The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan has brought the country’s young people together for a youth conference on climate solutions and environmental innovation, held in Ashgabat on 24 October 2026 to mark United Nations Day.
Held at the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the conference gathered young activists, environmentalists, university students and young professionals to exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to climate challenges, according to UNDP Turkmenistan.
What the conference covered
Through thematic sessions, participants learned about environmental diplomacy and discussed how young people can contribute to global climate goals at the local level. The programme also explored how digital technologies, science and engineering innovations can support sustainable development.
The conference gave participants a platform to exchange ideas and build leadership skills, with sessions designed to turn discussion into practical approaches young people can carry into their communities.
Two frameworks behind the event
The conference was organised within two initiatives. The first is the UNDP and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) project supporting the preparation of Turkmenistan’s Fifth National Communication on Climate Change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The second is the regional UNDP and UNEP project addressing marine litter and marine plastics in the Caspian Sea through a systemic approach, implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation.
Part of a wider United Nations Day programme
According to UNDP Turkmenistan, the conference formed part of a wider programme of youth and environmental activities held to mark United Nations Day, bringing together environmental awareness, physical activity and cultural exchange.
The event was organised in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Yash Tebigatchy (Young Naturalist) and other partners.
Key facts
- Date: 24 October 2026
- Place: International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
- Organisers: UNDP Turkmenistan, with Yash Tebigatchy (Young Naturalist) and other partners
- Participants: young activists, environmentalists, university students and young professionals
- Themes: climate solutions, environmental innovation, environmental diplomacy, digital technology and science
Young people are also at the centre of climate action elsewhere: read about youth climate leaders gathering ahead of the Antalya climate summit in our earlier coverage of youth climate engagement.
Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Turkmenistan, 24 October 2026, independently reported by News Central Asia.
