LocationsUNDP engages youth for climate action
June 6, 2023
UNDP engages youth for climate action
Awaza, 3 June 2023: UNDP in Turkmenistan organized a number of initiatives to celebrate the World Bicycle Day and the World Environment Day with children from the sanatorium complex "Dayanch" located in the Awaza National Tourist Zone within the framework of the project "Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Avaza”, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP and implemented jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.
The events included participation of Ms. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, Mr. Tomica Paovic, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.
As part of the celebrations UNDP opened a new bicycle station at the territory of the sanatorium providing 14 bicycles, which is an environmentally friendly means of transportation that help significantly reduce the human carbon footprint. “By promoting green transport among younger generation, we not only reduce vehicle emissions, but also encourage a healthy lifestyle, foster a sense of community, and help overcome social barriers,” – said Mr. Paovic. “In other words, we help people come together for collective action to address urban environmental challenges and fight climate change.”
UNDP held an educational session as part of the #BeatPlasticPollution global campaign launched on the occasion of the upcoming World Environment Day for children vacationing at the “Dayanch” complex. The event is aimed at raising environmental awareness and reminding children and youth that people's actions against plastic pollution matter a lot in the global effort to combat climate change.
The ecological educational session included presentations by UNDP Project specialists on the negative impact of plastic on our planet, in which special attention was paid to the importance of protecting the oceans and seas and promoting sustainable use of marine resources.
After the official part, sports competitions, games for children and activities on fine arts and modeling of figures from plaster were organized on the beach of the Caspian Sea to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and increase children's knowledge about the environment, flora and fauna.
Ms. Sahakyan and Mr. Paovic took part in an interactive discussion with children about their plans for the future and how the development path they have chosen can affect their contribution to the global fight against climate change. “By openly talking to children about their education and future careers, we empower youth and help them prepare for tomorrow’s workforce. We should inspire them to dream high and go after their dreams, explore the world, realize their full potential and find their ways to solve global challenges related to climate change” – said Ms. Narine Sahakyan.
