On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Youth Engineers Alliance (YEA) officially launched a unique STEM + ECO Hackathon at the “Täsir” Education Center in Ashgabat.The four-week engineering marathon, titled “Sustainable Frontier,” has brought together over 20 participants aged 14 to 18. The program is designed to equip young innovators with the skills to develop functional technological solutions for the environmental challenges facing the Central Asian region.
The event was opened by Rahman and Rahim Garakhanovs, who welcomed the participants and guest speakers. They introduced the Youth Engineers Alliance, outlining its mission, objectives, and the comprehensive structure of the Sustainable Frontier program. Over the coming month, participants will evolve bold concepts into working engineering prototypes—offering students a tangible opportunity to showcase their talent while addressing global climate issues.
During the session, young environmentalist Gulshat Aidova led a climate-themed team-building exercise. Participants were divided into four teams to brainstorm and present their initial environmental solutions.
These teams will collaborate throughout the hackathon, focusing on three critical modern challenges:
Smart Agriculture and Water Security
Urban Thermal Management and Passive CoolingElectronics Recycling and the Circular Economy
Addressing the first track, Selbi Matvelieva delivered a presentation emphasizing the importance of tracking water consumption in agricultural production and highlighting innovative global approaches to water management.
For the second track, guest speaker Berkeli Atayev, Director of the Public Association Enterprise “Tebigy Kuwwat,” presented on “Urbanization in the Context of Climate Change.” He introduced the participants to UN-Habitat, the United Nations program responsible for sustainable urban development. B. Atayev highlighted the World Urban Forum (WUF), a biennial global gathering of officials and experts, noting that WUF13 is scheduled to take place from May 17–22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. His session also explored the “urban heat island” effect, its impact on public health, and modern passive cooling techniques, supported by examples of ecological transformations both in Turkmenistan and internationally.
Finally, organizers Rahman and Rahim Garakhanovs presented the third track, focusing on turning waste into valuable resources. Their session covered strategies for extracting value from obsolete gadgets, safe hardware restoration, and the vision of building a zero-waste world.
Upcoming Marathon Schedule:
– May 9: Technological Foundations and IT Tools
– May 16: Branding and the Art of Presentation
– May 23: Hackathon: Finalizing Prototypes
– May 24: Grand Finale and Demo Day: The Battle of Projects
On April 24, 2026, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana hosted the 3rd meeting of the National Organizing Committee (NOC) for the implementation of the International Year of Volunteers in the Republic of Kazakhstan.The meeting was chaired by Mr. Evgeniy Dmitrievich Kochetov, Deputy Chairman of the NOC and Vice-Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by representatives of the NOC, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the «Astana Zhastary» Youth Resource Center, the «National Volunteer Network» (an association of legal entities), the UNV Regional Office (Istanbul, Türkiye), the International Secretariat of the International Year of Volunteers (Bonn, Germany), and UNICEF Kazakhstan. Invited guests included representatives from the Agency for State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the «Peshsaf» Public Organization (Republic of Tajikistan), and the Public Association Enterprise «Tebigy Kuwwat» (Turkmenistan).
Mr. Kochetov opened the meeting by outlining the history and objectives of the NOC. He noted that the committee was established in May last year, following which the Year’s concept was approved and an action plan adopted. The International Year of Volunteers in Kazakhstan officially launched on January 30, with the Head of State personally inaugurating the event.He further highlighted that during the RES 2026 session titled «Volunteering and Environmental Action,» organized by the Ministry, Ms. Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information, emphasized that the recent constitutional reforms—approved via national referendum—now include a provision for the support of volunteering. He credited much of this progress to Ms. Vera Alexandrovna Kim, Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairperson of the National Volunteer Network. He stressed that significant systemic work lies ahead to implement these initiatives and achieve tangible results.
The floor was then given to NOC members for their reports.Ms. Gulbara Beketovna Sultanova, Chairperson of the Committee for Civil Society Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information, presented an update on the International Year’s progress in Kazakhstan.
G.B. Sultanova: «Every year, the government funds over 50 volunteer projects and more than 60 small grants and sub-grants specifically for volunteer initiatives. Volunteering is evolving across key areas: 1. Social; 2. Medical; 3. Emergency response; 4. Conditional volunteering; and 5. Cultural heritage. The number of volunteer organizations is growing, with over 800 organizations currently registered and more than 300,000 active volunteers nationwide.
Per the Head of State’s instructions, a new international platform is being created to unite countries in solving common problems and implementing joint projects through volunteering.»
Mr. Chingiz Maratovich Tleulen, Director of «Astana Zhastary,» followed with a presentation on the volunteer movement in Astana. He reported that approximately 60 volunteer organizations operate in the capital, with over 80,000 people participating in both one-time and recurring events. In 2025–2026, these organizations conducted roughly 2,200 diverse initiatives.
The next speaker was Ms. Zarina Mirabdullaeva, Regional Coordinator for the International Year in Europe and Central Asia, who delivered an online presentation on the implementation of international initiatives within the frameworkof the International Year of Volunteers.
In conclusion, Ms. Sandra Koch,. Regional Coordinator for the International Year in Europe and Central Asia, addressed the committee. Ms. Koch thanked the Government of Kazakhstan for the excellent organization of RES 2026 and stressed the importance of regional cooperation. She encouraged countries to participate in joint actions and projects, specifically highlighting the upcoming CIS Volunteer Forum in Astana this August as a platform for sharing experience and developing action plans.
Following the presentations, participants had the opportunity to address the speakers and NOC members. Mr. Berkeli Atayev took the opportunity to thank the Ministry of Culture and Information for the invitation to speak at the RES 2026 session and the NOC meeting. He emphasized that regional cooperation is vital for the volunteer movement in Turkmenistan, citing shared historical roots, transboundary water resources, and natural landscapes. He noted that the idea of an international platform would serve as an excellent tool for interaction at both the regional and global levels.
The choice of the National Museum as a venue was intentional. After the meeting, guests were treated to a guided tour. The museum’s exhibitions span the nation’s history from ancient times to the present day, featuring its centerpiece: the hall of unique gold artifacts, including the world-famous «Golden Man.» With its cutting-edge multimedia technologies and interactive installations, the museum is recognized as one of the most modern and visited cultural hubs in the region.
On April 23, from 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM, the “Aral” conference hall of the Astana Hilton hosted a panel session titled “Volunteering and Environmental Action” as part of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Kazakhstan. The session focused on volunteering, the exchange of best practices, and the development of new initiatives.Mr. Berkeli Atayev, Director of the “Tebigy Kuwwat” enterprise (Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan) and representative of the Aarhus Center in Ashgabat, participated as a panelist.
The session, co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and United Nations Volunteers (UNV), was highly symbolic. The organizers’ decision was based on the initiative proposed by the President of Kazakhstan at the UN General Assembly to declare 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, Kazakhstan previously designated 2020 as the National Year of Volunteering.The event was attended by Ms. Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who delivered the opening remarks. Following her speech, participants viewed a video message from Mr. Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers (UNV).
The session also featured presentations from distinguished high-level guests:
• Mr. Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP);
• Ms. Vera Kim, Deputy of the Mazhilis (the Parliament) of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairperson of the National Volunteer Network;
• Ms. Aygun Aliyeva, Chairperson of the Agency for State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Representatives from five Central Asian countries presented on the volunteer movements in their respective nations:
• Yevgeniy Mukhamedzhanov, Founder of the “ECO Network” project (Kazakhstan);
• Omar Dairov, Executive Director of the “Green Alliance of Kyrgyzstan”;
• Firuz Azizov, Environmental Project Manager at the “Peshsaf” Public Organization (Tajikistan);
• Berkeli Atayev, Director of “Tebigy Kuwwat” (Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan) and Aarhus Center representative;
• Ms. Ergash Mokhinurkhon, Head of the Youth Affairs Department of the Environmental Party of Uzbekistan;
• Kairat Sultanbekov, National Expert at the Association of Ecological Organizations of Kazakhstan and CEO of GIS-AgroMonitor;
• Asel Badenova, Leader of the “Zhana Adamdar” movement.
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Given the upcoming volunteer events scheduled for August in Aktau and Kyzylorda, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan also invited Mr. Askhat Oralov, Deputy Akim of the Mangystau Region, and Mr. Ardak Zebeshev, Deputy Akim of the Kyzylorda Region.
In an interview, Mr. Berkeli Atayev noted: “During the discussion, special attention was paid to the role of volunteering in addressing the region’s environmental challenges. I am confident that developing this branch of volunteer activity will help foster a more responsible attitude toward the environment in Turkmenistan. I would also like to highlight the significant contribution of the UNV Program in raising awareness about eco-volunteering. As UNV Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov timely emphasized, “environmental volunteering is not just a cleanup event (subbotnik);” it is a comprehensive activity aimed at long-term change. The Summit and our discussion have laid the foundation for quality environmental shifts at both the state level and in the public consciousness.”
The session concluded with the signing of two key documents by volunteer organizations from the five Central Asian countries: a Memorandum of Intent for the joint implementation of the “CASPIAN SEA ACTION WEEK 2026” project and a Memorandum for the joint implementation of the “GREEN ARAL: VOLUNTEERS FOR LIFE” project.
There is a word in Kazakhstan—Asar. It describes a simple but powerful idea: when someone is in need, the community comes together to help. No contracts, no formalities, just people showing up for one another.
That spirit has not disappeared. If anything, it has strengthened. Over the past few years, Kazakhstan has made a deliberate effort to elevate volunteerism—from declaring 2020 the Year of Volunteers, to championing 2024 as the Year of the Volunteer Movement in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and creating momentum toward 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
What stands out is not just the ambition but the way it has been implemented. In Kazakhstan, volunteering is not treated as a side activity. It is embedded in how things get done—in disaster response, education, environmental protection, healthcare, or search and rescue—as ministries, local authorities, and volunteer networks increasingly work side-by-side.
With its new Constitution encouraging volunteerism in Article 31, Kazakhstan is also making a broader point: volunteering matters socially and institutionally. For countries looking to strengthen civic engagement, this offers a compelling model.
This evolution is not happening in isolation. Around the world, volunteering is being rediscovered as something deeply practical—a flexible way to respond to complex and fast-moving challenges.
Traditional forms of engagement remain essential. Community cleanups and tree planting—these continue to anchor environmental action. But new models are emerging alongside them. Online volunteering is expanding rapidly, allowing people to contribute skills, share knowledge, and collaborate across borders.
As we have learned from the State of Volunteering in Central Asia Review, led by United Nations Volunteers (UNV) in 2024, the region reflects this global shift while staying rooted in its own traditions of mutual support. Governments, civil society, business, and communities are working together more systematically, and volunteerism is gaining recognition from environmental action to education, social services, and emergency response.
And yet, there is a paradox.
Volunteers are everywhere, doing essential work—reducing risks, protecting ecosystems, supporting services—but their contributions often remain invisible in national systems. They are felt but not always counted. Appreciated, but not always supported.
This is the key message emerging from the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2026: recognizing volunteerism is not about counting hours. It is about understanding how volunteers strengthen social cohesion, improve resilience, and help countries develop.
For Central Asia, this is particularly important. While the region has a strong foundation of solidarity, to fully harness it, that tradition now needs to be matched with recognition, evidence, and investment. Volunteers need training. Systems need coordination. Contributions need to be reflected in policies and plans.
Volunteering should not be about goodwill alone. It can become part of how countries nurture capacity.
This is also where the role of the United Nations (UN) is evolving.
Through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), we work with governments to integrate volunteer action into national development, climate, and environmental strategies—so that volunteers do more than fill gaps; they strengthen public systems. Through UNV, we mobilize volunteers—skilled, diverse, and increasingly digital—matching needs and capabilities, widening access, and ensuring that contributions are effective.
Photographer: Izabel Balasanova
In Central Asia, similar approaches are already taking hold at both national and regional levels. Around the Aral Sea, for example, volunteers — including UN Volunteers — are contributing to environmental restoration and strengthening community resilience.
But this cannot stop there.
Environmental risks do not respect borders—and neither should the responses. This is not about one-off campaigns. When volunteer efforts are properly supported and aligned with policy, they can build real, lasting capacity.
That is why 2026 matters.
The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development should not be another awareness campaign. It can be a turning point—a moment to invest in regional and national systems that make volunteerism more effective, more inclusive, and more visible in Central Asia’s development.
Ultimately, the story of volunteering in this region is not new. What is new is that moments like the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana create a new opportunity to turn tradition into something even more powerful: a structured, recognized, and resourced force for sustainable development.
That is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
Authors: Haoliang Xu is the Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme,
Toily Kurbanov is the Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers.
Ashgabat, March 14 and 16, 2026 — The capital of Turkmenistan served as the final destination for an extensive national training series. Four specialized workshops titled “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Context of Climate Change” were held at the stylish office of the “Hormat Yoly” Economic Society (widely known as the Women Economic Society — WES).
These meetings were a logical continuation of a regional tour that began in October 2025, covering Mary, Turkmenabat, Dashoguz, and Balkanabat.
The uniqueness of the Ashgabat phase lay in its targeted engagement with diverse social groups. The workshops focused on an inclusive approach—ensuring every voice is heard. The organizers conducted dedicated sessions for:
The women’s community;
Youth leaders;
Persons with disabilities;
Representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The events were organized by the Public Association Enterprise (PAE) “Tebigy Kuwwat” within the framework of a project funded by the European Union, in close cooperation with the “Hormat Yoly” ES and the Turkmenistan Representative Office of the GIZ Regional Program “Integrated Land Use in Central Asia taking into account Climate Change.”
Berkeli Atayev, Director of PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat” and representative of the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan, served as the workshop moderator. He opened the sessions by welcoming the participants, expressing gratitude for their time, and providing an overview of the challenges the country faces in the era of global warming.
The program featured in-depth expert presentations:
– Berkeli Atayev presented the report “Turkmenistan in the Era of Global Warming,” setting the context for all subsequent discussions.
– Meilis Rejepov, a specialist in Renewable Energy Sources (RES), discussed anthropogenic impacts on climate change and the prospects for transforming the renewable energy sector.
– Zakhira Begaliyeva (Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the “ITeachMe” Foundation, Kazakhstan) joined via video link to present a unique perspective on the intersection of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and climate change, emphasizing the vital importance of protecting vulnerable groups.
– Ayna Atayeva, Project Manager, inspired participants with a presentation on the active involvement of youth and the civil sector in the environmental agenda.
– Gulnar Mergenova, Advisor for the GIZ Regional Program in Turkmenistan “Integrated Land Management with Climate Change in Central Asia” shared practical expertise on effective natural resource management under changing climatic conditions.
The venue—the Women Economic Society (WES)—was chosen intentionally to symbolize the continuity and the critical link between economic, social, and environmental aspects. Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also discussed specific mechanisms through which Turkmenistan’s civil society can influence the region’s climate resilience.
“Strengthening the role of civil society is not merely a slogan; it is the key to the survival of our ecosystems. In the face of increasing water scarcity and desertification, only through a genuine partnership between the state, international and public organizations, local communities, businesses, and active citizens can we implement climate-resilient management practices and preserve our natural wealth for future generations,” the organizers noted in their closing remarks.
Ashgabat, March 3, 2026 — The conference hall of the Yyldyz Hotel hosted a landmark event for the country’s environmental agenda: the “UK–Turkmenistan: Building a Strategic Framework for Mobilising Climate Finance” forum.The event brought together representatives from line ministries, private companies, international financial institutions, UK experts, and civil society leaders to address a critical question: how to transform climate challenges into opportunities for green economic growth.The forum was opened by Perhat Yagshiyev, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan; Ms. Claire Albless, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Turkmenistan; and Ms. Chika Muora, Deputy Director for Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa and Co-head of International Climate Finance at TheCityUK. In their opening remarks, they emphasized a shared objective: creating sustainable financing mechanisms to help Turkmenistan achieve its national climate priorities.
British experts, including representatives from ITMO Ltd. and TheCityUK, shared unique insights into building a sustainable finance ecosystem. Key focus areas included:Legislative Frameworks: Experience in implementing the Climate Change Act and achieving the 2050 Net Zero target.Transparency: Sustainability reporting standards (TCFD, ISSB) that ensure projects are transparent and attractive to international investors.
The keynote session was led by Mr. Michael Matres, Co-founder and Marketing Director of ITMO Ltd. (UK). He detailed the significance of climate finance for Turkmenistan and outlined the evolution of the UK ecosystem—from carbon budgets to global trends in emissions reduction.Institutional development was addressed by Mr. Ruslan Sadgalin, Senior Manager at Ernst & Young Advisory (EY), who presented the core elements of a sustainable finance system, emphasizing accountability and the role of public policy in attracting investment.In the second half of the forum, experts shifted to practical applications. Ms. Bianca Barilla (CDP UK), joining virtually, collaborated with Mr. Michael Matres to discuss creating an investor-friendly environment, risk distribution, and building a pipeline of bankable projects. A vital part of the dialogue focused on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Mr. John Murton, Senior Sustainability Advisor at Standard Chartered Bank, shared international blended finance models most relevant to emerging markets and climate infrastructure.
Mr. Vladimir Valetka, Chief Economist at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, identified Turkmenistan’s high-potential sectors for climate investment:
Methane emission reduction;Renewable energy development;
Climate-resilient agriculture and water efficiency.
For civil society organizations, the forum served as a platform to understand how British mechanisms—such as Carbon Budgets and the Climate Change Committee—can be integrated within Turkmenistan to verify ongoing activities and analyze progress.
“Participation in such forums allows us not only to stay abreast of global trends but also to adapt advanced financial tools for the protection of our region’s ecosystems. The active involvement of civil society organizations in national climate action mechanisms is undoubtedly essential for achieving desired outcomes,” noted Berkeli Atayev, Director of PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat” and representative of the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan.
The forum concluded with the development of recommendations for a national sustainable finance system. Participants reached a consensus that the synergy between government regulation, UK international expertise, and civil society engagement will serve as a solid foundation for Turkmenistan’s green transformation.
On February 5–6, 2026, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, hosted the 6th EU–Central Asia Civil Society Forum. Organized by UNOPS in partnership with the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) under the “EU Support to Civil Society in Central Asia” program, the event gathered over 200 participants, including 100 civil society representatives (approximately 20 from each Central Asian nation). The Forum’s history dates back to 2019, with previous sessions held in Tashkent (March 2023) and Almaty (January 2025). The Almaty forum was attended by 16 representatives from 15 Turkmen organizations; this year, Turkmenistan was represented by 15 participants.
The 6th Forum serves as a key annual platform for structured dialogue between civil society organizations (CSOs), the European Union, and development partners. This year’s session built directly upon the outcomes of the 2025 Forum and the official establishment of five regional Thematic Working Groups (TWGs):
– Digital Transformation
– Climate Change and Environmental Protection
– Youth Participation
– Governance and Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship
– Women’s Empowerment
The Forum advances the EU Strategy for Central Asia and the priorities of the Global Gateway Initiative (GGI), strengthening the role of CSOs in the region’s future.
Opening Remarks and High-Level Support. The session was opened by Mr. Vasyl Tolkachov, Project Manager of the “EU Fund for Civil Society in Central Asia,” who introduced Ms. Simonetta Siligato, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Austria, as the moderator for the opening ceremony.
H.E. Mr. Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized that a strong civil society is vital for building resilient nations and noted that the EU highly values these engagements. He specifically highlighted the Global Gateway initiative as a cornerstone of regional cooperation.
Ms. Saira Temirbekovna Yzakova, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, welcomed participants and noted the importance of the Forum in improving connectivity across infrastructure sectors through the Global Gateway.H.E. Ms. Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator, addressed the forum remotely. She thanked the organizers and praised the Kyrgyz government for hosting the event. While emphasizing the role of CSOs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she also expressed concern regarding recent legislative trends affecting civic space in Kyrgyzstan, calling for reforms to restore a favorable environment for civil society.
Mr. Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, moderated a session on the Global Gateway.
Ms. Charlotte Adriaen (DG INTPA) detailed the Global Gateway Strategy, which aims to mobilize up to $300–400 billion in investments by 2027. Key priorities for Central Asia include digital connectivity, water, energy, climate change, and transport (including the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor). She mentioned Team Europe initiatives and major energy projects like Rogun and Kambar-Ata, stressing that the EU aims to “invest correctly” by listening to local communities and CSOs.
Mr. Andrea Rossi (EEAS) underscored the region’s geopolitical significance and the EU’s commitment to trade, green and digital transitions, transport, and security.
A session titled “Setting the Context: Central Asian Youth Perspectives,” moderated by Ms.Aizat Ruslanova (IDEA CA), featured representatives from Youth Advisory Councils (YAC):
Vladislav Veber (Kazakhstan),
Emira Seidenaliyeva (Kyrgyzstan),
Firuz Okhunov (Tajikistan),
Shukurgeldi Myradov (Turkmenistan)
and Amirbek Salimov (Uzbekistan).
They concluded that regional stability requires investment in human capital and institutional partnerships.
In the afternoon, CSOs engaged in the technical task of developing regional recommendations. Key speakers from Turkmenistan included:
Climate Change and Environment: Berkeli Atayev (Director of PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat” and representative of Aarhus Centre of Turkmenistan) reported on major climate challenges and country-level recommendations.
Women’s Empowerment: Oksana Asadulina (Social Worker, NGO “Mashgala”) briefed on the status of women’s affairs.
Youth Engagement:Ayna Bayramova (Chair of “Junior Achievement Turkmenistan”) presented the national report.
Governance and Entrepreneurship:Yuri Aronsky (Chair of the “Union of Economists of Turkmenistan”) delivered the thematic presentation.
On the second day, a consolidated set of priority regional recommendations across all five thematic areas was approved.
Human Rights:Mr. Mikkel Schmidt Hansen (DIHR) discussed applying human rights and good governance principles within the Global Gateway framework.
The practical session on potential EU funding, moderated by Mr.Bolot Isakov, sparked high interest among the Forum attendees.
EU Funding:Ms. Snejana Popova (EU Delegation to Kazakhstan) and Mr. Stefano Corrado (EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan) provided practical guidance on grant application procedures and current funding opportunities.
The last session of the Forum was about Small Grants. Ms. Regina Kireyeva (UNOPS) announced a call for small grants under the “EU Fund for Civil Society in Central Asia” project. For 2026, $225,000 has been allocated to fund 15 applications (up to $15,000 each), with a deadline of February 15, 2026.
Each session was followed by a dedicated Q&A period.
In his closing remarks, Ms. Simonetta Siligato,Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Austria thanked all participants for their fruitful work, noting that the results would be instrumental in preparing for the 7th Forum and for the overall development of civil society in Central Asia.
Ashgabat, January 9, 2026. At the initiative of the Public Association (PA) “Junior Achievement Turkmenistan,” a meeting was held bringing together 20 representatives from non-governmental organizations and socially-oriented economic societies to discuss the role of youth in the development of civil society.
The primary objective of the meeting was to prepare a national presentation for the upcoming 6th EU Central Asia Civil Society Forum, scheduled for February 5–6, 2026, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Forum is a key component of the four-year project, “Support Fund for Civil Society in Central Asia,” implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) and with financial support from the European Union. A core task of the project is the formation of five Thematic Working Groups (TWGs), including one specifically dedicated to Youth Engagement.
Recognizing that youth-focused work is integrated into nearly every civil society organization, “Junior Achievement Turkmenistan” sought to consolidate efforts to address key challenges, thematic recommendations, and the strengths of current youth policy development.
“Our goal is to identify challenges common to the region and, more importantly, to define unique opportunities for cooperation that will allow young people to become full participants in the country’s socio-economic life,” the organizers noted.
A distinctive feature of the preparation for the Bishkek forum is the deep integration of various expert communities. According to the TWG guidelines, each group must include organizations from all five Central Asian countries. At the conclusion of the current stage, the findings of the five thematic groups will be synthesized into a single, unified national presentation for Turkmenistan. For instance, the Public Association Enterprise “Tebigy Kuwwat,” a member of the “Climate Change and the Environment” TWG, has already submitted its national presentation for the upcoming Forum.
The efforts to strengthen youth engagement discussed at this meeting represent just one of the five components of a comprehensive national report.
During the discussion, participants identified several key barriers facing modern youth:
The Education-Labor Market Gap: The urgent need to adapt academic knowledge to the practical demands of the digital economy.
Access to Resources in Regions: The necessity of expanding infrastructure to support youth self-actualization in rural areas.
Public organizations possess unique expert capital, which was utilized to form a package of concrete steps to elevate the role of youth. These include the establishment of permanent dialogue platforms between youth leaders and the business community, as well as the expansion of vocational guidance programs.
Special emphasis was placed on regional cooperation within Central Asia. Experts proposed several strategic initiatives:
Joint Hubs for launching startups with a social impact.
A Regional Volunteer Network.
Knowledge Exchange in the fields of ecology, culture, and inclusion.
A Unified Web Platform to serve as a hub for exchanging best practices among NGOs across Central Asian countries.
The meeting demonstrated that the youth of Turkmenistan are prepared not only to adopt international best practices but also to propose their own innovative solutions for the development of the entire region.
On December 22—the date officially designated this year by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan as Energy Worker’s Day—a meeting was held at the Kazakh-German University (DKU), Almaty between Berkeli Atayev, Director of the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Enterprise of the Public Association “Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan” (NPST), and Alexey Kobzev, Head of the Master’s program in “Strategic Management of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency” and the Green Energy and Climate Change Lab. of the Center for Natural Resources and Sustainability at DKU. The discussion focused on the prospects for academic cooperation regarding the energy transition to Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Key topics included data exchange and the involvement of specialists, undergraduate, and graduate students in environmental events hosted in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and across the Central Asian region.
The participants noted a burgeoning interest among Turkmen youth in pursuing Master’s degrees at DKU, particularly in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), a field of critical importance for Turkmenistan. It was highlighted that young environmentalists from the “Tebigy Kuwwat” Public Association Enterprise are currently successfully completing their second year of Master’s studies in the IWRM program. Both Central Asian nations possess immense potential for developing a “Green Economy” and making significant contributions to energy sector sustainability with a minimal carbon footprint.
The partners exchanged warm holiday greetings for the upcoming New Year 2026. As a gesture of future cooperation, Mr. Kobzev presented Mr. Atayev with the latest issue of the “Qazaq Green” information and analytical magazine.
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