The Youth Camp, organized within the framework of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) programme on strengthening community resilience and regional cooperation to prevent violent extremism (PVE) in Central Asia, was launched on July 29 at Suleyman Demirel University (SDU) in Almaty. In Kazakhstan, this initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, aims to empower youth and strengthen social cohesion in the regions of Kazakhstan, UNDP Kazakhstan reported.
The rise of violent extremism and its dissemination across national borders remains a pressing issue for Central Asian countries, threatening to undermine the development gains of the past three decades. Poverty, inequality, corruption, insufficient access to public services and justice, and lack of opportunities for personal development create a sense of vulnerability among young people, which can lead to radicalization and violent extremism.
“It’s imperative to note that education is a powerful tool in combating social problems. Knowledge contributes to developing critical thinking, tolerance, and respect for diversity of opinions, positions, and views,” said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Sukhrob Khojimatov, welcoming the camp participants.
Thanks to this initiative, more than 100 young people from the Kyzylorda and Mangystau regions will be able to learn new skills in entrepreneurship, financial and media literacy, digital skills, public speaking, and communications.
“Through this initiative, UNDP supports young people in developing the skills of the future. We aim to help them identify professional interests, become productive, and find their competitive edge. At our camp, we will give you the opportunity to learn from renowned trainers, share experiences with other participants, and discover new horizons,” the Deputy Resident Representative added.
