A moment from my childhood shaped the way I think about climate action today. Our house had limited utilities, no hot water or sewage system, coal for heating and a gas cylinder for cooking. 

I must have been in second grade, listening to a radio show where the reporter posed a question I didn’t fully grasp at the time: 

“Would you give up a car to save the planet?” 

To an 8-year-old, the thought of sacrificing a practical means of transportation for what felt like an abstract, distant concept of “saving the planet” seemed almost absurd. 

Climate action in a different world

Fast forward three decades, and the world we live in today, with the internet, mobile phones, electric vehicles and AI, is unrecognizable from the one I grew up in. The same question—“Would you give up a car to save the planet?”—feels profoundly different when you imagine the possibility of alternatives, such as electric vehicles and other breakthroughs in sustainable technology. Today, my answer is no longer about giving up comfort; it’s about leveraging knowledge, innovation and alternatives to confront the challenges of climate change. Humanity’s ability to collectively address these challenges depends on well-informed, coordinated and globally inclusive action. Effective communication and public engagement play a pivotal role in that collective ability. They are essential components in the process of developing climate change strategies and in advancing the objectives of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—country-specific plans that outline actions to combat climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

When the UN Secretary-General mobilized the entire UN system to support countries' NDC 3.0 preparation, the response was mixed. Many of our offices expressed frustration at the additional workload required for reporting, with concerns about coordination and the challenge of sifting through inputs from various stakeholders. However, over time, a remarkable transformation occurred. The process began to reveal its true purpose: fostering alignment, creating a space for collaboration and raising collective awareness. The frustrations of the initial stages turned into a richer and more collaborative approach, bringing together government agencies, organizations and other stakeholders to draft ambitious and actionable NDCs. Today, this process serves as a base platform for ensuring countries have a unified, strategic and forward-looking vision for climate action. And I’ve seen this reflected in some of the countries I work with:

For example, in Kyrgyzstan's preparation for its updated NDC 3.0, slated for 2025, the country has initiated a series of dynamic webinars, creating structured platforms for diverse parties to exchange expertise, ideas and methodologies. 

Experts and specialists from international organizations, UN partner agencies and others presented on critical topics such as migration, gender equality, human rights, just transition, health, agriculture and forestry, food security,  biodiversity conservation, and the active involvement of children and youth. It is encouraging to see young people already engaged in the climate agenda and actively contributing to NDC 3.0, which marks a meaningful step toward environmental justice and climate equity, where diverse voices are shaping inclusive and fair climate solutions. 

Kyrgyzstan’s inclusive and multifaceted approach is paving the way for a climate strategy that is not just ambitious but also practical, equitable and comprehensive in its response to the various challenges posed by climate change. These webinars serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing and technical discussions, emphasising the importance of transparent data management and robust monitoring systems to track progress against climate commitments. Importantly, they also highlight how climate action can strengthen public health systems and build resilience across sectors, such as food, water and health infrastructure that are increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts.

Uzbekistan is elevating NDC 3.0 preparation from a technical process to a strategic and inclusive mission. Coordination workshops are being organized to discuss the progress of NDC 3.0, review its alignment with international climate commitments and introduce an innovative visualisation tool that highlights the links between the country’s climate targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. The efforts, supported by UNDP and the UN Office, bring together ministries, government agencies, international financial institutions, development partners, UN agencies and civil society organizations. By prioritising gender-sensitive approaches, transparent climate reporting, and adaptation tracking, the country is setting a standard for meaningful collaboration. Uzbekistan’s NDC 3.0 strategy showcases how aligning national priorities with global climate goals can drive impactful, equitable and sustainable outcomes. This approach enhances transparency and institutional innovation while reinforcing systems resilience, ensuring that health, agriculture and social protection systems are better equipped to respond to climate risks and deliver co-benefits for communities.

Kazakhstan is making notable progress in preparing NDC 3.0 by fostering multi-sector coordination and aligning its efforts with national and regional priorities. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in partnership with GIZ, UNDP, and the NDC Partnership, has facilitated dialogue among government bodies, private organizations, international financial institutions and climate policy experts to drive shared climate objectives such as decarbonization and low-emission development. By fostering inclusive platforms, the country ensures that diverse perspectives shape the NDC 3.0 framework, strengthening its potential for sustainable and equitable implementation. 

Building the world we want

That question from my childhood may no longer be relevant in today’s world. Now, the real question is, “How do we build a future where the choice between sustainability and comfort no longer exists but goes hand in hand?”

In preparing for NDC 3.0, the region must shift from individual sacrifices to collective action. Equipped with information, technology and global collaboration, we now have the tools to shape a sustainable future. The question isn’t “would I give up comfort to save the planet?” but rather “How can I contribute to a world where comfort, equity and sustainability coexist for generations to come?”