In Azerbaijan, young climate activists are taking innovative steps to address the growing environmental crisis. Among them is 18-year-old Leyla, who recalls witnessing the pollution of lakes and rivers near her hometown during family outings. Disturbed by the sight of plastic and metal bottles littering the waterways, she became concerned about the harmful impact on local wildlife and ecosystems. “I was deeply troubled because the waste not only ruined the natural beauty but also posed serious risks to the wildlife living in these areas,” said Leyla, now a young climate activist. Leyla and her friends developed a prototype for a device that can clean water bodies without human intervention, addressing both pollution and the potential health risks faced by workers tasked with cleaning these contaminated areas. “We realized that cleaning polluted water bodies can be dangerous for workers, increasing the risk of disease transmission and other health hazards,” Leyla explained. Her innovative solution earned her an award in the Green Technology category of a local competition. Encouraged by this success, she applied to a joint program organized by UNICEF, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The initiative, which began in summer 2023, is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of young people in the fields of climate action and environmental protection. The Young Climate Envoys Program is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable solutions and green energy initiatives in Azerbaijan, with a focus on preparing youth to address both national and global climate challenges. Following a national call for applications, Leyla joined a group of 19 young climate volunteers and leaders who received extensive training from local experts on topics ranging from climate negotiations to water resource management. “I believe if more young people take this issue seriously, we can create a more sustainable future,” Leyla said. The program’s goal is to increase awareness of climate change and its possible solutions, both among youth and the wider public. As part of the initiative, two participants from the current cohort will represent Azerbaijan at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, set to take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. One of the representatives, 19-year-old Oruj Bayramov, emphasized the need for world leaders to prioritize renewable energy and global cooperation in tackling climate challenges. “As a young climate envoy, I believe in the power of global collaboration to solve the climate crisis,” he stated. Oruj, motivated by the desire to contribute to climate solutions, hopes to launch a community-based environmental project in Azerbaijan aimed at promoting sustainable practices among the public. “I am committed to continuing these initiatives to build a more resilient and sustainable society,” he added. Another program participant, 19-year-old Gozal Humbatzadeh, is using her passion for green technology to research the potential for solar energy in Azerbaijan. With a focus on solar panel production, she is utilizing artificial intelligence to assess the costs of implementing these technologies in homes and farms. Through the program, Gozal will lead educational sessions to raise awareness about climate change, emphasizing the importance of local climate risks and sustainable practices. “Even the smallest action against climate change can have a significant impact, much like the hidden part of an iceberg,” she concluded. The Young Climate Envoys Program empowers Azerbaijan’s youth to play an active role in addressing climate issues, offering them the tools and knowledge to influence policy and advocate for sustainable solutions at both local and global levels.