Youth leading the way towards a green economy
“For me, ‘green economy’ is a lifestyle, mindfulness in consumption and a step towards shaping an agenda for sustainable development,” says Saule Agatayeva. In 2017, Saule participated in the eighth session of the Central Asian Leadership Programme (CALP) for young environmentalists from Central Asia and Afghanistan, and since 2019, she has been a member of the organizing committee of its alumni/ae network in Kazakhstan.
Participation in CALP increased Saule’s knowledge about green economies and sustainable development, water resource management and the nexus of water, food, energy and ecosystems. She also developed leadership skills. Saule believes her new expertise will enable her to increase youth’s role in regional co-operation in promoting environmentalism and sustainable development. She is committed to organizing regular outdoor activities and public talks to foster eco-friendly behaviours and build environmental knowledge and capacities among Central Asian youth leaders.
In 2021, 38 participants from government agencies, green businesses, civil society organizations and academia in Central Asia and Afghanistan took part in the 12th annual CALP session, which was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia, the UN Environment Programme, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, the World Bank and the European Union. The focus was on sustainable consumption and production and their relation to food supply and security. Participants heard from experts on green economies, the transition towards low-carbon development, sustainable water management and biodiversity conservation.
Saule sees great potential in the CALP alumni/ae network. After 12 years, “there is a huge group of CALP graduates and professional expertise.” What’s more, “we are one family, and we have similar values.” She wants to get these young leaders from across the region involved in joint projects and communication campaigns – to promote environmentally friendly attitudes, the principles of sustainable development and environmentally friendly purchases such as locally produced eco-products or organic food – to build a green community.
“Sometimes when I reflect and assess the work that’s been done, how programmes and projects positively influence people, the environment and communities, then I understand that it’s not in vain,” says Saule, “and for a minute or two I feel part of a global movement.”
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This story is drawn from the OSCE's 2021 Annual Report, page 64.
