TASHKENT, October 23. /IA "Dunyo"/. At the first plenary meeting of the Central Asian Youth Forum in Tashkent, the topic "Youth and global challenges: promoting stability and peace" was discussed, reports a "Dunyo" information agency correspondent.

Firstly, it was noted that at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly held in New York, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed another important initiative in the field of youth - the creation of a UN working group to support youth development in Central Asia. This initiative is a striking example of the highest level of interest in ensuring and realizing the rights of young people in the region.

Also, on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, on September 15, 2023, the leaders of the Central Asian countries signed the "Agreement on General Directions of Youth Policy," aimed at providing conditions for the wider involvement of youth in the cultural, political, social and economic life of society. The purpose of the adoption of this regional document is to strengthen cooperation in the field of youth policy.

The first plenary session was moderated by the head of the Central Asian regional office of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Matilda Bogner, and the deputy director of the Agency for Youth Affairs of Uzbekistan, Dilnozakhon Kattakhanova.

The UNDP international expert on preventing violent extremism Joseph Gait, international expert Damir Tuzmukhamedov, Chairman of the World Youth Association of Uzbekistan Otabek Shavkatov, activists for the rights of people with disabilities Aliya Turdieva (Kyrgyzstan) and Firuza Rasmuhamedova (Uzbekistan), project manager of the representative office of the Foundation Friedrich Ebert in Uzbekistan Boburshoh Alimov.

As speakers noted, human rights education is essential for the effective implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, promoting tolerance, non-discrimination, equality, conflict prevention and countering violent extremism. Effective human rights education not only provides knowledge about human rights and mechanisms for their protection, but also develops the skills necessary to promote, protect and realize human rights in everyday life.

Participants discussed the main role of youth in modern society. The report examined how human rights education can help develop young people into informed and engaged citizens capable of countering violent extremism.

Practical proposals were put forward to develop solutions and recommendations that will serve as the basis for future practical work and policy initiatives in the field of youth rights. The importance of further strengthening cooperation between states, international organizations, civil society and youth organizations in the field of protecting the rights of youth was noted.

According to the speakers, it is very important to involve young people in decision-making and planning processes related to their rights and interests. It is necessary to encourage the implementation and development of programs and projects aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for modern people, increasing their potential and improving their lives.