Ashgabat, 24-25 January 2023: UNDP and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of Turkmenistan convened a workshop for Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) for advisory groups and representatives of law enforcement bodies of Turkmenistan within the framework of Turkmenistan national component of the joint EU-UN partnership on “Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism in Asia” (STRIVE Asia)”.

The workshop was financed by the European Union, and organized at the UN Building in Ashgabat and across 5 pilot cities in the region. It aimed at increasing the capacity of national partners on consequences of stigmatization, dissemination of anti-stigma messages, and other topics related to PVE. The event gathered representatives of youth organizations, women’s unions, employment departments, law enforcement and municipalities of Ashgabat, Balkanabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabat and Turtkmenbashi.

Participants discussed a multisectoral approach to PVE initiatives and the role of community leaders and family members in PVE to strengthen local support systems. The importance of disseminating anti-stigma messages in line with international standards was particularly emphasized during the workshop.

“The spread of violent extremism across the globe over recent years poses a significant threat to the international community’s efforts in promoting peace and security, as well as it undermines progress made towards fostering sustainable development and upholding human rights,” – noted Mr. Nicola Franceschetti, Programme officer responsible for Turkmenistan at the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan. “Thus, mitigating the appeal of violent extremism amongst communities and vulnerable groups, particularly young people, is a high priority for many countries around the world, including Turkmenistan”.

Mr. Akmyrat Danatarov, UNDP Programme Analyst, stated that STRIVE Asia is a project directed to strengthening national capacities in PVE, in addition to creating a platform for youth empowerment and resilience. Six Educational-Informational centers were established in partnership with Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of Turkmenistan within the STRIVE Asia project to support youth through various skills building trainings.

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The Country Component of the Global Project on “Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism in Asia” (STRIVE Asia) A joint EU-UN partnership” aims to strengthen the resilience of local communities by supporting public PVE initiatives, support government and public organizations in achieving goals related to preventing violent extremism. The specific goal is to ensure that key government agencies and civil society organizations are better prepared to participate in achieving PVE goals. A key national partner is the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan.