Kyrgyzstan initiates the first World Mountain Youth Festival. The First Lady of Kyrgyzstan Aigul Japarova announced, speaking at an event dedicated to the environmental education of youth on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku (Azerbaijan).
According to her, the festival is initiated with the aim of creating a platform for the development of expert dialogue, exchange of experience, attracting funding to support initiatives among the youth of mountainous countries, creation and implementation of environmental projects to protect mountain ecosystems.
Aigul Japarova noted that today everyone faces the important task of forming a responsible attitude towards nature in society from a very early age.
Everyone has to play their role in the fight against climate change. And young people with their innovative approach, courage and sociability represent a huge force capable of turning the tide.
The First Lady noted that in order to actively involve young people in environmental projects, President Sadyr Japarov initiated the national campaign Zhashyl Muras in March 2022, which means «Green Heritage» in Kyrgyz.
She told that the program is aimed at several key aspects: creating a broad community of young people, civil society and local authorities to implement practical measures aimed at increasing forest areas and protecting mountain ecosystems. The program also pays attention to raising the scientific and theoretical level of young people in the field of nature conservation and the efficient use of the country’s forest resources. It teaches young people the basics of ecology, sustainable development and environmental protection through workshops and trainings, which helps develop their potential and knowledge in this area.
Formation of environmental skills in preschool education requires the introduction of cognitive research activities, as well as experiments and experiences, situational conversations, environmental campaigns, reading fiction and other creative pedagogical methods.
Taking into account the transition to new principles of organizing the economy in the region based on the so-called green economy, we are making changes to the content of vocational education at all its levels, where it is necessary to introduce new areas directly related to the training of personnel for priority sectors of the green economy,» Aigul Japarova emphasized.
In conclusion of her speech, she called on all states and international organizations to cooperate with young people and children, providing them with the opportunity to participate in the development of environmental policy.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is being held in Baku from November 11 to November 22.
