The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organized the Central Asian Debate Tournament “Youth in Focus”.

The event, which took place on May 1-3 at the Kyrgyz State University named after Ishenaly Arabaev in Bishkek, was attended by more than 50 representatives of youth organizations and students of higher education institutions of the countries of the region.

The Republic of Uzbekistan, led by a UNFPA representative, was represented by 4th-year student of the Westminster International University in Tashkent Aziza Akhmedova, 3rd-year student of Webster University Shakhlo Abidova, 3rd-year student of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy Emil Azikayev and the youngest team member – a student of 10-th grade of school No. 71 in Tashkent Kamoliddin Turanazarov.

It should be noted that UNFPA is currently implementing the Fifth Country Program (2021-2025) in the Republic of Uzbekistan. As part of the document, the organization aims to involve and empower youth, which is one of the necessary conditions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

This event, held in Bishkek, is aimed primarily at improving communication skills, mobilizing the efforts of the younger generation to find ways to prevent gender-based violence, and raising awareness on reproductive health issues.

In addition, the regional debate tournament allowed for cooperation between student communities in Central Asian countries.

G. Khonnazarov, UzA