Oriented on making people closer

On August 6, as part of the LLDC3 Youth Forum, an event dedicated to youth policy took place. Titled "Youth Policy in Action: Strengthening Regional Leadership and Strategic Investments for LLDCs," the forum aimed to discuss the future participation of youth in the lives of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).

The event brought together representatives from government bodies, the UN system, and leaders of youth and civil society organizations. The discussion was moderated by journalist Laura Bakewell from the international news channel Euronews, whose expertise lent a unique dynamism and depth to the conversation.

From Arkadag to Avaza: Expanding the Youth Dialogue

The dialogue, which began as a regional initiative in Arkadag, has reached a new level. Receiving an international boost at a meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, it has now expanded to the Youth Forum in Avaza, uniting young leaders from around the world. This journey symbolizes not only the geographical but also the institutional strengthening of the dialogue, transforming it into a key global platform for youth in LLDCs.

In their statement, the forum participants in Avaza emphasized that the demographic dividend is the foundation of sustainable development.

Key Ideas and Positions

High-level representatives spoke at the event, and their ideas formed the basis for future initiatives:

Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, stressed the need to institutionalize economic policy mechanisms based on demographic analysis. He proposed channeling the potential of youth into creative industries for sustainable economic growth.

Kakha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy, called for fostering values of peace and trust among youth. He suggested creating an Academy of Preventive Diplomacy as an institutional framework for consolidation and mutual understanding.

Kemal Goshliyev, Head of the UNFPA office in Turkmenistan, referred to effective demographic policy as a strategic resource for the development of LLDCs.

Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, and François-Xavier Batagalingaya, UN Resident Coordinator in Chad, highlighted the importance of universal access to education, financial resources for startups, and the development of vocational and technical skills.

Otbek Shavkatov, Chairman of the "World Association Youth of Uzbekistan," and Sabina Mahl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, focused on integrating youth policy into regional structures and involving youth in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Rita Columbia, UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia, emphasized the importance of institutionally solidifying youth participation in decision-making processes.

A Call to Action

The session participants urged all LLDCs to take the following steps:

• Empower youth as strategic partners in development.

• Update curricula to meet the needs of the labor market.

• Accelerate economic growth by involving youth in innovation and entrepreneurship.

These initiatives are aimed at ensuring that youth in LLDCs not only have a voice but also play a key role in shaping their future. The participants are ready to continue this dialogue at future international venues.

ORIENT

Photo: education.gov.tm