Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The Award Ceremony to recognise the most energy efficient school of the city of Dushanbe was held today. International Presidential School (School) was recognised as the most energy efficient of the capital city.

The Ceremony was organised by the EU’s project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” and held as part of the European Union (EU) Green Diplomacy Week and EU–Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days. It was attended by teachers, students, parents, the Dushanbe city administration, representatives of the EU and its Member States.

In his address to the event participants, H.E. Mr Raimundas Karoblis, EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, stated:

“It is with a great pleasure and honour I present this Award to the International Presidential School. Congratulations! Choosing to save energy, using it more efficiently, protecting natural resources and the environment today will ensure a better and healthier future for all of us and generations to come. The youth can and should tackle green transition, contribute to promotion of careful use of electricity and heat at school and at home, set patterns to others, including to us, the adults. “The most energy efficient school” Award is a collective accomplishment of teachers and students of this School, as well as their contribution to the sustainable growth of the country. I sincerely wish other schools and institutions will follow your example.”

This nomination follows the desk research conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan. The EU’s Award recognizes the School’s efficient energy consumption, the readiness to implement energy efficient technologies, as well as the teachers’ contribution in fostering schoolchildren’s skills of careful and rational use of energy resources, achieving sustained energy savings, and promoting sustainable energy consumption patterns.

One representative of the School has been also invited to a study tour to Europe to learn the European experience in renewable energy, energy saving, energy efficiency, and transition to sustainable energy. The study tour is scheduled to take place in November 2023 and organised by the SECCA project.

The Award Ceremony was then followed by a flashmob of schoolchildren on electric scooters “Reduce carbon, save the Earth!” The purpose of the flashmob was to draw attention to the fact that transport produces high level of greenhouse gas emissions and to inspire people to reduce their carbon footprint, opt for zero-emission mobility by switching to more eco-friendly solutions.

Background:

The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. To fulfil its mission, SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

The EU Green Diplomacy Weeks is part of the annual global campaign launched by the European Union and its Member States to spark conversations and inspire action for the environment and climate. Under the theme “A Global Just Energy Transition,” this year’s EU Green Diplomacy Weeks focus on accelerating energy efficiency and the deployment of renewable energy sources. The Green Diplomacy Weeks consist of a number of public diplomacy events organised by EU Delegations all over the world, during the period September – November 2023.

The EU–Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader EU–Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Tajikistan: Mahbuba.ABDULLOEVA@eeas.europa.eu.