From 6 to 15 December, round tables were held in Turkmenistan on the topic “Expanding partnership between state and public organizations to prevent violent extremism among vulnerable youth groups”.

These events were organized by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan as part of the country component of the global project “Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism in Asia. Joint EU-UN partnership” in pilot cities: Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Tejen, Turkmenabat and Turkmenbashi.

About 50 participants from various sectors discussed best practices to improve employment opportunities and provide psychosocial support to young people using available local resources.

During the meeting, issues were discussed on strengthening public-private partnerships in empowering youth in each pilot city, including partnerships between local education centers and advisory groups to support young people in developing work readiness skills.

The events were attended by members of the advisory councils of pilot cities, including specialists from labor and employment departments, specialists in social work, representatives of hyakimliks, police departments, the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan, the Women's Union of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of public organizations, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrialists of Turkmenistan and (primary) vocational education institutions in pilot cities.

Participants reviewed and discussed the interests, needs, challenges and visions of youth in self-employment and education expressed by young people themselves during previous meetings with local advisory groups. Civil society representatives shared their experience of working with vulnerable youth groups and the services provided that increase education and employment opportunities for young people.

In addition, the importance of the mental health and psychosocial support and mentoring program for the empowerment of young people was highlighted, according to a UNDP press release.

Young people's employment issues play an important role in planning programs to prevent violent extremism. UNDP draws on global best practices to expand partnerships to mobilize local resources and implement innovative ideas aimed at creating equal development opportunities for all.

Country component of the global project “Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism in Asia (STRIVE Asia). Joint Partnership between the EU and the UN”, aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities by supporting government and civil society organizations in achieving goals related to the prevention of violent extremism among vulnerable youth.

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