Summer climate camp ‘Climate Can’t Wait’: Youth of Kazakhstan unite for a sustainable future

July 14, 2025

A diverse group of young people in matching shirts and caps gathers around a colorful board game. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Batyr Aubakirov

From July 10 to 14, the picturesque area of Zerenda hosted the Summer Climate Camp 'Climate Can't Wait'—an educational initiative that brought together over 40 schoolchildren and 20 educators from across Kazakhstan. The camp was organized with the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Department for Emergency Situations of the Akmola Region. It served as a platform for exchanging knowledge, ideas, and inspiration in the field of climate education.

The goal of the camp was to foster awareness among schoolchildren about climate change, develop leadership qualities and project thinking through interactive learning, teamwork, and research activities. Over four days, participants explored topics such as biodiversity, climate vulnerability, energy efficiency, and water conservation.

The official opening of the camp took place on July 11 with the participation of representatives from government bodies and international organizations. In his welcoming speech, acting UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Sukhrob Khojimatov noted:

“Climate is a challenge that cannot be addressed alone. That is why we pay special attention to environmental education, the development of leadership skills, and project-research work among schoolchildren. You are the climate leaders of tomorrow.”

The camp program included lectures, master classes, trainings, quests, and creative tasks. Participants presented their climate projects and exchanged experiences. Special attention was given to the ‘Climate Box’ project—an updated educational and methodological kit developed by UNDP that helps communicate climate topics in a language accessible to children and adolescents.

A woman in a white blouse speaks into a microphone, holding a binder, with UNDP branding behind her.

A group of young people in matching t-shirts sitting in chairs, clapping and smiling.

A woman speaks into a microphone, standing near colorful educational blocks.

Smiling man in a green shirt holds a microphone, standing in a room with wooden walls.

Smiling woman in a hoodie holds a blue folder in a conference setting.

A woman speaks into a microphone, gesturing in front of an audience with a presentation behind her.

Four blue binders with colorful covers, arranged on a glass table in an indoor setting.

A group of young people collaborates around a colorful game board in a bright room.

Five small, golden gummy bear candies placed on a colorful game board.

A speaker in military attire presents to an audience in a well-lit room with wooden walls.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Batyr Aubakirov

One of the highlights was Water Day, organized by the Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Participants completed the quest ‘In Search of the Last Drop,’ took part in the video contest ‘My Drop of Care,’ and created art installations emphasizing the importance of water conservation.

Three young people holding badges and smiling, with a flag in the background.

Two children in matching white t-shirts work together to write on a large paper.

A group of young people engaged in a hands-on activity, planting seeds on a wooden table.

A group of children gather around a table in a bright classroom, engaged in activities.

A group of diverse people posing together indoors, smiling and holding items, with wooden walls.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Batyr Aubakirov

The third day was dedicated to climate vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. The program included an interactive lecture ‘What is Climate and Why is it Changing?’, team work on a climate risk map, training on actions during climate emergencies, and a practical session on energy efficiency and conservation. The day concluded with the intellectual tournament ‘What? Where? When? with Climate,’ which united participants in a team-based ecological quiz.

Two rescue workers in orange and navy uniforms discussing equipment near a dive tank.

A soldier demonstrates a fire extinguisher to an audience of children in a forested setting.

A group of people attentively watches a firefighter demonstrate equipment near a fire truck.

A group demonstrates rescue techniques with an orange life buoy at an outdoor event.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Batyr Aubakirov

The format of the day combined theory and practice, engaging both students and teachers. For teachers, it was an opportunity to learn new approaches to climate education. One biology teacher noted plans to revise their teaching methods to make lessons more modern and engaging.

A group of four people engaged in conversation in a bright, airy room.

A group of seven people in a gym, smiling and interacting, with some facing the camera.

Two women converse in a bright gymnasium; one wears an orange shirt, the other a yellow jacket.

A woman in a yellow dress holds a bottle, engaged in conversation with another woman.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Batyr Aubakirov

The camp concluded with a festive event: participants received certificates, shared impressions, and returned home with new knowledge, a team of like-minded peers, and an understanding that climate can’t wait—action must be taken today.