In response to the growing impact of the climate crisis and its unique disproportionate impact on children, the Government of Kazakhstan has joined some 65 countries globally in signing the?Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action?during an event in Astana on May 16.

“UNICEF is a crucial partner in protecting children from the impacts of climate change. The Ministry is committed to expanding this collaboration and working alongside UNICEF to implement child-centred initiatives that pave the way for a sustainable future.” said the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, on behalf of the Government of Kazakhstan.

“By signing the Declaration, Kazakhstan has pledged to engage meaningfully with children and young people to shape actions that secure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for future generations. We welcome this important step and look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Government to turn this commitment into tangible outcomes for children,” said Reginia De Dominicis, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

The Government of Kazakhstan is ensuring that children’s unique climate vulnerabilities and needs are included in key climate plans and policies – including the Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0 and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Last year the Government has endorsed the Taza Qazaqstan (Clean Kazakhstan) concept for the development of ecological culture (2024–2029). The document sets out an approach to ensure an environmentally responsible and sustainable society.

Within the education sector, a strong emphasis is placed on engaging children and young people in environmental sustainability and inspiring a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Next year, Kazakhstan will host the Regional Climate Summit in 2026 – during which youth voices and solutions will be amplified.

The Declaration is a first-of-its-kind commitment to accelerate inclusive, child- and youth-centred climate policies and action at national and global levels. As one of the custodians of the declaration, UNICEF is working with governments, including in Kazakhstan, to support its adoption and implementation. All member states of the United Nations are invited to sign the Declaration.