The Young Women 4 Peace: Empowering Central Asian Young Women initiative was presented in Tashkent from April 8 to 10, marking a step forward in strengthening the role of young women in peacebuilding across Central Asia and Afghanistan.
The three-day event, hosted by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, brought together 18 young women leaders aged 18 to 30 from five Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. Participants engaged in collaborative training sessions, developed cross-border peacebuilding projects, and took part in high-level discussions alongside representatives from the European Union, the OSCE, and national authorities.
The initiative coincides with the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
“Lasting peace requires the active participation of all voices in society, including those of young women,” said Dr. Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues. “This initiative ensures their perspectives are included and respected.”
Funded by the European Union, the programme reflects strong EU-OSCE cooperation in promoting gender equality and fostering regional collaboration. It also follows recent commitments made during the first EU-Central Asia Summit to deepen ties in areas such as digitalization, energy, and people-to-people contact.
“The Young Women for Peace Initiative is a shining example of EU-Central Asia cooperation,” said Toivo Klaar, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan. “History has proven that women play a crucial role in building peace and prosperity.”
A core component of the Tashkent event was the development of innovative, cross-border project proposals centered on empowering women in peace and security. These projects will be presented in Vienna in September 2025.
“We have established a new starting point,” said Ms. Dilnoza Muratova, Deputy Director of the National Human Rights Centre of Uzbekistan. “Their voices are the future of the region.”
Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, noted that upcoming national and regional initiatives will continue to support the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, particularly through the country's National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325.
The event was further backed by the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship, which prioritizes gender equality and youth empowerment.
“Gender equality is not only a matter of rights, but also of results,” said Saara-Sofia Sirén, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Gender.
Launched in 2024 as part of the OSCE’s WIN for Women and Men programme, the Young Women 4 Peace initiative will continue through 2026, equipping young leaders with tools to foster dialogue, inclusion, and peace across borders.
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