International Organization for Migration, Eurasia Foundation and USAID supported Youth initiatives

At the event over forty participants attended: young leaders, participants of youth programs, specialists of the Ministry of Sport and Youth policy, Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance,  Ministry of Education, Union of Youth named after Magtymguly, National Society of Crescent of Turkmenistan, also employees of civil society organizations and associations of Turkmenistan from different regions of the country.

The aim of the Youth initiative Fair was to provide a platform for joining the state and civil organizations, also young people with leadership skills for making a contribution in solving the local social issues. The authors of the best youth initiatives presented their ideas for discussing and receiving feedback. The project ideas were developed in the frame of previously announced contest. In turn, the representatives of state and public organizations shared practical experience and advices with youth. In the future, the partnership will provide the opportunity for young leaders to implement the most relevant and demanded projects in close cooperation with public organizations.

Director of USAID in Turkmenistan Nino Nadiradze addressed to the participants of the event with an opening speech.

She noted that “Youth is an engine of progress. I am sure that buildup of your potential and creation the opportunities for implementation of your ideas will lead to the sustainable results. And for all of us it is extremely interesting to know how you see social projects and delivery support to the people in the places”.

At the end of her speech, Mrs. Nadiradze thanked the youth for the development of ideas and expressed the hope that the Fair of youth initiatives would give rise to interesting projects and fruitful cooperation.

Further, Azat Atajanov, Head of the IOM Representative Office in Turkmenistan, welcoming the participants, said that young leaders would have the opportunity to realize their project ideas. A fair is a good stage for getting acquaintance and contacts’ exchange. In addition, he called on young people to acquire new competences and skills, as well as finding application in our own country and contributing to its development.

“Having visited the Youth Initiatives Fair, I have got a huge impulse for further implementation of my project “Academy of Volunteering”. There were raised important issues to develop the youth movement in Turkmenistan. Networking with the experienced representatives of public associations and ministries was a useful moment. Also it was interesting to exchange experience and impressions with young leaders on the event,  as well as to establish communication and cooperation for further implementation of youth projects,” said Jemal Kakysheva, a volunteer of the public association “Yenme”.

“A very interesting meeting took place, where good ideas were presented. I also took part with proposal that aimed to provide support persons with disabilities. I had the opportunity to consult and talk with experienced specialists. I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers of the fair for the opportunity, ”said Allaberdy Kemmiyev, author of the project “Health”.

“I meet with the” Fair of Youth Initiatives” for the first time. And it's great and interesting. Young people reveal their ideas and abilities, their talent, which will subsequently help young people find themselves in life, do business, be useful for the community,” said Gozel Myradalyeva, director of “Dap-Dessur” organization from Mary region after completion of the event .