As in previous years, five participants are nominated from each country. From our country, two representatives from the Ministry of Environment Protection and three NGO representatives successfully passed the competition, including Nurberdy Atayev, a young ecologist from the public association enterprise “Tebigy Kuwwat.” Nurberdy is currently a second-year master’s student at the Kazakh-German University, specializing in Integrated Water Resources Management.
“I am fortunate to participate in CALP 15, which, in my opinion, is an excellent platform for young eco-leaders to build friendly and business bridges between Central Asian countries, exchange experiences, and generate ideas for the sustainable and rational use of natural resources. Undoubtedly, as a result of this program, I will expand my knowledge and certainly use it in my future career,” noted Nurberdy Atayev.
Over the next five days, until September 19, in the ecological pearl near Almaty, known as “Lesnaya Skazka” (Forest Fairy Tale), young environmentalists from Central Asian countries will develop their leadership and communication skills. The main themes of CALP 15 are:
• Climate resilience and water diplomacy;
• Sustainable natural resource management;
• The role of youth in promoting the green agenda;
• Countering disinformation and developing media literacy;
• Equality and inclusion in environmental governance.
As part of its mission, the organization implements strategies to support and encourage young people to reach their full potential. The organization’s staff consists of trainers with international experience in business, leadership, and management. They are dedicated to sharing their expertise with the local community.
Recently, the organization successfully conducted three training sessions for residents of the Mary region, primarily targeting youth. These sessions aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge of legislation and promote entrepreneurial thinking.
The first session, held on September 6th, focused on business legislation, registration procedures, and idea management. Participants gained valuable insights that will help them successfully start, operate, and grow their businesses. Mrs. Leyla Toylyyeva, with her vast experience in organizational management, led the training session.
On September 7th, the second training session was held under the title “Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence Development, and Leadership Skills”. The aim of the session was to enhance essential soft skills, helping participants develop self-awareness and problem-solving skills. Additionally, participants learned how to develop qualities necessary for leading and inspiring others in future business endeavors.
Mrs. Tachnabat Annamuradova led the training, having expertise in emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and leadership development. Both trainers, Mrs. Leyla Toylyyeva and Mrs. Tachnabat Annamuradova, are participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), whose goal is to establish long-term relationships between American and Turkmen leaders, business people, academics, and other professionals.
On September 8th, the third training session entitled “Fundamentals of Communication and Public Relations: How to Analyze Information” took place. During this event, participants discussed various topics related to effective communication, branding, strategy development, enhancing company image, and digital marketing techniques. Mr. Serdar Agayev, who has a PhD in Economics and graduated from the prestigious Fulbright program, facilitated the training.
This initiative by the “Ynamly Egindesh” Economic Society is an excellent example of how local professionals are working together to support government policies that benefit young people and encourage active citizenship. Their efforts aim to create a generation of individuals who will make a significant contribution to the growth and success of their country.
The Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP 7), together with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, will host the Central Asian Youth Forum under the theme “Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace.” The event will take place on 10–11 September 2025 at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.
This Forum is especially significant as it coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality and the Year of Peace and Trust, highlighting the country’s role in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and stability in the region.
The Forum will bring together young leaders, experts, and policymakers from Turkmenistan, Central Asian countries, the European Union and beyond to exchange views on health, education, digital resilience, and climate awareness. Sessions will focus on:
• Addiction prevention and mental health as foundations of peace
• Eco-awareness and a healthy environment
• Education, innovation, and youth well-being
• Digital platforms, AI, and youth startups for peace
The discussions will conclude with the adoption of a Final Document and Road Map for future cooperation between youth in Central Asia and the EU.
Alongside formal sessions, the Forum will also feature cultural activities, including a visit to the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet, showcasing Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage.
The Central Asian Youth Forum 2025 reaffirms CADAP’s commitment to empowering young people and strengthening EU–Central Asia cooperation in building a healthier, more sustainable, and peaceful future.
At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Ms.Terhi Hakala thanked everyone for their time and, before getting acquainted with the participants, introduced her delegation: Mr. Ilkka Räisänen, Rowing Ambassador of Finland for Central Asia; Ms. Annika Pelkonen, Senior Specialist, Task Force for the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship; and Ms. Margot Araujo, PSO/ Central Asia Desk, OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre. The meeting was also attended by the organizers: Ambassador Mr.William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, Ms. Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Economic and Environmental Affairs Coordinator at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, and several other Centre staff members.
The distinguished guests were primarily interested in the general situation of interaction between Turkmenistan’s civil society and the OSCE, as well as their ideas, priorities, and vision for further cooperation.
During the meeting, representatives of the public organizations briefly spoke about their activities and their experience of cooperation with the OSCE. In a lively discussion, they emphasized the need for staff retraining, regional exchange of experience, and an increase in grant programs from the OSCE.
“This year, the OSCE turns 50, and the Helsinki Final Act was signed on July 31, 1975. Civil society is important for the OSCE—it is the third dimension of our organization. The current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, pays special attention to youth policy, gender issues, and civil society in general. I remember the year when Turkmenistan joined the OSCE, and the OSCE office in Ashgabat, which has been operating since 1998, is a testament to developing cooperation and new expectations,” noted Ms. Terhi Hakala.ⁿ
It is noteworthy that for the first time this year, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat has initiated the inclusion of 2-3 representatives of public organizations in Turkmenistan’s delegation to the annual OSCE Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw. This initiative is driven by the need to involve all stakeholders in a developing democratic society.
At the end of July 2025, Sabir Agabalayev, Chairman of the “Keyik Okara” NGO, and Gulya Choreklieva, Chairperson of the “Yenme” NGO, took part in the OSCE Chairpersonship Youth Forum – “From Helsinki to the next 50 years” and briefly shared the areas they worked on in groups: gender issues, domestic violence, and call centers. They proposed a component on the use of digital technologies and social media in this area. An emphasis was placed on intersectoral cooperation and preventive work that requires holding informative events for prophylactic purposes.
Berkeli Atayev, Director of the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Public Association Enterprise, drew the attention of the high-ranking guests to his organization’s close cooperation with the OSCE and its Office of the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA). In particular, he noted OCEEA’s support in creating the website aarhusashgabat.org, as well as the participation of Tebigy Kuwwat staff in regional environmental forums, annual meetings of Aarhus Centres, and so on.
Ambassador Mr.William Leaf concluded the meeting. He expressed his pleasure in participating in such a productive event in his new role as Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, thanked everyone, and expressed his commitment to further cooperation in achieving shared goals.
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