From a remote region to global action

At just 20 years old, Rukniya Niyozbekova is already making her mark as a young leader from one of Tajikistan’s most remote regions. A student at the University of Central Asia in Khorog, Rukniya is using her voice, skills, and determination to advocate for issues that matter to young people: from water management to climate action and children’s rights. Rukniya’s journey into advocacy began with a simple step. While browsing the UNICEF website, she came across an announcement about the Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG). “My journey started when I saw an announcement about YPAG on the UNICEF website. I applied and joined the network,” she recalls. Water management has become a central focus of Rukniya’s advocacy. Growing up in a region where water scarcity is a daily reality, she understands how deeply the issue affects communities. “Water is important to me because people often realise its value only when there is a shortage,” she explains. Despite Tajikistan’s rich water resources, poor management continues to impact health, the environment, and everyday life. “When water is not managed properly, it creates many other challenges. For me, working on water issues means protecting people, nature and, of course, the future,” Rukniya says.