OSCE supports training event for young environmental leaders from Central Asia and Afghanistan

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 16 September 2014 – Some 40 young environmental leaders and professionals representing state, business and civil society in Central Asia and Afghanistan are taking part in the nine-day training seminar under the Central Asian Leadership Programme on Environment and Sustainable Development (CALPESD), launched today in Almaty.

The event has been co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with support of the government of Norway for five consecutive years. It aims to enhance the extensive ecological knowledge of participants and to teach them how to apply their skills when addressing complicated environmental, economic and social challenges.

This year the CALPESD training programme is focused on a multi-disciplinary assessment of progress in sustainable development in Central Asia and is composed of interactive sessions with three thematic targets: people, the environment and sustainable development.

“The Central Asian programme on environment and sustainable development is a proven mechanism for training the emerging leaders who can ensure a development for the Central Asian countries and Afghanistan based on international principles and values, such as good governance, rule of law, transparency, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

Iskandar Abdullaev, Executive Director of CAREC said: “This leadership programme aims not only to expand the potential of young professionals, but also to discuss opportunities to improve the environmental situation in Central Asia and beyond. During these five years it has turned into an effective platform for regional collaboration. Through training seminars, lectures and presentations we hope to improve the quality of their leadership and strengthen co-operation between those who promote sustainable development both from the government and civil society sides.”

The event is part of the OSCE’s long-standing work in promoting regional dialogue and co-operation in environmental security and sustainable development. It was organized to support the 2014 OSCE Swiss Chairmanship priority on engaging youth in resolving security issues.