promote eco-friendly urban practices in Ashgabat and Avaza.
Students also learned about a new UNDP/GEF initiative, launched in April 2025, to support energy-efficient construction by piloting near-zero energy buildings, smart grids, and renewable energy innovations.
Additionally, the session featured an introduction to the Climate Box initiative—part of a regional strategy to advance climate education across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Designed to modernize educational content using digital tools, Climate Box encourages cross-border collaboration and offers practical knowledge on climate change and sustainable development. Students engaged in a climate quiz to deepen their understanding.
Parallel to the session, UNDP also hosted a photo exhibition at the UN Building, celebrating 30 years of cooperation between UNDP and Turkmenistan in the fields of climate resilience, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. The exhibition featured compelling visual stories that illustrated the positive impact of joint efforts in advancing the country’s climate goals.
According to a UNDP press release, the event underscored the importance of youth engagement, gender inclusion, and international partnership in fostering a greener and more resilient future for Turkmenistan and beyond.
