Continuing a four-year tradition, events marking the UN-proclaimed International Youth Day were organized under the “Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building” program, implemented by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

On August 11, the Aarhus Center of “Armhydromet” SNCO hosted a workshop titled “Solutions to Environmental Problems through the Vision of Youth.”
The event brought together representatives from the Ministries of Environment and Education, Science, Culture and Sport, experts from UNICEF and Tumo Lab, as well as young members of the “Safe Corner” socio-educational NGO.

The workshop aimed to foster ecological thinking among young people and provide an open platform for them to raise environmental issues in their communities and propose innovative solutions. This year’s International Youth Day theme “Local Youth Initiatives to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond” highlights that young people are not only a resource for the future, but also active leaders of the present: driving community leadership, innovation, and change.

Liana Ghahramanyan, National Coordinator for the Montreal Protocol, spoke about the young scientists who, in 1974, identified the ozone layer depletion problem. She stressed the importance of each young participant’s role in making the world a better place.

The meeting also showcased the Aarhus Center’s role in engaging youth in environmental processes and raising their awareness. Participants discussed the Aarhus Convention and explored opportunities for young people to contribute to ozone layer protection.

At the core of the discussions was a shared belief: raising environmental awareness, building skills, and actively involving young people are long-term investments in a sustainable future.