On September 11, the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, in collaboration with the CAPS Unlock analytical center and the Seraly Kaniev Scientific Library of the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University (QyzPU), held the opening of the art exhibition titled “Gender and Climate Change.”
The exhibition features fifteen artworks by young artists from Central Asia, aged 7 to 19. These drawings were selected from 435 submissions as part of the “Turn It Around! Central Asia Climate Card Deck” project, implemented by UNESCO and CAPS Unlock. The project is scheduled to launch in October 2025.
Each artwork reflects a unique perspective of youth on how climate change affects their lives—especially the lives of women and children. For example, a 19-year-old artist from Kazakhstan depicted the psychological effects of deforestation, while a 16-year-old participant from Kyrgyzstan illustrated a mother and child escaping from a flood.
The exhibition runs from September 12 to 30 at the Seraly Kaniev Scientific Library of QyzPU, located at: 105b Aiteke Bi Street, Almaty.
The best artworks have been used to develop a teaching guide for educators titled “Gallery Tour: Climate and Us. Conversations on Climate and Gender.” The guide is intended to help teachers and facilitators lead classroom discussions about climate change and its impact on women and girls. The official presentation of the guide will take place in October 2025.
According to Aida Aidarkulova, head of CAPS Unlock, the project aims to empower Central Asian youth to creatively express their concerns and ideas on climate issues in the region.
“This is a platform where the voices of youth from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan will be heard,” she emphasized.
Among the participants is 17-year-old Akan Zhetpispaev, a student at Almaty Gymnasium No. 21, who presented his work titled “Taza Omir” (“Clean Life”).
“In the center of the painting, I portrayed a woman as a symbol of nature. The artwork is dedicated to the fight against air pollution,” said the young artist.
This UNESCO initiative highlights the importance of the connection between gender equality and climate change, while also engaging youth in dialogue and encouraging inclusive solutions across the region.
