9 March 2026. The United Nations in Turkmenistan, in close partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, today started the Second Training for Young Diplomats of Central Asia, bringing together young representatives of the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for a five day intensive learning programme hosted at the UN House in Ashgabat.
The opening ceremony took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, moderated by the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Mr. Dmytro Shlapachenko. Senior officials delivered remarks, including:
- Ms. Mahri Bashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
- Mr. Luigi Ferrari, Ambassador of Italy to Turkmenistan
- Mr. Stephen Conlon, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Turkmenistan
- Mr. Kemal Goshliyev, Head of UNFPA Turkmenistan Country Office
The training was possible due to the financial support from the Government of Italy and United Kingdom, it contributes to a broader UN-led initiative to foster regional cooperation, strengthen diplomatic capacity, and promote mutual understanding among future leaders of the five Central Asian states. Over the course of the week, young diplomats will deepen their knowledge of the United Nations system, international law, sustainable development, humanitarian action, gender equality, economic analysis, human rights, and environmental diplomacy.
“The UN is committed to empowering the next generation of diplomatic leaders,” said Mr. Shlapachenko, emphasizing that investing in young diplomats strengthens long-term regional stability and collaboration.
With the participation of the UN Resident Coordinators from Central Asia, UN agency heads, representatives of partner governments, and international organizations, the training combines high-level presentations, simulation exercises, practical skills workshops, diplomatic protocol and etiquette sessions, public speaking and media communication modules, thematic briefings on SDGs, humanitarian principles, data, and demography, visits to UN agencies and UNRCCA.
The participants will also join a Regional Youth Dialogue, meet with ambassadors from all five Central Asian countries, and take part in cultural and networking activities.
The training will conclude on 13 March 2026 with a closing ceremony at the Institute of International Relations, followed by certificates, group photo, and a reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan. ///UN Turkmenistan, 9 March 2026