SCO Young Leaders Discuss Climate Solutions
Young leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Youth Council gathered in Astana on June 20 to discuss youth leadership in the environment and create a pathway to a sustainable future. The event, hosted by the youth wing Zhastar Rukhy (Youth spirit) of the Amanat party, brought together more than 150 delegates from ten SCO member states and observer countries.
During the meeting, Yerlan Koshanov, chairman of the Mazhilis and chairman of the Amanat party, highlighted the importance of youth engagement in environmental issues. He stated that Kazakhstan has declared 2024 as the Year of Ecology and emphasized the need for joint efforts to address climate change and natural disasters. Koshanov urged young leaders to propose innovative solutions to overcome environmental challenges and strengthen the legislative framework to promote the green agenda.
The Chairperson of Zhastar Rukhy, Akerke Iskanderova, shared the success of Kazakh youth in environmental conservation efforts. She mentioned the Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan campaign, which involved over 2.4 million participants in collecting garbage and planting green spaces. Iskanderova also highlighted the SCO Youth Council’s collaboration in combating drug crime.
Delegates from China, Russia, India, and Uzbekistan discussed various initiatives related to environmental education, creative industries, water conservation, and volunteer efforts. Following the meeting, the participants adopted a joint resolution to enhance cooperation among youth organizations in SCO countries. The resolution includes the establishment of an international headquarters of eco-volunteers and the organization of annual competitions for environmental projects.
Additionally, Belarus and Iran were approved to join the SCO Youth Council, expanding the number of member states to ten. China assumed the presidency of the council, signaling a continued focus on youth leadership and environmental sustainability within the SCO.
