On July 4, the UNRCCA PDA organized a session on the topic "Manipulation and Mind Control" aimed to prevent the participation of young people from Central Asia and Afghanistan in terrorist organizations. The session was facilitated by Ms. Yulia Denisenko, an international expert on the prevention of religious extremism in the countries of Central Asia. 

The training sessions and practical exercises focused on reducing the vulnerability of young people to be manipulated and recruited by terrorist groups, as well as exploring the relationship between personal goals and strategies of recruiters.

During the interactive question-answer session, the participants exchanged views on the existing challenges to humanity, which include terrorism, extremism, the impact of the Internet, technology and artificial intelligence on the security and sustainable development of mankind.

On July 7, a study session was organized on the project planning process as part of the PDA’s plan to creation of a team of trainers from the PDA graduates. The aim of the team is to promote a culture of preventive diplomacy among young people in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

During the training, the participants improved their skills in developing various stages of planning and implementing projects in the following areas: UN Youth Strategy 2030; Youth, Peace and Security; Ecology and climate change; The role of youth in preventing violent extremism and radicalism leading to terrorism; and Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls.

The participants acquired their teambuilding skills, in achieving collective decision-making, arguing opinions and putting forward creative ideas.

On July 13, 2023, a session on the topic "Intercultural Communication Skills" aimed at promoting the formation of a culture of peace in Central Asia was held in an online format.

The training was focused on the practical perception by the participants of the values and traditions of representatives of other nationalities, religions and cultures. The main emphasis was placed on the understanding that each culture has its own uniqueness and value.

During the training, the participants got acquainted with the Declaration and Program of Action in the field of a culture of peace (53/243), the letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General "Towards a culture of peace" (A/52/191). The session also paid attention to the period 2001-2010, proclaimed by the UN as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the Planet (52/15).

The session contributed to a deep understanding of the versatility of cultural dialogue, which, undoubtedly, should have a positive impact on the further interaction of the youth of Central Asia and Afghanistan with representatives of different cultures.

On July 19, 2023, UNRCCA Political Adviser Andrey Khanzhin briefed the PDA participants on the ongoing activities of UNRCCA within the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace and Security".

During the session, the participants deepened their knowledge of the Global Agenda "Peace and Security" and reviewed UN Security Council Resolution 1325. They also got acquainted with the key principles of the Agenda and subsequent resolutions 1889, 2242, 1820, as well as the Ten-Year Program of Action presented in 2020.

Mr. Khanzhin also introduced the participants to the main objectives of the Generation Equality Forum, the WPS Humanitarian Agreement and the Women Leaders Caucus in Central Asia, emphasizing their role in advancing these important issues.

At the practical stage of the session, the participants united in small groups to discuss the challenges associated with the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda on the global stage. In addition, they reviewed the progress and obstacles to the implementation of this agenda in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

On July 26, the UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) organized an online seminar the graduates of the Preventive Diplomacy Academy on negotiations skills and conflict management. The aim the of the seminar was to introduce participants to various negotiation terms including Position-Interests-Needs (PIN) model, Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement (BATNA), Zone of Possible Agreements, value creation, issue linkage, increasing pie, etc. Additional hands-on experience was received through the practical application of those terms on the real negotiations through the Ugli Orange negotiation serious game.