Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- We think globally, we act locally, we cooperate regionally. This brief formulation captures the essence of youth leadership aimed at implementing national climate change priorities, regional cooperation and climate finance for sustainable development.

On 18 – 22 September 2023, the 13th Central Asian Leadership Program on Environment for Sustainable Development (CALP) will be held in Almaty (Kazakhstan), the theme of which is: “Leaders of Central Asia - Engaging Youth in the Implementation of National Climate Change Priorities, Regional Cooperation and Climate Finance for Sustainable Development”.

CALP is organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in cooperation with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the World Bank, the Secretariat of the High-Level Dialogue Platform of the Swiss Blue Peace Central Asia Initiative and Coca-Cola.

The program will bring together young professionals in charge of climate change, water management and green development in the ministries of agriculture, ecology, water resources and energy; representatives of green business and civil society in Central Asia from all five Central Asian countries.

“The 13th CALP is an interactive five-day leadership program to empower young professionals in Central Asia to participate more actively in solving national priorities in the field of climate change, regional cooperation, and exploring mechanisms for financing climate change for sustainable development,” emphasizes Valeria Orlova, Manager of the CAREC programme “Education for Sustainable Development”.

It includes expert lectures, interactive sessions, case studies, networking opportunities, leadership development, and a deepening understanding of climate change issues. As a result, young specialists from Central Asian countries will expand their knowledge and network of contacts in the following thematic areas: adaptation to climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable energy, water resources management and water diplomacy, circular economy and waste management, as well as sustainable agriculture and food systems.

“CALP strives to raise a new generation of people capable of solving the problems of climate change, promoting sustainable development and establishing regional cooperation to build a sustainable and environmentally friendly future in Central Asia,” said Zafar Makhmudov, CAREC Executive Director.

Particular attention will focus on the Central Asian Climate Information Platform (CACIP) as an innovative tool and source of information on climate change for government agencies, academia and the public in the region.

The thematic report, presentations and publications on the results of the 13th CALP will be available on the CAREC website and social networks and serve as sources of information for stakeholders in Central Asia and beyond.