The Role of Youth in Ensuring the Security and Stability of Turkmenistan Strengthens

On November 18-19, Turkmenistan hosted events dedicated to the World Day Against Transnational Organized Crime. The events, titled “Engaging Youth in the Prevention of Organized Crime,” were organized by USAID’s Safe Migration in Central Asia (SMICA) program in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and local partners.

On November 18, an event was held at Specialized School No. 21 in Ashgabat for high school students, focusing on the risks of human trafficking and organized crime. On November 19, a public event took place with over 100 participants, including students and volunteers, aimed at expanding youth’s role in strengthening community security.

U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Rood emphasized the importance of youth engagement in building a secure future for Turkmenistan and encouraged participants to use their knowledge to protect their communities. SMICA presented information on human trafficking prevention and youth education in this area.

The events also included a National Youth Competition and interactive discussions in Turkmen, Russian, and English. Local NGOs discussed ways to combat organized crime through active youth involvement in community life. Private companies provided prizes for the most active participants.

These activities highlighted the importance of cooperation between government, private, and non-profit organizations, as well as the crucial role of youth in creating secure and sustainable communities in Turkmenistan.

Source: Turkmenistan International Information Center