Tajik Climate Activist Urges Leaders to Listen to Youth: “We Are the Present”
United Nations, May 29, 2025 – A young climate activist from Tajikistan is making waves at the United Nations, urging world leaders to actively include the voices of young people in climate change dialogues and policy decisions. In a powerful speech delivered today, the activist, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, emphasized that “We are the present,” highlighting the immediate impact of climate change on youth and the crucial role they play in shaping a sustainable future.
The activist’s address, delivered at a high-level UN forum on climate action, resonated deeply with the audience. They spoke passionately about the specific challenges faced by Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries, including:
- Melting Glaciers: Tajikistan is heavily reliant on glacial meltwater for its water supply, agriculture, and energy production. Rapid glacial retreat due to rising temperatures poses a significant threat to the region’s water security and livelihoods. The activist explained how shrinking glaciers are leading to water scarcity, impacting farming communities and increasing the risk of droughts and food shortages.
- Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events: The activist detailed the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods, landslides, and heatwaves impacting Tajikistan. These events are not only causing significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture but also displacing communities and disrupting lives. They pointed out the disproportionate impact of these disasters on vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.
- Impacts on Agriculture and Food Security: Climate change is directly impacting agricultural yields in Tajikistan, with unpredictable weather patterns and water shortages affecting crop production. The activist emphasized the urgent need for climate-resilient agriculture practices and innovative solutions to ensure food security for future generations.
Beyond Tajikistan: A Global Call for Youth Inclusion
While focusing on the challenges faced by Tajikistan, the activist’s message extended beyond geographical boundaries. They stressed that climate change is a global crisis that demands collective action and requires the active participation of young people from all corners of the world.
“We are not just the future generation; we are living with the consequences of climate change right now,” the activist proclaimed. “Our voices need to be heard in the rooms where decisions are being made. We bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep commitment to building a sustainable future.”
The activist called for concrete steps to ensure youth inclusion in climate policy, including:
- Meaningful Representation: Ensuring young people are represented on climate change advisory boards, policy-making committees, and at international conferences.
- Investing in Climate Education: Providing comprehensive climate education at all levels of the education system to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to address climate change.
- Supporting Youth-Led Initiatives: Providing funding and resources to support youth-led climate action projects, from community-based initiatives to innovative technological solutions.
- Creating Platforms for Dialogue: Establishing platforms for dialogue between young people and policymakers to foster collaboration and ensure that youth concerns are effectively addressed.
The Urgency of Now
The activist’s speech serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of climate action and the critical role young people play in shaping a sustainable future. Their message aligns with a growing global movement of young people demanding climate justice and holding leaders accountable for their actions.
The United Nations has increasingly recognized the importance of youth engagement in climate action. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly emphasized the need to listen to the voices of young people and empower them to participate in shaping a more sustainable world.
The call to action from the Tajik climate activist underscores the need for world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to include youth voices in climate change dialogues and policy decisions. Failure to do so risks alienating a generation that will bear the brunt of the climate crisis and hindering the development of effective and sustainable solutions. The future of the planet, quite literally, depends on it.
‘We are the present’: Tajik climate activist urges leaders to include youth voices in dialogue
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At 2025-05-29 12:00, ‘‘We are the present’: Tajik climate activist urges leaders to include youth voices in dialogue’ was published according to Affairs. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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