OSCE Centre supports event for young leaders in Kazakhstan
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 25 October 2014 – Promoting youth empowerment and enhancing its engagement in the political, economic and cultural life of society will be in focus at the annual Zhas (Youth) Camp that began today in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The two-day event is co-organized by the Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan and the OSCE Centre in Astana with support from the Soros Foundation-Kazakhstan and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. It brought together some 350 participants from across the country representing local authorities, academia, business and civil society, international and non-governmental organizations, mass media and organizations of young professionals.
Zhas Camp serves as a platform for discussion on various topics and challenges related to leadership growth, young people’s involvement in entrepreneurship and business, art and media technologies as well as youth initiatives in promoting respect for human rights.
Through a number of interactive workshops the participants will discuss issues of inter-cultural communication, youth employment and well-being, civic engagement and opportunities for active participation in democratic development.
International and local experts, including managers of successful social and business projects from Kyrgyzstan, Germany, Russia and Ukraine, will share their experiences and ideas in addressing the challenges faced by young people and the promotion of sustainable development among youth.
“The OSCE alongside other international organizations actively promotes youth engagement in decision-making on the most pressing issues of security and development issues in all aspects and at all levels of tailoring and implementing national policies,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the Centre in Astana. “The OSCE takes steps to establish close interaction between young leaders from all participating States for the sake of the future of their nations and the region as a whole.”
Irina Mednikova, the director of Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan Public Foundation said: “Zhas Camp is one of the most anticipated events of the year and brings together young people with different backgrounds representing all regions of the country. Participants receive an opportunity to learn about each other's projects, formulate new ideas, voice their concerns and be heard.”
The event is part of the Centre’s activities to support the 2014 OSCE Swiss Chairmanship priority on engaging youth in resolving security issues.