Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN
On 8 April 2026, UNRCCA launched the 2026 cohort of its Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) through an online opening session, bringing together UNRCCA officials, PDA alumni, and participants from across Central Asia and Afghanistan. The event marked the start of a new Academy cycle designed to enhance practical knowledge and strengthen skills in preventive diplomacy.
Welcoming the new cohort, Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, described the Academy as “a space where the next generation of thinkers, diplomats, and peacebuilders begin a shared journey,” stressing that the participants’ collaboration, creativity, and commitment are essential for fostering dialogue, building trust, and advancing a peaceful, inclusive, and cooperative future across Central Asia and Afghanistan. SRSG Kaha Imnadze further underscored the importance of preventive diplomacy as a core element of the Secretary-General’s peace and security agenda.
The opening session provided participants with a comprehensive briefing on the PDA programme, including its structure, objectives, and operational guidelines, complemented by welcoming remarks from PDA Alumni Regional Network Country Focal Points. An engaging round of introductions and an interactive question-and-answer session encouraged active participation and helped participants familiarize themselves with the PDA’s expectations and collaborative learning approach.
Participants were invited to fully engage in the Academy’s upcoming sessions and collaborative exercises, contributing their ideas and perspectives to the programme’s learning and dialogue, while using the Academy as a platform to practice preventive diplomacy skills and strengthen regional collaboration.
