In an era of global transformations and the rapid development of information technologies, young people are not only witnesses but also initiators of change, as well as active participants in shaping new economic, social, and political realities. The first "Central Asia Youth Dialogue," established in 2023, became a landmark event that demonstrated the ability and necessity for the younger generation of the region to unite. This forum not only brought together young individuals from the five Central Asian republics but also served as a platform focused on developing joint initiatives, which will be voiced at the Second Central Asia Youth Dialogue during ECOSOC 2025 in New York.

The inaugural dialogue of 2023 was notable for being the first to highlight the need for modernizing the economic model and adapting to new political realities with an emphasis on youth. Young people, armed with fresh ideas and their own perspectives on development, show that innovative approaches and creative thinking can not only address local challenges but also shape new trends in regional politics and economics. For instance, the average age of a Central Asian resident is currently just 26.2 years, indicating that youth form the core of the region’s social structure.

Sociological research results reveal that youth initiatives stimulate entrepreneurship, which, in turn, positively impacts the economic dynamics of these countries. For example, in Turkmenistan, the private sector’s share in GDP structure already accounts for about 71.1%. The number of people employed in the private sector of the economy increased by more than 12% between 2020 and 2023. Given the region’s geographical factors, including its landlocked status, the demographic situation in Central Asian countries favors consistent integration.

Moreover, the region boasts vast reserves of natural resources: approximately 17% of the world’s oil, 7% of gas reserves, 20% of uranium, 38% of manganese, 30% of chromium, 20% of lead, 12.6% of zinc, and 8% of titanium are concentrated in Central Asia. Additionally, 25 to 30% of the region’s population consists of young, working-age individuals. Therefore, the responsibility for unlocking these opportunities should fall on the shoulders of the youth. However, due to the same geographical constraints, realizing this potential is only possible through consolidated efforts, which requires tools and platforms.

Turkmenistan, pursuing a course of fair international policy that considers the interests of all parties involved in the integration process, established one such platform in 2023—the aforementioned Central Asia Youth Dialogue. This dialogue format enables participants to exchange experiences and initiate joint projects to address a wide range of issues, from environmental protection to the commercialization of research and development. Furthermore, within this platform, young leaders will explore priority areas for further growth and integration. The Dialogue mechanism, uniting the voices of youth, will be a key factor in formulating a unified development strategy. Joint economic, cultural-humanitarian, and social projects are being considered as tools for consolidation.

Representatives of the younger generation can bring their ideas to the highest echelons of power, contributing to the development of modern strategies. The Second Dialogue at ECOSOC 2025 in New York will provide a unique opportunity for these voices to be heard on an international stage. The meeting will serve as a statement to the global community that the young women and men of Central Asia, mindful of the need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and steadfastly adhering to UN ideals, are ready to unite their efforts to harness the region’s boundless potential.

The gathering at the Second Central Asia Youth Dialogue will be a venue for forming a unified voice of young leaders, which will resonate boldly at another Youth Forum—planned within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

Undoubtedly, the First Central Asia Youth Dialogue in 2023 marked a significant milestone in the region’s history and underscored the importance of young leaders as a driving force for change in the economy. The platform established on its basis laid the groundwork for the second dialogue at ECOSOC 2025 in New York, opening new prospects for integration, cooperation, and experience sharing on an international level.

Uniting the voices of youth through joint initiatives and projects will not only amplify the influence of young leaders on strategic decision-making but also foster the development of unified approaches to addressing global and regional challenges. In a rapidly changing world, it is collective efforts and the integration of diverse perspectives that will create a sustainable platform for development, rooted in traditional values and modern innovations.

Thus, it can be asserted that the unification of Central Asian youth efforts is key not only to regional stability and economic growth but also to forming a new paradigm of interaction in the context of globalization.