Today, the “Let's Talk About Rights, Equality and Inclusion” Youth Dialogue brought together over 150 young people from all over Turkmenistan to talk about equality and discuss opportunities for creating a more equal and inclusive society.

Youth Dialogue was organized by UN agencies in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Policy of Turkmenistan with the support of the British Embassy in Ashgabat. This action launched the UN campaign in honor of the #16days of Activism against gender-based violence, as well as the campaign led by UNFPA “We are different. We are equal.”

Participant of the event, Olympic silver medalist Polina Guryeva made a speech about her own history, gender equality in the country, in particular about the achievements of women in sports in Turkmenistan.

UNFPA representatives told young people about the campaign “We are different. We are equal” (# DürliEmmaDeň), which aims to promote a culture of tolerance, dignity and respect among young people in society and social networks. The campaign will run until July 11, 2022.

Ene Tuyliyeva, UNFPA Communications Analyst:

“Over the next few months, UNFPA will share positive and inspiring young people's stories, videos, social media posts and materials on promoting dignified and positive attitudes among our youth. We encourage all young people to actively participate in promoting tolerance, inclusiveness and respect among peers for all groups, regardless of gender, age, region, ability or disability, ethnicity or life choices, simply on the basis that we are all human beings and we are all are equal. Continue to be a role model!”

Instagram bloggers, young activists and entrepreneurs, including @Joralar, @Belli.creative, @jennet.artykova, @gdg_wtm_ashgabat and @shukur_muradoff, joined the event and made presentations on gender equality, the participation of men and boys in promoting positive social norms, girls in technology, and promoting inclusiveness in the workplace and in society.

Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, said addressing the youth:

“I am thrilled to see that you are more connected than ever before, that you are contributing to the resilience of your communities by offering innovative solutions, promoting social progress and inspiring change. You are a huge and important asset to invest in.”

Two more Youth Dialogues are coming this year. One will take place on International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December and will be called “Empowerment and Participation in Inclusive Societies”. The other, “Empowerment and Participation in an Equal Society”, will be held on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Experts and young speakers will be invited to these events to discuss opportunities for building a stronger, more inclusive and equitable society, according to a press release from the UN Office in Turkmenistan.