Agenda of the Central Asian Youth Forum 2025 “Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace”
On September 10, 2025, the solemn opening of the Central Asian Youth Forum 2025 took place at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. The forum was held under the motto “Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace.” The event was organized within the framework of the seventh phase of the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP 7) with the support of the European Union. The forum brought together young leaders, experts, representatives of institutions, and international organizations from all countries of the region, uniting them around a common goal to find solutions for strengthening youth health, fostering environmental awareness, and building a sustainable future for Central Asia.
The opening ceremony was led by Ernest Robello, Director of CADAP 7. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev, Councellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Makhtumkuli Akmuradov, and Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan Maciej Madalinski. In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of the role of youth in shaping a peaceful and healthy society, as well as the significance of international cooperation in addressing common challenges.
Following the official part of the forum, the sessions continued with thematic discussions focusing on the prevention of addictions and the promotion of mental health, the development of environmental awareness and the impact of climate change on public health, as well as the prospects of education and preparing young people for the professions of the future. Experts and youth activists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and European countries took part in the discussions, which provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives on the region’s pressing challenges.
In the afternoon, a final discussion was held in an “Aquarium” format, moderated by Antonio Gonzalez, Coordinator of CADAP 7. During the open dialogue, participants summarized the results of the day’s intensive work and formulated proposals that will form the basis of the forum’s final resolution. The first day set a high tone for the upcoming discussions and demonstrated that the youth of Central Asia are ready to actively contribute to building a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable future for the region.
The CADAP Programme, within which the forum is being held, is a flagship initiative of the European Union in Central Asia. It is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the region’s countries in the field of drug use prevention, improving public health, and reducing social risks.
Hurma Parahatova,
the 3rd year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.