Implementation of the Youth Policy – new opportunities and perspectives

The main goal of the round table was to create a platform for discussing the new version of the law of Turkmenistan "On State Youth Policy" dated September 1, 2022. This law defines the main directions of the state youth policy, "and is also aimed at increasing state support in ensuring the rights and freedoms of young people and formation of their complete personality." Changes in the law create favorable conditions for comprehensive support for the development of youth and at the same time provide new directions and tasks for state institutions, as well as for the society and international organizations.

In addition to the law "On State Youth Policy", during the round table were discussed such topics as: the main directions and principles of organizing work with youth; achievements in the implementation of the youth policy and the State program in the field of the state youth policy of Turkmenistan for 2021–2025; youth with disabilities in sports.

During the plenary discussion, the participants of the event made the following proposals: organization of preferential short-term training courses for farmers; proposals for improving career guidance activities for schoolchildren; opportunities for training and production practice in public organizations and the private sector; inter-sectoral interaction to implement youth policy.

“Turkmenistan pays special attention to the development of youth, and the State Program for 2021–2025 is evidence of the state's concern for young people. The national youth policy is being improved and the country's actions to involve young people in various activities are highly respected. An example of joint work was the adoption of a new version of the law of Turkmenistan “On State Youth Policy” dated September 1, 2022, which defines the main directions of youth policy.” - said Gurtgeldi Garyagdyyev from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy of Turkmenistan.

"The youth of Turkmenistan is currently making an active contribution to the sustainable and rapid development of the country, strengthening the national economy and improving the living conditions of the people, and the successful implementation of the state program," said Merjen Muhamedova, a representative of the Youth Union named after Magtymguly.

“It's great that different sectors state, public, international met at the round table with young people. Informative speeches gave impulse to new ideas and proposals from the active youth. Representatives of public organizations also made interesting and effective proposals. We are very glad that we were heard,” Yekaterina Geldimuradova, a representative of active youth, spoke about the round table.

“The benefits of the round table are enormous! There was good interaction and discussion of important issues. For example, it was noted that the organization of internships for young professionals not only in state organizations, but also in public organizations is a mutually beneficial partnership, from which both the public organization and young people benefit. We had experience in attracting interns, they made a great contribution to the development of children with special needs, vulnerable youth, the elderly and for a public organization - this is a great support” - spoke out in support of the development of opportunities for internships in public organizations - Gulya Choreklieva, director of the NGO "Yenme".

In three thematic groups on the implementation of youth policy, the participants focused the discussion on the issues of inclusion and empowerment for young people with disabilities, young people from vulnerable groups, girls through involvement in physical education; support of youth sports and physical culture and formation of a healthy lifestyle among the population; social opportunities and social support for youth.

The results of the discussions turned to a number of proposals, such as: creating a platform for discussion and coordination of youth issues by representatives of state structures, public organizations and young leaders; creating a virtual platform where relevant information for young people will be collected, as well as an opportunity for young people to provide important information or receive consultation will be given. In order to increase the effectiveness of the implementation of youth policy and the involvement of young people, a proposal was made to create a council or committee for youth affairs, the need to develop professional personnel, develop a regulatory framework that will ensure the successful implementation of the youth policy and attract all the necessary funds for this. Many proposals were received to involve young people in leading a healthy lifestyle. All proposals will be summarized and provided to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, as well as to the participants of the event for further work.