LANKARAN, Azerbaijan, June 10, 2024 – The Regional Climate Weeks initiative was launched today in Lankaran, aiming to drive climate awareness and action among youth across Azerbaijan. This program, which is a joint effort between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and UNICEF Azerbaijan, seeks to educate and engage young people on critical climate issues as the country prepares for COP29.

The "Climate Weeks" project, implemented by Youth Climate Envoys, is designed to raise awareness about climate issues and foster active and meaningful participation in climate action. Starting from Lankaran, the initiative will cover 10 regions of Azerbaijan, bringing information sessions on climate change and environmental protection to adolescents and youth in local communities.

Youth Climate Envoys will travel across the country to facilitate interactive discussions and consultations with local youth, listening to their opinions and encouraging their involvement in climate solutions. The sessions will offer adolescents and youth the knowledge, competencies, and opportunities to understand, care for, and protect their environment. Through group work and consultations, young participants will also learn about practical steps to address climate change.

“Children and young people are the least responsible for climate change, yet they bear the heaviest burden. They will inherit our planet, and we must equip them with the knowledge and tools to find solutions,” emphasized Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan. She highlighted the importance of supporting the active participation of youth in climate-related initiatives that affect their future.

Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports, who participated in the Climate Weeks official event, stressed the urgency of addressing  the climate change and the special role of young people in these activities. He underscored the need of youth involvement in the steps to be taken towards mitigating climate impacts.

During the event, the Climate Youth Envoys presented key concepts of climate and facilitated discussions on the participants' existing knowledge and experiences. The sessions encouraged young people to propose actionable solutions for climate change prevention, particularly through daily activities.

The official opening ceremony at the Lankaran Olympic Center was followed by a tree planting session, where the official guests actively participated along with youth climate envoys and local youth. This symbolic act aimed to promote the contribution of young people to climate change prevention.