In celebration of Mother Earth Day, on 22 April 2025, UNDP Turkmenistan welcomed a group of students to the UN House for a dynamic educational session as part of its year-round campaign, “Gender Equality – Path to Peace and Trust.” This session focused on the vital link between gender equality and climate action. Students from the International University for the Humanities and Development of Turkmenistan participated in the meeting.

As climate-related challenges intensify, the session emphasized that effective climate responses must account for gender differences. Experts from the UNDP/GEF Aral Sea Project and the UNDP/GCF National Adaptation Planning Project led insightful discussions on how climate change impacts women and men differently, particularly in rural and vulnerable regions.

Throughout the session, students also explored how UNDP Turkmenistan is actively supporting the socio-economic empowerment of women across the country — with a strong focus on rural communities, where the impacts of climate change are felt most acutely. Participants learned about UNDP’s comprehensive efforts to ensure that women are not only adapting to these challenges but are also leading the way in creating sustainable solutions.

This includes delivering training and advisory support tailored to the specific needs of women in climate-affected areas, and introducing practical, locally relevant climate adaptation practices that strengthen resilience. UNDP also works to foster women’s entrepreneurship through support for eco-friendly, women-led businesses that contribute to sustainable local economies.

Equally important, women are being encouraged and empowered to take on leadership roles in their communities, especially in shaping local adaptation strategies and influencing decision-making processes — ensuring that climate policies reflect diverse voices and realities.

By ensuring women have the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead climate responses, UNDP is fostering a more resilient and inclusive future. As the session made clear, women are not only vulnerable to climate change — they are key to solving it.

UNDP Turkmenistan remains committed to placing gender equality at the heart of climate action, supporting communities across the country to build a sustainable path forward for people and planet alike.