A multitude of young people from a variety of countries, including the People’s Republic of China, the United Arab Emirates, Libya, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and more, congregated in the International Academy of Horse Breeding in Arkadag city, Turkmenistan, for the “Dialogue – Guarantee of Peace” International Youth Forum. This forum was dedicated to the role of youth in the promotion of sustainable peace.
Representatives from the Central Asian states, ministries, departments, public organizations, and the United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), UNDP, the UN Environment Program, UNICEF, UNESCO, and UNFPA were all present. The Turkmen side was represented by leaders and representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Central Council of the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan, young members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country, as well as teachers and students from a variety of capital universities.
Prior to the commencement of the forum, participants were able to view an exhibition of decorative and applied arts in the expansive foyer of the International Academy of Horse Breeding, which gave them insight into the multifaceted and rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people.
The event was organized with the intention of strengthening ties between the youth of different countries, understanding the importance of dialogue in preventing and resolving conflicts, and actively involving youth in activities to strengthen peace and security. The forum was divided into four sections: “Youth Initiatives for Peace: Successful Projects and Initiatives that Promote the Establishment of Peace and Social Cohesion”; “Climate Change: the Relationship between Environmental Sustainability and Peacebuilding”; “Digital Diplomacy and Peacebuilding: Using Technology and Social Media for Positive Peace Efforts”; “Promoting Peace through Culture and Art: Uniting the Voices of Youth in Central Asia.”
The inaugural meeting “Dialogue of Youth of the Countries of Central Asia” was held in the afternoon, and was attended by responsible persons in the field of youth policy of the states of the region – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of international organizations. It was emphasized that the establishment of this format was of absolute importance in order to maintain dialogue among the youth of Central Asian countries and form a platform for uniting the efforts of young people in the region in promoting common interests in the international arena.
At the conclusion of the forum, the “Dialogue of Youth of Central Asian Countries” Memorandum was signed, and a cultural program was prepared for the participants. It was agreed that the results of the forum would help to improve the efficiency of youth organizations and strengthen international dialogue.