2025 PRME Global Students Sustainability Award

The goal of "Climate For Us" is to strengthen youth capacity and mobilize youth action to address climate change issues in the Central Asian region. The mission of "Climate For Us" is to enhance youth participation in tackling climate change and mitigating its associated risks. We support the adaptation of the Central Asian region to the consequences of global warming by equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and tools to influence climate policy and environmental movements. The organization also aims to strengthen youth policy in the region and actively engage young people in international processes within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The complementary areas of activity of "Climate For Us" include the development of research, professional, and leadership skills among young people in the context of the broader environmental agenda and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. The Regional Conference of Youth in Central Asia on Climate Change (RCOY CA) was organized to amplify youth voices and develop a Regional Youth Statement of Central Asia for inclusion in the Global Youth Statement (GYS) at UNFCCC COP29 in Baku. This initiative provided a crucial platform for youth from six countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan—to engage in climate policy discussions and international dialogues.

Key objectives of RCOY CA included: Strengthening regional youth networks and fostering collaboration; Addressing critical topics such as climate finance, mountain ecosystems, gender justice, and youth engagement in climate policy.; Developing a youth-driven statement reflecting regional climate challenges, needs, and policy recommendations.

To achieve these goals, the initiative consisted of five national in-person events, six online national consultations (engaging over 320 young people), two regional online consultations, and a regional conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with 250 participants. The conference empowered youth by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for climate action at local, national and international levels.

2. The "I International Student Scientific Conference on Ecology and Sustainable Development" aims to create a platform for academic dialogue, exchange of ideas and experiences, and an opportunity to share scientific research in the field of ecology and sustainable development. This event is designed to be a space where students can present their scientific work and innovative approaches to addressing current issues in ecology and sustainable development.

The conference aims to stimulate students' interest in the principles of ecology and sustainable development to foster a conducive environment within the university community and society at large. Interested students and experts from Narxoz University, as well as other universities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, will be invited to the conference.

3. The Auaspan Eco-Bonus System Expansion, developed by members of Climate for Us, aimed to enhance sustainable urban mobility by incentivizing eco-friendly transportation choices among university students and local communities. The system integrates a virtual eco-bonus mechanism where users earn points for choosing sustainable mobility options, such as public transport, car-sharing, and cycling. These points can be exchanged for discounts on eco-friendly products, services, and transportation fees. The project aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by reducing carbon footprints and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable behavior through rewards. This innovative approach fosters student engagement and strengthens responsible management practices in the university ecosystem and beyond.

"Climate for Us" aims to engage youth in climate action through innovative education, research, and practical solutions. We not only develop educational initiatives and build a youth community but also actively promote the voice of Central Asian youth at the regional and international levels, including within the UNFCCC.

We developed a UNFCCC climate negotiations simulation game that helps participants understand international processes and develop advocacy skills. We also organize the International Student Scientific Conference on Ecology and Sustainable Development, where young people can present their research and exchange ideas with experts.

Our "Auaspan" project encourages the use of eco-friendly transportation through a reward system, making sustainable mobility more accessible and beneficial. We also create educational content on social media, simplifying complex climate topics for young audiences. These initiatives help build an active community and strengthen youth participation in global climate processes.

1. The RCOY CA initiative had a profound impact on the university ecosystem, regional communities, and international climate processes.

Quantitative Impact:

Engaged over 230 young participants in the regional conference; conducted training and open tables for schools and university students on the topic of climate activism for more than 200 people; Reached more than 570 youth representatives across national and regional consultations; Resulted in a youth statement that was formally incorporated into the Global Youth Statement and presented at COP29 Baku.

Qualitative Impact:

Strengthened youth engagement in climate policy-making and negotiations; Established a sustainable dialogue platform between Central Asian youth and international organizations; Raised awareness and developed capacity in action to combat climate change and reduce individual carbon footprints for schoolchildren and students, through training and open slots; Influenced side events at COP29, including those held at the Kazakhstan Pavilion, Kyrgyzstan Pavilion, and UN Global Compact Pavilion; Fostered discussions on climate and health, intersectoral cooperation, youth and children's role in climate policy, and green leadership for a sustainable transition.

2. The "I International Student Scientific Conference on Ecology and Sustainable Development"

Quantitative Impact:

14 articles were collected from 14 students on the following SDGs: SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). An electronic collection of 125 pages was published. ISBN 978-601-222-159-6.

Qualitative Impact:

First and foremost, an annual platform was created where students exchanged their innovative ideas, research, and experiences, as well as received recommendations from experts in the field. Additionally, as a result of the conference, an electronic collection of conference materials was published, including all student articles. Consequently, these students can reference this collection in their future academic careers. And the research results of students on the sustainability agenda were presented and promoted.

3. The Auaspan Eco-Bonus System Expansion

Quantitative Impact:

Auaspan successfully reached the final of GCIP Kazakhstan, ranking among the top 12 startups selected by UNIDO for their innovative approach to sustainability and eco-incentives. Over 20-30 students and community members actively participated in the eco-bonus system. The initiative helped reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10 metric tons in 2024. Partnerships established with 2 eco-friendly businesses and local transport providers.

Qualitative Impact:

Auaspan gained recognition at the national and international levels, increasing credibility and attracting potential investors. The project strengthened collaboration between students, businesses, and municipal authorities, fostering a greener urban infrastructure. Additionally, it promoted awareness and adoption of sustainable transport solutions within the university and the broader community.

1. Participation in RCOY CA provided student leaders with practical experience in policy advocacy, negotiation, and international collaboration.

Key areas of development included:

• Leadership and Public Speaking: Students engaged in high-level discussions, presenting their recommendations at COP29 and side events with policymakers, UN representatives, and civil society leaders.

• Climate Policy and Diplomacy: Through regional consultations and dialogues, participants gained expertise in climate governance, water diplomacy, and adaptation strategies.

• Event Management and Networking: Organizing multi-country consultations and a large-scale conference developed skills in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and cross-border collaboration.

• Research and Policy Writing: Students co-authored a policy statement that shaped regional and international climate discourse.

• Innovation and Problem-Solving: Engaging in discussions on mitigation, adaptation, and climate justice equipped students with tools to propose real-world climate solutions.

2. The Auaspan Eco-Bonus System Expansion

Participation in this initiative provided students with valuable hands-on experience in project management, entrepreneurship, and sustainability leadership. Students learned to manage partnerships, organize campaigns, and oversee reward system logistics. Through data collection and impact assessment, they developed analytical skills crucial for environmental and business decision-making. Furthermore, engagement in the GCIP Kazakhstan and UNIDO program allowed students to connect with industry leaders, mentors, and sustainability experts, enhancing their professional growth. These experiences prepared Auaspan members for future careers in environmental science, business sustainability, and responsible leadership.

"Climate for Us" promotes global cooperation by fostering connections between young people, sharing knowledge, and encouraging cross-border collaboration in climate action. Our goal is to ensure that youth perspectives from Central Asia contribute to international discussions while also learning from diverse experiences worldwide.

We focus on creating platforms for dialogue, developing educational tools, and supporting initiatives that can be adapted to different regions. By engaging with international organizations, universities, and youth networks, we provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and joint problem-solving. Our initiatives help young people understand global climate challenges, develop advocacy skills, and implement sustainable solutions in their communities.

Through these efforts, we aim to bridge regional and global climate movements, empowering youth to take meaningful action and contribute to a more inclusive and effective response to climate change.

1. Regional Youth Conference of Central Asia on Climate Change and Water Issues (RCOY Central Asia 2024)

2. International Student Scientific Conference "Ecology and Sustainable Development" 2024

3. Project "Auaspan"

Student Representative

Slepchenkova Valeriya

valeriya.slepchenkova@narxoz.kz

87779570563