Tajikistan signs the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 6 May 2024 – Recognizing the escalating impact of the climate crisis, particularly on children, the Government of Tajikistan, represented by the Committee for Environmental Protection, has taken an important step. At a signing event in Dushanbe today, Tajikistan joined over 40 countries from around the world in endorsing the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action. This historic commitment aims to accelerate inclusive climate policies and actions that prioritise the well-being of children and young people at national and global levels.

"We firmly believe that the foundation for successful adaptation to climate change in Tajikistan and the wider Central Asian region will be laid by addressing climate-related challenges together, promoting a common stance among nations, and educating children and youth on these issues," said Ms. Zarafo Kiyomzoda, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection.

At the signing ceremony, children and young people from Tajikistan were represented by Nisso Masumova (15) and Jahongir Qurbonzoda (17) who shared concerns about the climate crisis and welcomed the signing of this declaration.

“Dear representatives of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Committee on Environmental Protection, we sincerely thank you for adopting the declaration on children, youth, and climate action. We, children, and youth, are ready to contribute to the promotion of this initiative to make our beautiful country more resilient to climate change,” said Nisso during her remarks.

And Jahongir added: “Also, we children and young people want to express that this good deed inspires us all. We see how your efforts are aimed at creating a stable future for all citizens of Tajikistan, especially children and youth. Your partnership with UNICEF is a key component to the successful implementation of this important declaration, and we greatly appreciate your dedication to this cause. We're excited to see you working to adapt child welfare systems so they can better respond to the challenges of climate change. Your leadership, dedication and cooperation in this important work is highly appreciated and we will never hesitate to participate and contribute to this initiative.”

The signing of the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action represents Tajikistan's commitment to advance climate policies and actions that prioritise inclusivity, children and youth at the national level. And as a key custodian of the Declaration, UNICEF is working closely with the country's government to facilitate its adoption and effective implementation.

Currently, Tajikistan joins Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan from Central Asia, and a number of European countries such as Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia and Spain in adopting the Declaration.

To support the implementation of the Declaration, UNICEF will work with the Environment Committee to adapt and strengthen existing systems that children rely on - including education, social protection and health care - to ensure that services can withstand and respond to the impacts of climate change and mitigate risks.

“The climate crisis is a child rights crisis. Children do not have time to wait for action on climate. This action is required here and now. I urge us all to work together with children and young people to identify and take actions to provide future generations with a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment,” concluded Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan.

Note for the editors:

In 2019, at the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) in Madrid, a group of world leaders joined youth activists in a historic moment — to sign an Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action. This is the first-of-its-kind commitment to accelerate inclusive, child and youth-centered climate policies and action at national and global levels.

As one of the custodians of the declaration, UNICEF works with governments to support its implementation. All Member States of the United Nations are invited to sign. 

Full text of the Declaration is available here.