Tajikistan has committed to integrating child-centred approaches to climate action into its national climate policies, emphasizing the involvement of children and young people in decision-making processes. This announcement was made during a side event at COP29, hosted by the Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection of Tajikistan, Bahodur Sheralizoda, and attended by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Kitty van der Heijden.
The event marked a step in Tajikistan’s efforts to prioritize the needs of children in climate action. The country pledged to incorporate these approaches into national frameworks such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0 and the National Communication and Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative. The government also vowed to involve the Tajik Youth for Water and Climate Network in policy-making processes to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and their concerns addressed.
Recent evidence highlighting the detrimental impact of climate change on children in Tajikistan was shared at the event, underscoring the need for the full integration of children’s needs into national climate policies. This evidence demonstrated how climate-related crises in the country cause annual economic losses ranging from 0.4% to 1.3% of its GDP, further burdening vulnerable communities and hindering economic growth.
Xiaohong Yang, Deputy Director General of the Central and West Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank, and Janet Kennedy, Regional Climate Officer at the U.S. Department of State, also attended the event, stressing the importance of immediate international support for climate mitigation efforts, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, including children.
In his opening remarks, Sheralizoda highlighted Tajikistan’s long-standing recognition of the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
“We have recently taken an important step forward by signing the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action. This declaration reflects our determination to accelerate inclusive climate policies and actions that prioritize the well-being of children and youth,” he said. “Young people are not only the future of Tajikistan but are also essential contributors today, bringing energy, innovative thinking, and a genuine desire for change.”
UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Kitty van der Heijden, commended Tajikistan for its commitment to involving children and youth in climate action. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that children's needs are integrated into climate planning and policy to create a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations.
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