Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 11 March, a presentation of the Strategy for involving youth in the climate agenda took place in the building of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.

The event was attended by the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov, head of the Volunteer Association Shirin Abidova, chairman of the international educational platform on climate change Climatescience Michael Beckland, screenwriter and author of children’s books in the “Time of Heroes” series Madina Muminova, representatives of the media and other.

The Strategy for Involving Youth in the Climate Agenda was presented at the event. Participants were presented with projects implemented by the Ministry together with partner organizations, creative works of independent environmental activists, reflecting the ideas of upcycling (recycling) and the concept of responsible consumption.

“Attracting youth in the development and implementation of all our policies and programs is key to our work. Because youth are the driving force of change, and it is their energy, activity and creativity that are key to shaping a future that is sustainable and green,” - emphasized Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The Ministry’s youth strategy included three priority areas: an institutional mechanism for involvement, calendar environmental events and promotion of education in the field of climate science and ecology. The institutional mechanism of involvement implies the creation of a Youth Council of 75 people, the appointment of 14 environmental ambassadors from all regions of the country and the creation of eco-committees of the children’s eco-movement “Little Heroes”. According to the calendar plan of events, the Ministry, together with partners, will organize the EduCo Festival, Clean Games, Plogging, eco-awards and other events this year.

As part of the implementation of the projects provided for in the Strategy with Youth, a Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Environment and the Association of Volunteers of Uzbekistan. This Strategy includes projects such as the Youth Ambassadors Program for Ecology, within the framework of which active young leaders from all regions of Uzbekistan have already been selected using the open call method. These leaders will develop regional maps of environmental problems with the support of the Youth Council under the Ministry of Environment.

During the event, information was provided on the successful initiatives of the Ministry aimed at supporting environmental education among children and youth. Organized charity trips to regional schools with the distribution of books about ecology in Braille were one such example. The “Little Eco-Hero” ceremony highlighted outstanding children actively involved in the children’s environmental movement, recognizing their contribution to nature conservation.

During the event, there was also a presentation of such projects as Upcycling.uz, Ecojonlab and Swap Market.

Upcycling.uz – creative transformation of old things. This trend has spurred the emergence of new brands and designers who are looking to give a second life to outdated items, turning them into stylish and comfortable clothing, thereby helping to save the environment. The Swap Bozor project is an initiative based on environmental awareness and the principles of responsible consumption. This project encourages the exchange of goods, helping not only to reduce waste and promote sustainable lifestyles, but also to create a community where environmental responsibility and mutual assistance are valued.