At the heart of world diplomacy – the UN Headquarters in New York – a landmark event initiated by Turkmenistan will take place on April 16, 2025. The second meeting of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue will be held as a high-level session within the framework of the ECOSOC Youth Forum. Dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on youth, peace, and security, this event aims to strengthen the role of Central Asian youth on the international stage.

From Initiative to Global Recognition

The history of the Central Asian Youth Dialogue began in October 2023, when the foundation of this important regional platform was laid in the city of Arkadag. In just a year and a half, Turkmenistan’s initiative has transformed from a regional format into a significant international mechanism, gaining recognition at the UN level. Notably, the second meeting is taking place in a year declared by the UN General Assembly as the International Year of Peace and Trust, further emphasizing the global significance of Ashgabat’s initiatives.

The participation of representatives from all Central Asian countries, youth organizations, UN officials, and international partners highlights the high status of the event. Each country in the region—Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—will have the opportunity to present its vision for youth cooperation, underscoring the inclusive nature of the platform.

From Dialogue to Institutionalization

A key outcome of the meeting will be the adoption of a joint statement by participants and the announcement of a rotational format for future meetings, marking the transition of the initiative to a new, more structured level.

Hosting the event at the UN Headquarters opens new opportunities for Central Asian youth, enabling them to engage with their international peers, exchange experiences, and strengthen global connections. This aligns perfectly with one of the core objectives of the event—expanding the interaction of Central Asian youth with the international community.

Contribution to the International Year of Peace and Trust

It is symbolic that the second meeting of the Dialogue is being held in 2025, which has been designated as the International Year of Peace and Trust. This highlights the timeliness and relevance of Turkmenistan’s initiatives in the global context and their alignment with the priorities of the international community.

Thus, the upcoming meeting will not only strengthen regional youth cooperation but also make a significant contribution to advancing the goals of peace, trust, and sustainable development on a global scale, reaffirming Turkmenistan’s status as a responsible and proactive member of the international community.