EU-funded Project CADAP 7 and the Government of Turkmenistan host the Central Asian Youth Forum on Health and Sustainable Development in Ashgabat

The EU-funded Central Asia Drug Action Programme, Phase 7 (CADAP 7), together with the Government of Turkmenistan, was pleased to launch the Central Asian Youth Forum 2025, an event dedicated to "Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace." The two-day forum took place on 10-11 September 2025, at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.

The forum gathered representatives of youth associations and experts from across the region and beyond to participate in a series of sessions focused on crucial topics for the future of Central Asia. The agenda was designed to empower youth by connecting them with policymakers and experts to address key challenges and opportunities in public health and development.

Day one, titled "Youth, Health and Sustainable Development," featured an opening session with prominent speakers, including Mr. Azat M. Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, and Mr. Maciej Madalinski, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan. The sessions covered topics such as addiction prevention and mental health, eco-awareness and health from a youth perspective, and education, sustainable professions, and youth well-being.

Day two, "Peace and Digital Resilience," continued with discussions on digital platforms and artificial intelligence for prevention, youth-led startups for peace, and ways to foster a culture of well-being to prevent substance use. A key outcome of the second day was the preparation of a draft youth statement and a roadmap for expanding cooperation between youth in the EU and Central Asian countries.

The forum concluded on Day three, "Movement and Health for Peace," with a visit to the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet.