On September 13, 2024, the 14th Central Asian Leadership Program on Environment for Sustainable Development (CALP), organized by the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC), came to a close. The final day of the event was packed with key events, including an interactive NEXUS game and a closing ceremony that summarized this week full of educational sessions and discussions.
The NEXUS Game: Collaborating to Solve Environmental Challenges
The NEXUS game was the centerpiece of the final day, giving participants the opportunity to put into practice what they had learned. During the game, participants were divided into teams, each representing a different sector – water, energy, agriculture and ecosystems. Under the guidance of facilitator Zamira Zholdaskyzy, coordinator of the Community of Practice Development and Academic Communities Network, the teams developed strategies for sustainable natural resource management in the context of a changing climate and growing environmental challenges.
The NEXUS game simulated the real conditions and challenges faced by Central Asian countries when it comes to interactions between the water, energy and land sectors. Participants had to balance the needs of each sector, make decisions under resource constraints and propose innovative solutions to ensure sustainability. The game not only helped to deepen understanding of the complex interrelationships between natural resources, but also demonstrated how important cross-sectoral cooperation is to overcome common environmental challenges.
During the game, participants actively discussed different approaches, proposed solutions and learned to work in teams, which allowed each of them to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of an integrated approach to sustainable development. Such practical tasks gave the young leaders of Central Asia an opportunity to practice their strategic thinking and decision-making skills in complex situations.
Closing Ceremony: recognizing the achievements of the participants
After the completion of the NEXUS game, a closing ceremony was held, which was an important moment for all participants of the program. Evgenia Postnova, the facilitator of the event, expressed her gratitude to all participants for their enthusiasm and active participation in discussions and sessions during the week. Certificates of participation were awarded to each participant, confirming their contribution to the work and successful completion of the program.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of key organizations and partners of the program. Executive Director of CAREC, Zafar Makhmudov, noted that the success of the 14th CALP once again emphasized the importance of involving youth in the process of addressing environmental challenges in the region. He also stressed that graduates of the program, who have acquired leadership skills and knowledge in environmental management, will become an important force to promote sustainable development in their countries.
Nuraddin Murshudlu, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the program, noting the importance of regional co-operation in natural resource management. Ashanti Bleisch, Regional Specialist on Water Infrastructure and Climate Change at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), emphasized the importance of promoting cross-sectoral dialogue and finding innovative solutions for climate change adaptation in Central Asia.
Participants’ impressions and future cooperation
The program participants, in turn, shared their feedback on the past week. Many noted that CALP provided unique opportunities to develop professional skills, deepen knowledge on natural resource management and establish new connections with colleagues from different countries of the region. Learning through practical tasks, like the NEXUS game, and discussion of real environmental challenges allowed participants to better understand how to apply their knowledge in their own countries and at the level of regional cooperation.
The 14th Central Asian Leadership Program reaffirmed its important role in training a new generation of leaders who are capable of addressing the region’s environmental challenges and building a sustainable future for Central Asia.
Additional information: Valeria Orlova, Manager of the “Education for Sustainable Development” program CAREC, esd@carececo.com
