Helping young people to develop their potential – an important part of OSCE’s work in Tajikistan
Young people represent approximately 70% of Tajikistan’s population of nearly nine million, with the majority living in rural areas. Despite being a substantial demographic group, young people often feel they lack opportunities to actively participate in public life. An important part of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe’s work is dedicated to helping youth throughout the country to reach their potential.
The Office’s initiatives involving young people include Network by Consensus, a community bringing together around 500 youth from Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries, the Model OSCE and the Central Asian Youth Talks.
Events linked to these initiatives help young women and men to improve their skills in public speaking, debating, critical thinking, research, analysis and conducting negotiations. Participants engage in dialogue, learn and discuss about the importance of international co-operation, diplomatic relations and the work of regional and international organizations.
The recent study tour to the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, Austria from 27 November to 1 December 2018 was an opportunity for six members of the Network by Consensus as well as young people who have been closely involved in OSCE-organized events to see firsthand how an international organization works. They learned how the OSCE’s principles, its comprehensive approach to security and high-level security dialogue are applied in practice.
The study tour was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in the framework of its efforts to support democratic political processes in Tajikistan.
