YOUTH CONFERENCE IN THE FORM OF AN INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION
On June 9, 2026, the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a Youth Conference in the format of an interactive discussion. The event featured Dr. Robert Floyd, the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and youth representatives from Central Asian countries. Diplomats from foreign missions and international organizations accredited to Turkmenistan, the Institute’s faculty members and students attended the event.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996 to ensure global peace. The CTBTO serves as the primary body responsible for verifying compliance with this historic document and implementing it at the international level. One of the greatest achievements of organization is its International Monitoring System (IMS). Through more than 300 stations located across the globe, this system detects any nuclear test on Earth with high precision and within the shortest possible time.
The conference was moderated by Ms. Suhara Wijewardane, an officer of the International Cooperation Section of the CTBTO. At the opening ceremony, Mahri Bashimova, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, delivered an introductory statement.
In her speech, M. Bashimova noted that this conference was taking place on the frames of the regional high-level meeting dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. She emphasized that over the past three decades, this treaty has served as one of the most vital instruments for strengthening global peace and mutual trust among states, as well as advancing scientific cooperation and international security. Furthermore, it was highlighted that Turkmenistan, drawing upon its permanent Neutrality status recognized three times by the United Nations, consistently supports international efforts to ensure sustainable development and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, while recognizing the youth as the core driving force promoting the ideals of peace worldwide.
Following the introductory remarks, an interactive session in a question-and-answer format took place between the guest speakers and Central Asian youth. During the discussion, an extensive conversation was organized between Dr. Robert Floyd and Begench Karayev, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences and Senior Lecturer of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, alongside the youth of Central Asia.
The participants focused on the current relevance of the Treaty, the specific challenges facing the new generation in building a world free of nuclear tests and their personal perspectives on these matters. The exchange of views underscored the significant role the Treaty has played in strengthening peace and stability worldwide, including the Central Asian region since it was opened for signature thirty years ago. The participating Central Asian youth shared their personal approaches to the impact of nuclear testing on global security, alongside their own proposals for effectively engaging the younger generation in peaceful causes such as the prohibition of nuclear tests, non-proliferation and disarmament.
Following the primary discussion, the audience members addressed the guests with questions of interest. Responding to the inquiries raised by the students, the honorable guests noted that the event left a very positive impression on them. They specifically emphasized the students’ high level of political awareness, deep interest in the modern system of international relations and proactive stance on crucial global issues. Praising this active engagement, the guests wished the future specialists great success in their careers.
Ayjahan HOJAGELDIYEVA,
the 3rd year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Turkmenistan