A nine-day program titled “Psychological Aspects of Preventing Various Forms of Extremism” has been launched in Turkmenistan as part of the country component of the regional UNDP project “Fostering Resilient Communities to Prevent Violent Extremism in Central Asia.” The project is funded by the Government of Japan.
Held from June 23 to July 3, 2025, the program aims to develop professional skills in the areas of mental health promotion, critical thinking, and psychosocial support. These areas are considered key elements in preventing destructive ideologies.
Participants in the program include social workers, representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, as well as faculty and students from the Turkmen State Medical University and other higher education institutions. Practicing psychologists, coaches, and representatives of non-governmental organizations are also taking part.
The program focuses on effective methods for analyzing target audiences, developing new and evaluating existing awareness-raising materials, and strengthening resistance to psychological manipulation and influence from radical groups.
The training process is based on practical tools such as case studies, facilitated discussions, storytelling, and exercises to build critical thinking. Core themes of the entire program include human rights, humanitarian values, and gender sensitivity.
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