SHAHRISABZ, August 13. /Dunyo IA/.   Opening ceremony of the V International Environmental Congress, “Youth – Builders of the Future”, was held in the Shakhrisabz District of the Kashkadarya Region, held in honor of the 35^th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Event brought together Zarrina Abdullaeva, Head of Department at the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change; Ziyoda Aminova, Deputy Khokim of the Kashkadarya Region; representatives of relevant organisations, young people from Uzbekistan and abroad, as well as members of the media.

According to the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, during the event, Zarrina Abdullaeva conveyed a welcome address from Aziz Abdukhakimov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.

Address noted that environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and that the initiative and active engagement of young people play a vital role in addressing them. It was also emphasised that the Congress brings together young people from Uzbekistan and abroad around a shared and meaningful goal - the protection and preservation of the environment. Ziyoda Aminova also highlighted the importance of young people’s ideas and initiatives in finding effective solutions to environmental challenges.

As part of the opening ceremony, certificates of appointment were presented to the chairs of the “Young Ecologists” Movement councils from each region. The festive atmosphere of the event was further enhanced by musical performances by leading Uzbek artists.

Approximately 1,000 young environmental activists are taking part in the Congress, representing Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Russia and Belarus, as well as all regions of Uzbekistan.

Congress programme includes a wide range of competitions and sporting events, presentations and exhibitions, meetings, plugging activities and environmental campaigns, alongside the implementation of various projects and initiatives. The programme also features international competitions, including “Best Environmental Project,” “Best Young Ecologists Movement Council,” “Eco-Zakovаt” and “KVN” (Club of the Funny and Inventive), as well as a number of other contests and activities.

International Environmental Congress aims to strengthen young people’s engagement in environmental and socio-economic initiatives, promote their broad participation in environmental protection, support the implementation of promising ideas and projects in the environmental field, and develop practical proposals for addressing environmental challenges.