Blue Water Association

Regional Youth Statement Central Asia and Afghanistan We are excited to announce that the Regional Youth Statement for Central Asia and Afghanistan 2024 is now live! This important document captures the collective voices of approximately 400 youth from our region, including girls and women, on pressing issues related to climate change and sustainability. To access this crucial statement, please scan the QR code below to download the PDF version available in both English and Russian. The Regional Youth Statement highlights the challenges we face, along with innovative suggestions and actionable solutions to address the climate crisis in our region. It serves as a vital contribution to the Global Youth Statement that will be presented at COP29, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan. We encourage you to read, share, and engage with this statement as it reflects our shared concerns and aspirations for a sustainable future. Together, we can make our voices heard on the global stage!

Day Three of the Afghanistan Local Conference of Youth (ALCOY) 2024 came to a successful close, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration. The day began with encouraging remarks from Ms. Farida Razaqi, setting a positive and engaging tone for the sessions that followed. Dr. Abas Basir, former Minister of Higher Education and former Director General of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), delivered an insightful keynote speech on "The Role of Education in Strengthening Flash Flood Resilience," highlighting the crucial connection between education and disaster preparedness. Following this, Dr. Tahir Shaaran, a scholar at the University of Toronto and former Director General of Atomic Energy in Afghanistan, delivered his keynote speech on "Energy and Flood Resilience in Afghanistan." He discussed how energy solutions can play a vital role in making communities more resilient to natural disasters, particularly floods. A lively networking session followed, allowing participants to connect, share ideas, and recharge before diving into the final breakout room discussions. During the breakout discussions, participants worked on their policy recommendations and project proposals, which were then presented to a panel of judges for evaluation. Ms. Kelly Thompson, Youth Community Mobilisation Specialist at UNFPA Afghanistan, joined the event, delivering a moving speech on the significance of youth engagement in climate resilience and importance of the LCOY conference in Afghanistan. The day ended on a high note with an awards ceremony celebrating the creativity and hard work of all the participants. In the children’s competition, the Best Story and Essay Awards were given to Sara Ibrahimi, Kawsar Jahfari, and Sajida Ahadi. In the youth storytelling category, Yalda Faizi, Ayub Ayubi, and Fatima Safdari secured the Best Story Award. Mohammad Imam Mohammadi received the Best Artwork Award. In the youth essay writing contest, Abdul Tawab Khpalwak and Mir Hussain Saifi were awarded the Best Essay Award. Additionally, the panel of judges, which included Dr. Tahir Shaaran, Ms. Beheshta Taib (Youth and GBViE Program Officer at UNFPA), and Mr. Hamidullah Nadeem (Senior Communication and Marketing Coordinator at Monash University), presented the Best Breakout Room Award to the members of Room 3, which focused on "Post-Disaster Recovery," and Room 4, which focused on "Climate Finance and Community-Led Projects," for their exceptional presentations and ideas. As ALCOY 2024 comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to organizers, participants, and speakers. Together, we have shaped important conversations and built connections that will help drive meaningful change for Afghanistan’s youth. Let’s keep this momentum going and continue working towards a sustainable future! #ALCOY #LCOY2024 #ClimateAction #climatechange2024 #YOUNGO #Youth

We are thrilled to announce two exceptional keynote speakers for the Day 3 of ALCOY 2024! First, we have Dr. Abas Basir, former Minister of Higher Education and Director General of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). He will address the conference on "The Role of Education in Strengthening Flash Flood Resilience," exploring how educational initiatives can empower communities to better prepare for and respond to flash floods. His expertise in environmental studies and education will provide valuable insights into integrating resilience strategies into our educational systems. We are also delighted to introduce Dr. Tahir Shaaran, a scholar at Toronto University and former Director General of Atomic Energy in Afghanistan. Dr. Shaaran will discuss "Energy and Flood Resilience in Afghanistan," offering insights on how energy solutions can play a critical role in strengthening our resilience against flash floods. #LCOY2024 #alcoy #voice #YOUNGO #climatechange2024

Day 2 of ALCOY 2024 began with great anticipation, as participants gathered to dive deeper into the critical conversations around building a climate-resilient Afghanistan. Shoaib Sadaat started the day by providing an overview of the day’s events and outlining the key objectives of the sessions. The first major session of the day was the panel discussion, "Building a Climate-Resilient Afghanistan," moderated by Farida Razaqi. This engaging session featured distinguished speakers: Ms. Charity Watson from UNAMA, Mr. Olivier Lavinal from the World Bank, Mr. Kaustubh Devale from FAO, and Dr. M. Assem Mayar, Post Doctoral Researcher in Water and Climate Change. Together, they explored the challenges and opportunities for climate action, offering diverse perspectives on how Afghanistan can adapt to and mitigate climate risks. Following the panel, Zuhal sherzad and Hussain Saadat led a lively networking session. This brief but impactful session provided participants with an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas. After the networking session, participants were introduced to the experts who would guide the breakout room discussions. Dr. Sajad A. Hamidi, PhD, PE, M.ASCE focused on Education and awareness, Dr. Farokh Kakar. PhD. PMP® addressed Vulnerable Populations, Ms. Zayna Syed explored Post-Disaster Recovery, and Mr. Sanaullah Salam delved into Climate Finance. Each room provided a space for deep discussions, allowing participants to contribute their thoughts and insights while working towards innovative solutions for climate resilience. The second day of ALCOY 2024 was an inspiring demonstration of the power of dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration as we continue to work together for a sustainable future for Afghanistan. #LCOY2024 #alcoy #climatechange2024 #YOUNGO

Day 1 of ALCOY 2024 kicked off with a warm welcome from moderators Farida Razaqi and Shoaib Sadaat. Nilofar Jamal shared YOUNGO’s message and provided a recap of last year’s conference highlights. Mr. Riad Meddeb, Director of the UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub, delivered the keynote speech, discussing the integration of sustainable energy solutions for climate resilience in Afghanistan. Next, Marwa Alam Safa took the stage, presenting on the devastating 2024 floods and showcasing a video depicting their impact. Sayedmuhammad Sulimankhil shared his personal experience of visiting Baghlan Province and showed a video report featuring interviews with the affected communities. This was followed by a presentation by Professor Jeffrey Schlegelmilch from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, who shared lessons on how to better prepare for and respond to flash floods. Afterwards, Zuhal sherzad and Hussain Saadat led a networking session that allowed participants to connect and exchange ideas. Following the networking break, Mr. Abdul Baset Rahmani, a DDR and water management researcher, presented on Flash Flood Dynamics in Afghanistan, shedding light on the causes of these disasters. The day concluded with breakout sessions where participants worked in groups to address specific flash flood issues, setting the stage for more in-depth discussions over the coming days.

Day 1 of ALCOY 2024 kicked off with a warm welcome from moderators Farida Razaqi and Shoaib Sadaat. Nilofar Jamal shared YOUNGO’s message and provided a recap of last year’s conference highlights. Mr. Riad Meddeb, Director of the UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub, delivered the keynote speech, discussing the integration of sustainable energy solutions for climate resilience in Afghanistan. Next, Marwa Alam Safa took the stage, presenting on the devastating 2024 floods and showcasing a video depicting their impact. Sayedmuhammad Sulimankhil shared his personal experience of visiting Baghlan Province and showed a video report featuring interviews with the affected communities. This was followed by a presentation by Professor Jeffrey Schlegelmilch from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, who shared lessons on how to better prepare for and respond to flash floods. Afterwards, Zuhal sherzad and Hussain Saadat led a networking session that allowed participants to connect and exchange ideas. Following the networking break, Mr. Abdul Baset Rahmani, a DDR and water management researcher, presented on Flash Flood Dynamics in Afghanistan, shedding light on the causes of these disasters. The day concluded with breakout sessions where participants worked in groups to address specific flash flood issues, setting the stage for more in-depth discussions over the coming days.

🎉Day 1 of ALCOY is here!🎉 Afghan youth are gathering to kick off the first day of powerful discussions, inspiring talks, and collaborative sessions on climate action. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for Afghanistan. Let’s make these next few days count! #LCOY2024 #YOUNGO #ALCOY #climatechange2024

We are honored to have Mr. Riad Meddeb Director of the UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub, as a keynote speaker on the first day of ALCOY 2024! He will address the topic "Sustainable Energy Solutions for Global Climate Resilience," sharing invaluable insights into how sustainable energy solutions can empower communities globally, enhance resilience to climate challenges, and promote long-term sustainability. This session is vital for advancing climate action and development efforts on a global scale.🌍 #ALCOY #LCOY2024 #YOUNGO #ClimateChnage

The Afghanistan Local Conference of Youth (ALCOY) 2024 organizing team successfully conducted an orientation session on 15 September 2024! The session introduced participants to the second ALCOY, offering key insights into what’s ahead from September 27-29. We discussed everything from UNFCCC and YOUNGO to the breakout sessions and exciting activities planned for the conference. This year’s ALCOY is shaping up to be an incredible platform for Afghan youth to engage, collaborate, and take action on climate issues. Let’s get ready for an impactful conference! #LCOY #ALCOY2024 #climatechange2024 #YOUNGO

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our two-day Regional Conference of Youth in Central Asia and Afghanistan, held both in person and online. Approximately 200 young climate activists from Central Asia and Afghanistan gathered for this event, which took place in the beautiful city of Bishkek on September 5-6. During the conference, several distinguished speakers addressed critical issues related to climate change and sustainability. Many youth representatives actively participated, raising questions, sharing their thoughts, and exchanging cultural insights. As part of the organizing team, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all team members and organizations such as UNICEF, UNDP, and UNISON Group for making this event possible. Begim Zhanuzakova Samar Kanatov Alimkhan Abulkhan Kunnuru Duishobekova Hussain Saadat Selbi Matveliyeva Mavzuna Azizova Mira Dzhakshylykova Nurzat Abdyrasulova Gulshat Ayydova @unicefkg @undpkg Ehsanullah Yawari #rcoy_centralasia_and_afghanistan_2024 #youth4climate #children4climate #unicefkg #undpkg #RCOY #YouthClimateAction #CentralAsia #Afghanistan #ClimateChange #IntergenerationalDialogue #Sustainability #UNISONGroup