By C. Vinoothene
ASTANA, April 24 (Bernama) -- As government leaders and climate experts arrive at the Astana Congress Centre in suits and ties, they are welcomed with warm smiles by young Kazakh volunteers dressed in white hoodies bearing the Regional Ecological Summit (RES) 2026 logo.
Watching their confidence and composure, one cannot help but think that these volunteers, mostly aged between 19 and 20, like their peers around the world, are part of the generation whose future will be most affected by climate change, and that the discussions and decisions made could significantly shape that future.
Bernama, which is covering the inaugural RES 26 taking place from April 22 to 24, spoke to several of these young volunteers about their views on the global environmental crisis.
One message stood out clearly: without urgent action, their future is at risk.
One of the volunteers, Alisher Sagymbek, 19, expressed concern about what lies ahead if immediate steps are not taken to address climate change.
“Of course I’m worried about myself, my future, and my friends and family. I feel that the Earth may not be able to sustain us if nothing changes.
“So, it’s time for us to take care of our planet and start doing something real instead of just talking,” he said.
Sharing similar concerns, 19-year-old Muslim Menybayev said that platforms such as RES 2026 play an important role in elevating environmental issues to the global stage.
“As far as I can see, climate change is already affecting our lives. The world is changing, and so are the conditions around us.
“I’m concerned about my future and the future of my children, but I’m glad that discussions like this summit are taking place,” he said.
Another volunteer, Burkharbayena Zhazira, emphasised that environmental challenges are a global concern that should be addressed holistically, with all countries working together.
“I believe many people are thinking about it and are worried, because climate change is happening fast and affecting all of us,” she said.
Meanwhile, Anel Aytenova, 19, said that addressing climate change is not solely the responsibility of governments, but also of individuals.
“We all know that even if governments take action, it depends on people too. People also need to educate themselves more about climate change and environmental issues. If everyone changes their behaviour, it can have a much bigger impact,” she said.
The RES 2026 has brought together world leaders and experts from over 50 countries to discuss solutions to the climate crisis, with a focus on the Central Asia region.
According to the United Nations, more than 698 million young people aged between 15 to 35 live in fragile and conflict-affected settings that are highly vulnerable to climate change, facing risks to health, safety, education and mental well-being.
--BERNAMA
