Ashgabat, October 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: On October 13, 2025, the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan hosted the National Youth Climate Conference (LCOY 2025), uniting more than 120 young leaders, SDG Youth Ambassadors, eco-activists, government representatives, UN agencies, and climate experts to discuss pressing environmental challenges and youth-led climate action.
Officially endorsed by YOUNGO, the children and youth constituency of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the event was organized by YOUNGO members in collaboration with Turkmenistan’s young climate leaders. It was supported by the Government of Turkmenistan and UN agencies, providing an inclusive platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and the adoption of a unified Youth Climate Roadmap. This roadmap will be presented at the upcoming Youth Conference (COY20) and COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Opening the conference, representatives from the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN system commended the active engagement and commitment of the country’s youth toward environmental sustainability. They highlighted the vital role of young people as key partners in achieving Turkmenistan’s climate objectives under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The youth of Turkmenistan are demonstrating inspiring leadership, knowledge, and solidarity in the face of climate challenges. Their ideas and actions not only reflect national priorities—they make a significant contribution to the global dialogue. The UN system highly values the active participation of young leaders in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future,” said Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan.
During the conference, participants worked in six thematic groups focusing on climate change mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, environmental education, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection, and integrated water resources management. Each group, guided by technical experts and coordinators, discussed objectives, shared experiences from their communities, and developed proposals for strengthening climate action.
Following the working sessions, group leaders presented their recommendations, which were consolidated into the preliminary Youth Roadmap for Climate Action. These proposals will form part of the final Turkmenistan Youth Statement, to be presented at COY20 and later at COP30.
The Conference of the Youth (COY) is an annual international platform for young climate advocates to exchange ideas and propose solutions. This year, COY20 will convene in early November in Belém, Brazil, serving as a preparatory forum for youth participation in COP30, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, scheduled from November 10 to 21, 2025.
The National Youth Climate Conference in Turkmenistan reaffirmed the country’s growing youth movement for climate action and its contribution to shaping a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon future both nationally and globally.
