The International Forum, "Children and Youth in Action – Climate Change in Central Asia" took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, drawing the participation of the First Ladies of Uzbekistan, Turkey, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan. The event, organized by the Zamin Foundation, UNICEF, and government ministries, aimed to recognize the crucial role of children and youth in combating the adverse effects of climate change.

The First Lady of Uzbekistan, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, addressed the young environmental activists, emphasizing their leadership in the fight for a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The forum witnessed the signing of a regional strategy for promoting a culture of sustainable development, developed collaboratively with neighboring countries based on the outcomes of the Samarkand Environmental Camp.

"The key participants in this forum are you. We are here today to recognize your leadership in the fight for a clean, healthy and sustainable environment," Mirziyoyeva stated addressing the participants. 

She highlighted the significance of signing a regional strategy developed in collaboration with neighboring countries, focusing on promoting sustainable development and engaging youth and children in the climate agenda.

The First Ladies of Turkey, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan attended the forum as part of the Economic Cooperation Organization summit in Tashkent, showcasing a commitment to regional collaboration on environmental issues.

The forum delved into the importance of environmental education, with Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, stressing its role in equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to drive positive change. The focus was on fostering bold leaders, scientists, and innovators who can envision new ways to live in harmony with the planet.

“We want the next generations to become bold leaders in government, scientists, and innovators who dream of new and better ways to live in harmony with the planet. That they become the voices of environmental consciousness in industrial corporations. To create their own businesses, providing green and sustainable products and services," Inger Andersen voiced.

A significant aspect of the discussions was the role of young people in environmental education. Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the necessity of integrating climate change and environmental education into school curricula to raise awareness among children and youth.

Participants emphasized the importance of utilizing new information technologies in the learning process and stressed the right of children to actively participate in the development of policies and programs related to climate change. The forum concluded with a call for inclusive environmental education that is accessible and understandable to all.

The International Forum "Children and Youth in Action - Climate Change in Central Asia" demonstrated itself as an effective platform for discussions on preventing environmental problems at various levels, including global, regional, and national. 

About Ziroat Mirziyoyeva

Ziroat Mirziyoyeva Mahmudovna, the first lady of Uzbekistan, was born on December 4, 1964, in the city of Kikand in the Fergana region. In 1986, she graduated from the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Melioration (currently the "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation Engineers and Agricultural Mechanization," National Research University) with a degree in engineering and economics.

Since 2020, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva has been serving as the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the "Zamin" International Public Foundation, which is actively implementing a series of charitable projects aimed at socially supporting vulnerable segments of the population, promoting healthcare, and developing education by creating an open and inclusive environment in Uzbekistan.

The primary focus of the foundation's activities is on environmental conservation. Projects are being implemented to address issues such as afforestation, automation of air quality monitoring, sustainable use of natural resources, development of ecological education among youth, and provision of clean drinking water in remote areas.

Ziroat Mirziyoyeva is actively involved in organizing both national and international initiatives to address social and ecological challenges, aiming to raise awareness and find solutions to pressing issues in these fields.

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