On November 18, 2024 the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, hosted the “Forum of Turkic Climate Initiative on Human Capital Problems” within the framework of the activities of the Agency for State Support of Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan of the International Climate Conference COP-29. The event brought together representatives of Turkic states, experts, non-governmental organizations and youth initiatives to discuss the role of human capital in the fight against climate change. Director of the project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan Mergen Kepbanov took an active part in the event and shared his impressions and conclusions about his participation in the forum. Among the forum participants were also Zafar Makhmudov Executive Director of CAREC, Ataev Berkeli Director of the Turkmen NGO “Tebigy Kuvvat”, and Serdar Mametniyazov Chief RES specialist of the Aarhus Center of Turkmenistan.
The first panel of the forum was dedicated to “Climate Change and Human Capital: The Role of Civil Society in Turkic States”. The participants discussed the importance of interaction between governmental structures, non-governmental organizations and civil initiatives for the development and implementation of the climate agenda. Mergen Kepbanov emphasized that civil society plays a key role in promoting environmental education, strengthening public awareness and supporting sustainable solutions in the countries of the region.
The second session of the forum was dedicated to the theme “The Promotion of civil society to engage youth in climate-related issues within Turkic states”. The discussion focused on the formation of environmental culture among young people, expansion of educational programs and support for initiatives aimed at active participation of the younger generation in addressing climate issues. Mergen Kepbanov noted the importance of such forums for uniting the efforts of the Turkic countries in the education of environmentally responsible generation.
The Forum ended with a solemn ceremony that included guest appreciation by the organizers and presentation of memorable gifts to the participants. In his closing remarks, Mergen Kepbanov expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a significant event and emphasized the importance of further cooperation between Turkic states for the successful implementation of the climate agenda.
The participation of the CAREC Project Office Director at COP-29 and in this forum was an important step in strengthening international cooperation and promoting the region’s efforts to combat climate change. The countries of the region will continue to develop dialog and cooperation to create a sustainable future.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan
