Turkmenistan Marks World Day Against Transnational Organized Crime for the First Time: Youth at the Forefront of Building a Safer Future!
19 noýabr 2024
Ashgabat, November 18, 2024. Yesterday, November 18th, marked a historic event in Ashgabat – the first-ever observance of the World Day Against Transnational Organized Crime in Turkmenistan. The event, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Safe Migration in Central Asia (SMICA) program and partners, served as a powerful example of youth engagement in combating global threats.
Specialized educational school No. 21 hosted students, teachers, and representatives from government agencies who gathered to discuss one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Participants had the unique opportunity to hear a video message from the Executive Director of UNODC, Ms. Ghada Waly, who emphasized that the fight against crime is a collective responsibility.
Experts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan and the General Prosecutor’s Office shed light on local and global aspects of combating crime, while representatives from the NGO “Yenme” conducted an interactive session dedicated to human trafficking. An engaging quiz and video materials allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of the issue and demonstrate impressive knowledge. Winners were awarded commemorative prizes.
A lecture by Olga Charyeva on mental health and digital safety resonated strongly with the audience, highlighting the relevance of these issues for today’s youth. A vibrant flash mob by UN volunteers under the slogan “Creative Solutions for a Safer World” culminated the event, uniting all participants in a shared commitment to building a safer future.
The active participation of school volunteers, who prepared a skit and presentation on combating crime, demonstrated the readiness of the younger generation to take an active civic stance. The event was not only informative but also inspiring, showing that everyone can contribute to the fight against transnational organized crime.