Some 35 students from higher education institutions of Turkmenistan took part in the seminar “Youth Participation in Climate, Security and Co-operation Negotiations: OSCE Good Practices”, organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

The event was aimed at developing practical skills in diplomatic communication and negotiation among young people participating in the UNICEF Youth Climate Summer School 2025.

During the seminar, participants were introduced to the OSCE's environmental initiatives as part of the organization's comprehensive approach to security, and also considered issues of integrating gender aspects into the OSCE's strategic agenda for promoting equality and inclusion.

“Young people’s voices are not only wanted, they are essential,” said William Leaf, Acting Head of the OSCE Centre. Across the OSCE region, he said, young women and men are leading local environmental initiatives, innovating for climate resilience, and facilitating dialogue in their communities.

“To ensure that their ideas are realized and their activism can have a greater impact on policy, we must do more to ensure that young people have greater opportunities to participate meaningfully,” Leaf said.

The workshop was moderated by finalists from Central Asia of the OSCE Young Women for Peace programme, funded by the European Union. They discussed the role of youth in climate, water and security negotiations, highlighting the importance of Central Asia’s voice in global cooperation.

Participants explored the nexus between climate, water and security in global negotiations and explored opportunities for active engagement in climate and security diplomacy. A session on negotiation skills provided practical tools and examples of successful practice.

Following the workshop, participants jointly developed a draft youth statement covering climate security, gender equality and regional cooperation. The document will be prepared for inclusion in the National Youth Statement for COP30.

The seminar was attended by students from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction, the Yagshygeldy Kakayev International Oil and Gas University, the Myrat Garryev State Medical University and the Oguz han Engineering and Technical University of Turkmenistan.