Kazakhstan inks Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action

Kazakhstan has joined over 65 countries in signing the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action in Astana, committing to address the climate crisis’s disproportionate impact on children, UNICEF website reported.

The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, emphasized collaboration with UNICEF to implement child-centred sustainable initiatives.

UNICEF’s Regional Director, Reginia De Dominicis, welcomed Kazakhstan’s pledge to involve youth in shaping climate actions. Kazakhstan is integrating children’s climate vulnerabilities into key policies like the Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0 and the National Adaptation Plan, and endorsed the Taza Qazaqstan (Clean Kazakhstan) ecological culture concept (2024–2029).

The education sector focuses on engaging youth in environmental responsibility. Kazakhstan will host the 2026 Regional Climate Summit, highlighting youth voices. The Declaration aims to accelerate inclusive, child- and youth-centred climate policies globally, with UNICEF supporting its adoption and implementation. UNICEF also works with young climate volunteers in Kazakhstan, reaching over 2 million people through various initiatives.