The First Lady of the Kyrgyz Republic, Aigul Japarova, participated in the international forum "Children and Youth in Action – Climate Change in Central Asia" on November 9, hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event, organized at the invitation of Uzbekistan's First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, saw the gathering of First Ladies from Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Iran.

Expressing her gratitude for the invitation, Aigul Japarova acknowledged the host city, Tashkent, as a historical hub along the Great Silk Road. In her welcoming speech, she commended Ziroat Mirziyoyeva's commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges, particularly in recognizing the crucial role of children and youth in combating the adverse effects of climate change and promoting environmental education.

Highlighting Kyrgyzstan's dedication to engaging the younger generation in climate change solutions, Aigul Japarova underscored that national strategic development documents systematically reflect efforts to involve children and youth in addressing climate change issues. Citing the Concept of Youth Policy for 2020-2030, she emphasized priorities such as providing opportunities for human development, shaping youth as a key resource for state and societal progress, encouraging youth initiatives in various spheres, and fostering a responsible attitude toward health, heritage, and global interaction.

Aigul Japarova noted the vulnerability of children and youth to climate change, stressing that they are essential actors in achieving national climate goals. Given that over half of Kyrgyzstan's territory is situated at altitudes between 1,000 to 3,000 meters, she acknowledged the unique challenges faced by residents of high mountain regions, including climate-related risks like water scarcity, land degradation, and natural disasters.

Kyrgyzstan, as a mountainous country, seeks international support to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. The First Lady shared that, in 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution "Sustainable Mountain Development" during its 77th session, with 2023-2027 declared as "Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions." This resolution, initiated by Kyrgyzstan, highlights the need for concerted efforts in protecting and supporting mountain states.

Concluding her remarks, Aigul Japarova expressed hope that the forum would inspire new initiatives and common approaches to address pressing societal issues. She affirmed her confidence in collective efforts contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection, underlining the significance of creating a favorable environment for the younger generation and ensuring the future's sustainable development.

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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