For the first time in Tajikistan’s history, a youth-led climate statement officially endorsed by the national government will be presented at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), held from November 6 to 20 in Belém, Brazil.

Titled the “National Youth Climate Statement”, the document was developed during the National Youth Conference on Climate (LCOY) and outlines specific recommendations from Tajik youth for both the national government and the international community.

Seven priority areas for domestic action

The statement highlights seven urgent sectors requiring government attention:

·         Adapting educational and healthcare facilities to climate change.

·         Establishing a Youth Climate Council under the Committee for Environmental Protection, with inclusive representation from all regions.

·         Creating a National Youth Climate Fund to support youth-led projects with transparency and expert oversight.

·         Introducing an early warning system for climate-related disasters using domestic SIM cards and online platforms.

·         Developing public shelters and systems for psychological and social support during emergencies.

·         Expanding the use of renewable energy in public institutions, especially in mountainous and remote areas, and replacing coal and firewood for low-income households.

·         Upgrading urban water infrastructure, enforcing pollution controls on factories, and establishing a digital public platform to monitor climate commitments.

Tajik youth voice at COP30

Tajikistan’s youth statement has been included in the Global Youth Statement and will be presented at COP30. Key proposals include:

·         Prioritizing adaptation to glacier melt and natural disasters in mountainous areas.

·         Ensuring access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for public institutions and low-income families.

·         Placing youth and children at the center of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) process.

·         Increasing investment in drinking water and sanitation infrastructure.

·         Reducing air pollution and dust emissions in urban areas and improving public health information.

NDC 3.0 is a climate commitment document under the Paris Agreement, where countries define their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and report progress annually at COP.

LCOY: elevating youth voices

Organized by the Youth Network for Water and Climate, the National Youth Conference on Climate (LCOY) was held in Dushanbe on October 30–31. It is part of a global framework coordinated by YOUNGO, the official youth and children’s constituency to the UNFCCC.

The process consists of three stages:

·         Creation of a national youth statement (LCOY).

·         Presentation at the Conference of Youth (COY), held prior to COP.

·         Inclusion in the Global Youth Statement (GYS), submitted to COP.

This marks the first time Tajik youth will present their climate priorities on a global platform, signaling a new era of youth involvement in shaping environmental policy.