OSCE fosters youth co-operation in Central Asia
Twenty-four alumni of the OSCE-funded Central Asian Youth Network (CAYN) and other young people from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in an online seminar on 29 and 30 October 2020 on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted security, the economy and education.
The seminar included interactive sessions and discussions with international experts from Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and the United States as well as fellow CAYN alumni and young participants about the impact of the ongoing pandemic on the lives of youth. There was a focus on employment and mental health, among other topics, with participants exploring ideas on how to address these challenges. The event also served as a platform for professional networking.
Gavharkhon Mamadjonova, a participant from Tajikistan, said: “This reunion seminar brought together CAYN alumni from different years and was an opportunity to get insights on current world trends, which have impacted the life of each one of us. Being part of the seminar helped me to be aware of these trends and to prepare for them accordingly.”
Since 2004, CAYN has been bringing together young leaders from Central Asia, Afghanistan and Mongolia to build and foster regional connectivity to understand contemporary security threats and the OSCE’s role in responding to them.
“The OSCE's contribution to the establishment of strong ties among young Central Asians is immense. Through regular seminars it enhances mutual understanding and inter-connectedness, leaving a space for future positive changes in the Central Asian region that could arise from grassroots up,” said Bakhrom Mirakilov, a participant from Uzbekistan. “The OSCE-funded Central Asian Youth Network encourages youth to promote regional peace, security, and close engagement.”
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek organized the CAYN reunion in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, within the framework of the OSCE’s commitment to promote the role of youth in building regional peace and security.