ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

The UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy held a training session as part of its educational program, aimed at promoting youth engagement in public life.

Ms. Maya Meretkuliyeva, a trainer at the Academy, led an interactive session that combined theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, highlighting the importance of youth participation in socially significant processes.

In the first part of the session, students studied Roger Hart's Ladder of Youth Participation, delving into various levels of youth activity and mechanisms of governance and influence. The second part focused on the role of youth participation in societal life, where participants showed great interest and enthusiasm, sharing their personal experiences and ideas, and expressing a strong commitment to supporting preventive diplomacy in the region.

Youth engagement is a key factor in developing skills, knowledge, and professional connections that enable young people to make meaningful contributions to society. Despite their creative potential, youth often face barriers to participating in decision-making processes. Major obstacles include limited access to information and a lack of opportunities for financial support. The Preventive Diplomacy Academy strives to overcome these barriers, equipping youth with essential knowledge and providing a platform for interaction with other young leaders, as well as with UN representatives in the region.