First International Meeting of Afghan Turkmen Youth Held in Turkey

The first international meeting of Afghan Turkmen youth was held in the Turkish city of Cappadocia, with dozens of students, women and girls, professionals, and members of the Turkmen academic and civil community in attendance.

The event was organised on Sept. 6 and 7 to discuss structured, scientific and practical solutions related to the future of Afghan Turkmens through 2050.

Speakers at the meeting stressed the need to establish scientific and civil programmes inside and outside Afghanistan. Participants also focused their discussions on the role of education and the participation of the younger generation in shaping the future of Afghan Turkmens.

Organisers said the new generation of Afghan Turkmens, especially in recent years, has shown greater interest in continuing education abroad. According to statistics from civil and student organisations in Turkey, nearly 20,000 Turkmen students, including girls and boys, are studying at universities in Turkey, Europe and the United States.

The meeting was initiated by Afghan Turkmen youth and the Tobil United Turkmen Ambassadors Association, in cooperation with the International Organization of Turkic Culture, TURKSOY, of the Republic of Turkey. Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s well-known regions and sometimes hosts cultural and international events as well.