KHUJAND, Tajikistan
On 28–29 September, Kaha Imnadze, SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, participated in the Second Fergana Peace Forum in Khujand, Tajikistan – the second major event organized within the UNRCCA-supported Fergana Peace Process.
Building on the inaugural Forum held in Fergana, Uzbekistan, in October 2025, the event brought together representatives of national and regional authorities, expert institutions, civil society and international organizations to discuss cooperation for lasting peace and sustainable development in the Fergana Valley. Discussions addressed regional trust, economic cooperation, environmental challenges and the contributions of women, youth and local communities.
In his opening remarks, SRSG Imnadze welcomed the continued commitment of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to good-neighbourly relations and cooperation. He stressed the importance of developing the Fergana Peace Process through regular dialogue, shared priorities and practical joint initiatives, with sustained attention to implementing agreements reached at successive Forums.
The SRSG Imnadze highlighted the value of confidence-building measures that strengthen direct contacts across borders, including educational and cultural exchanges, environmental cooperation and community initiatives. He also emphasized that young people’s ideas should inform the broader work of the Fergana Peace Process and reaffirmed UNRCCA’s readiness to support regional dialogue and practical cooperation addressing the underlying causes of tensions.
The Forum’s second day, held as “Yntymak” (Unity Day), focused on strengthening trust and social cohesion through cooperation among communities across the Valley. UNRCCA moderated the session on youth initiatives for sustainable peace and development, which brought together youth representatives, including alumni of its Preventive Diplomacy Academy. Recommendations developed during the Young Peacebuilders Cross-Border Initiative, held in Fergana on 22–25 June 2026, were presented and discussed. These covered meaningful youth participation in peacebuilding, cross-border confidence-building and responsible communication, economic cooperation and connectivity, and environmental and climate security. Participants considered how these proposals could contribute to the further development of the Fergana Peace Process.
On the margins of the Forum, SRSG Imnadze met with Anvar Yakubi, Deputy Chairman of Sughd Region, Khayriddin Usmonzoda, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan; and Eduards Stiprais, European Union Special Representative for Central Asia to discuss regional developments and opportunities to strengthen cooperation, including support for the Fergana Peace Process, cross-border dialogue and confidence-building initiatives.
