Bahar Muradova: Children must have access to clean drinking water

Children must have access to clean drinking water, Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee of Azerbaijan for Family, Women and Children Affairs, said at the high-level roundtable on “Children, Youth, and Climate Action,” held as a part of COP29, Report informs.

According to Muradova, the discussions held within COP29 provide a unique opportunity to find collaborative solutions.

She stated, "The impacts of climate change are not only ecological but also individual and social. The disruptions caused by climate change through its effects on education and health directly impact children, families, and communities worldwide. Therefore, their comprehensive development and protection from environmental impacts are not only an investment in the future but also serve the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Human development is at the heart of our activities, and the significance of this attention increases even more in the context of climate change."

Muradova noted that supporting children comprehensively is crucial as climate impacts touch every aspect of human development, from health and education to economic stability. "Our approach to building climate resilience aims to provide knowledge and support for children's development everywhere by creating connections between regions, communities, and age groups. It is essential to raise a climate-literate and climate-resilient generation. Effective and sustainable mechanisms must be established to ensure this," she added.

The chairperson also highlighted the importance of establishing early warning systems for extreme heat, infections, air pollution, nutrition, and food security. She emphasized the significance of ensuring children's access to sufficient clean drinking water, creating green spaces and parks, and preparing rescue plans in advance.

Muradova further stressed the importance of collaboration with educational institutions, healthcare providers, local governments, and international organizations to create a comprehensive network. She commended the Human Development Initiative launched by the COP29 Presidency and its Baku Guiding Principles as a step in the right direction. "Every step taken to support our children in the face of climate change is an investment in our shared future," she concluded.