ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

UNRCCA held an informative online session on March 12th to explore the history and structure of the UN and UNRCCA's role in Central Asia.

The event began with a welcoming address by H.E. Mr. Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA. Mr. Imnadze congratulated recent program winners and emphasized the importance of fostering regional cooperation and Alumni networks for future peacebuilding efforts.

Andriy Larin, UNRCCA Political Affairs Officer, delivered two presentations during the session. 

The first explored the League of Nations (LoN) prehistory and the reasons for establishing this first International Peace Organization; its goals, areas of involvement, achievements and failures preserved the continuation of LoN after World War II and the evolution of the UN from the League of Nations to its current peacekeeping and special political mission roles. 

The second presentation focused on UNRCCA's engagement in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The session participants received initial information on Preventive Diplomacy as a concept, became familiar with the UNRCCA Programme of Action, and learned about the activities UNRCCA is conducting. 

In between the presentations, participants from Central Asia and Afghanistan engaged in facilitated group discussions led by Mayya Meretkuliyeva, PDA Trainer. These sessions provided an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the topics through focused discussions and questions.

The session highlighted the UN and UNRCCA's critical role globally and regionally in promoting preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. It gave participants a broader understanding of the UN's structure, goals, and the complexities it faces globally and specifically in Central Asia with neighboring Afghanistan.