Tashkent—The Youth Capital of CIS in 2024
The youth capital of the CIS, Tashkent, is hosting participants in the Global Youth Festival. Tashkent City was declared the Youth Capital of the CIS in 2024 by the Decision of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS dated June 8, 2023. During the festival, Tashkent, as the youth capital of the CIS, is organizing a scientific and practical conference addressing youth issues in the CIS member states, a meeting of youth parliaments, a business marathon involving young entrepreneurs from Commonwealth countries, a competition for young readers, and a chess tournament for youth from CIS countries. These events will be held at the Palace of Youth Creativity, in front of which a special monument was unveiled in honor of the landmark event—the announcement of Tashkent as the Youth Capital of the CIS in 2024. The monument features a symbolic representation of unity and creativity among the youth from the CIS countries.
It is an immense honor to represent Turkmenistan at the global youth festival. Our nations, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, share more than just a border; we share a rich history, culture, and a vision for a prosperous future. Over the years, the bond between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has grown stronger, characterized by a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. From economic partnerships to cultural exchanges, our collaboration has paved the way for significant advancements. Our joint infrastructure projects, such as building transportation routes and energy pipelines, symbolize our shared commitment to regional stability and growth, going beyond just engineering achievements. The Ashgabat Agreement, designed to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade, represents our mutual objectives.
The Organization of Turkic States forum was held in Samarkand city. The Organization of Turkic States plays a vital role in preserving our shared heritage and tackling mutual challenges. It provides a forum for our countries to collaborate on diverse issues, from economic development to cultural preservation and from security to scientific innovation. This organization represents our shared desire to leverage the power of our historical bonds for the prosperity of our populations. Through this unity, we can amplify our voices on the global stage, advocate for our mutual interests, and contribute to a more interconnected and peaceful world.
Turkmenistan has always been a proactive member of the Organization of Turkic States. Our nation’s commitment to neutrality and diplomacy aligns perfectly with the organization’s goals of fostering peace and cooperation. As known, the decision on the announcement of 2024 as the Year of the Great Poet and Thinker of the Turkic World Magtymguly Fragi and the ancient Turkmen city of Anau as the cultural capital of the Turkic world of 2024 was adopted at the meeting of the Permanent Council of Turkey held in Bursa, the Republic of Turkiye. This shows the recognition of our country for its efforts in promoting international humanitarian initiatives and highlighting the significant cultural potential of our homeland.
As an independent and neutral country, Turkmenistan is actively expanding collaborations with nations around the world and international organizations. Through its enduring neutrality status, Turkmenistan plays a significant role in promoting peace, friendship, and solidarity on a global level. This year, under the theme "The Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Fragi" a series of events are dedicated to celebrating the birthday anniversary of the renowned poet and philosopher on a national and international scale. The main goal is to further promote Magtymguly Fragi's literary legacy, enhance research in this field, and attract the attention of international scholarly circles to the poetic and philosophical works of this Turkmen classic. His timeless poems and humanistic perspectives have significantly influenced not only the lives of Turkmen people in the 18th and 19th centuries but also individuals across the Eastern region.
The 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Ashgabat. The regular Council of Elders meeting in Ashgabat shows Turkmenistan's active role in developing constructive cooperation within the OTS. The Turkmen population shares historical roots, cultural traditions, and spiritual values with the peoples of other nations within the organization.
In conclusion, the youth festival and the Organization of Turkic States Forum have provided a unique platform for young leaders from across the region to engage, collaborate, and envision a shared future. The vibrant exchanges and insightful discussions have not only strengthened the bonds between our nations but have also highlighted the immense potential of our youth.
Nazar MEREDOV,
Lecturer of the Institute of the International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.