Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026 in Kyrgyzstan: Fully Funded OSCE Workshop on Preventing Youth Engagement in Criminal Activities

Young people across Central Asia are increasingly playing an important role in strengthening communities, promoting social development and addressing emerging security challenges. However, youth can also face vulnerabilities that may expose them to organized crime, drug trafficking, online criminal activities, financial crime and other forms of exploitation.

To address these challenges, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is inviting young people from Central Asia to participate in the Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026: “Preventing Youth Engagement in Criminal Activities.” This regional workshop will take place from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, bringing together up to 25 young participants for five days of dialogue, interactive learning, networking and youth-led project development.

The forum is designed for young people who are interested in building safer and more resilient communities and who want to contribute to preventing youth involvement in criminal activities across the Central Asian region.

Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026 Overview

The Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum is a regional youth-focused initiative organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) through the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

The programme will provide selected participants with an opportunity to examine some of the major crime and security challenges affecting young people and communities across Central Asia.

Participants will not only learn about existing crime-prevention approaches but will also work collaboratively to develop practical, youth-led solutions. An important component of the programme will involve developing project ideas and pitching them to international organizations and donors that support youth-led initiatives.

The forum will therefore combine knowledge development, regional dialogue, practical project development, networking and community engagement.

Event Details

• Opportunity: Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026
• Theme: Preventing Youth Engagement in Criminal Activities
• Organized by: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
• Organizing office: Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
• Opportunity field: Youth
• Dates: 5–9 October 2026
• Location: Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
• Number of participants: Up to 25 young people
• Participation: In person
• Participation fee: No registration or participation fee
• Travel support: Covered for selected participants
• Accommodation: Covered for selected participants
• Meals: Covered for selected participants
• Training materials: Covered for selected participants
• Application deadline: 26 August 2026 at 17:00 CEST

What Is the Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum About?

The forum focuses on the prevention of youth engagement in criminal activities and seeks to strengthen young people’s understanding of emerging security and social challenges in Central Asia.

Young people can be particularly vulnerable to criminal recruitment and exploitation. Factors such as unemployment, social exclusion, lack of educational opportunities, online manipulation and economic vulnerability can create conditions that criminal groups may exploit.

The OSCE forum will create a space where young people from Central Asian countries can examine these challenges from a regional perspective and identify approaches that can help communities become more resilient.

Rather than simply providing theoretical training, the programme will encourage participants to think about practical solutions that young people can implement in their own communities.

Key Topics Covered During the Forum

Participants will take part in interactive learning sessions covering several areas related to crime prevention and youth engagement.

1. Organized Crime Recruitment

Participants will explore how organized criminal groups recruit and exploit young people and examine the factors that can make youth vulnerable to criminal involvement.

Understanding recruitment patterns can help young leaders, educators, community organizations and policymakers develop more effective prevention strategies.

2. Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is an important regional security concern, and young people can be affected both as potential victims of criminal exploitation and as members of communities experiencing the consequences of drug-related crime.

The forum will provide participants with an opportunity to better understand the challenges associated with drug trafficking and consider approaches to prevention.

3. Financial Crime and Money Laundering

The programme will also address financial crime and money laundering.

Participants can expect to explore how illicit financial activities operate and why financial integrity and awareness are important components of preventing and combating criminal activities.

This knowledge can be particularly valuable for young people interested in governance, economics, law, finance, development and public policy.

4. Online Risks and Social Media

Digital platforms have created new opportunities for communication and education, but they have also introduced new risks.

The forum will examine online risks and the role of social media in relation to youth vulnerability and criminal activities.

Participants will have an opportunity to consider how digital literacy, responsible online engagement and community awareness can contribute to preventing young people from becoming victims or participants in criminal activities.

5. Gender Dimensions of Crime Prevention

The forum will also examine the gender dimensions associated with crime and prevention.

Understanding how criminal activities and vulnerabilities can affect different groups differently is important for developing inclusive and effective prevention initiatives.

6. Evidence-Based Prevention Approaches

Participants will learn about approaches to preventing youth engagement in criminal activities that are informed by evidence and practical experience.

This can help young leaders move beyond general awareness campaigns and develop initiatives based on identified needs, evidence and measurable outcomes.

7. Project Development and Pitching

A practical component of the programme will focus on project development.

Participants will work with their peers to develop youth-led initiatives designed to strengthen community resilience against crime.

They will also have an opportunity to pitch their project ideas to international organizations and donors supporting youth-led solutions.

This element can help participants develop important skills in:

• Identifying community problems
• Developing project concepts
• Designing youth-led interventions
• Working collaboratively
• Presenting ideas
• Communicating project impact
• Engaging potential partners
• Pitching projects to donors and international organizations

Why Participate in the Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum?

The OSCE forum offers participants several opportunities for personal, professional and community development.

Build Knowledge and Expertise

Participants will gain exposure to a range of issues connected to youth crime prevention, organized crime, drug trafficking, financial crime, online risks and community resilience.

The interactive nature of the sessions is designed to help participants engage with these topics rather than simply receive information through lectures.

Develop Youth-Led Solutions

One of the most practical benefits of the programme is the opportunity to work with other young people to develop innovative initiatives.

Participants can use their understanding of local and regional challenges to develop projects that seek to prevent youth involvement in criminal activities and strengthen community resilience.

Pitch Ideas to International Organizations and Donors

Participants will have the opportunity to present their project ideas to international organizations and donors supporting youth-led solutions.

This can provide valuable exposure to how development and community projects are communicated to potential supporters.

It can also help participants strengthen their project-pitching and advocacy skills.

Expand Your Regional Network

The forum will bring together young people from across Central Asia, creating an opportunity to establish connections with peers who share an interest in youth development, community engagement, security and crime prevention.

Participants can potentially build relationships with:

• Young leaders
• Youth activists
• Community representatives
• Practitioners
• Experts
• International organizations
• Other stakeholders working on crime prevention and youth development

Regional networks can be valuable for future collaborations, youth initiatives and community projects.

Participate Without Paying a Registration Fee

Selected participants will not be required to pay a registration or participation fee.

This makes the programme accessible to eligible young people who may otherwise face financial barriers to participating in an international regional event.

What Costs Does the OSCE Cover?

For selected participants, the OSCE will provide comprehensive participation support.

The programme covers:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Training materials

Participants therefore do not need to pay a registration or participation fee to attend the forum.

Applicants should nevertheless carefully review the official application information for any additional logistical instructions concerning travel and participation.

Who Can Apply for the Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum?

The opportunity is specifically intended for young people from the five Central Asian countries represented in the programme.

Applicants must meet all of the core eligibility requirements established by the organizers.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 to 25 years old by 4 October 2026.

This means applicants must fall within the specified age range immediately before the forum begins.

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries:

1. Kazakhstan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan

The programme is therefore specifically targeted at young people from Central Asia rather than applicants from other regions of the world.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must be fluent in English.

This is an important requirement because no interpretation will be provided during the forum.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable participating in discussions, interactive sessions, group activities and project presentations in English.

Relevant Experience or Interest

Applicants should have experience or a strong interest in one or more relevant areas, including:

• Youth crime prevention
• Community engagement
• Rule of law
• Financial integrity
• Education
• Social development
• Related fields

Applicants do not necessarily need to be established professionals in these areas. The opportunity also welcomes young people with a strong interest in relevant issues.

Community Engagement

Applicants should be active in their communities and demonstrate an interest in regional youth cooperation.

This means applicants should ideally be able to demonstrate how they contribute to or engage with their communities and why regional cooperation among young people is important to them.

Availability to Attend in Person

Selected participants must be available to attend the full event in person from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.

Applicants should therefore ensure that they can commit to the entire programme before applying.

What Kind of Applicants Would Be a Strong Fit?

Although meeting the eligibility requirements is essential, applicants may strengthen their applications by clearly demonstrating their interest and involvement in relevant areas.

A strong applicant could be someone who:

• Has participated in youth-led community initiatives.
• Works or volunteers in youth development.
• Has experience with community engagement.
• Is interested in crime prevention or public safety.
• Has an interest in the rule of law.
• Works in education or social development.
• Has an interest in financial integrity or combating financial crime.
• Has experience organizing youth activities.
• Has participated in regional youth programmes.
• Wants to develop a community-based solution to a crime-related challenge.
• Is interested in developing projects for young people.
• Can collaborate effectively with participants from other Central Asian countries.
• Is comfortable communicating and presenting ideas in English.

Applicants should focus on demonstrating genuine engagement rather than simply listing broad interests.

How to Apply for the Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026

Eligible applicants interested in participating should submit their application through the application platform provided by the organizers.

A Google account sign-in is required to access the application.

When preparing the application, applicants should make sure that the information they provide clearly demonstrates their eligibility, community involvement and interest in preventing youth engagement in criminal activities.

It is particularly important to explain relevant experience or interests in areas such as youth development, community engagement, education, social development, rule of law, financial integrity or crime prevention.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is:

26 August 2026 at 17:00 CEST

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications. Technical problems, incomplete information or difficulties accessing the application form could prevent a submission before the deadline.

Applicants should also take into account the time difference between Central Asia and Central European Summer Time when planning their submission.

Important Application Tips

1. Demonstrate Your Community Involvement

Do not simply state that you are interested in youth development or crime prevention.

Where possible, explain how you have participated in community activities, youth initiatives, education programmes, volunteer work or other relevant activities.

2. Connect Your Experience to the Forum

Show why the forum is relevant to your interests and previous activities.

For example, if you have worked on youth engagement, explain how learning about crime prevention could help you strengthen your future community initiatives.

3. Highlight Your Regional Perspective

The forum is designed as a regional dialogue, so applicants should demonstrate an interest in cooperation with young people from other Central Asian countries.

4. Demonstrate Your Ability to Communicate in English

Because no interpretation will be available, applicants should make sure their application demonstrates their ability to participate effectively in English-language discussions and activities.

5. Think About a Potential Project Idea

The programme includes project development and pitching. Applicants may therefore benefit from thinking about a community challenge they would like to address.

A potential idea could focus on areas such as:

• Youth awareness
• Digital safety
• Community education
• Youth employment and resilience
• Prevention of criminal recruitment
• Financial literacy
• Social inclusion
• Youth participation
• Community-based prevention

The idea does not necessarily need to be fully developed before applying, but having a clear understanding of a problem affecting young people can help applicants participate more effectively.

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026 fully funded?

The OSCE will cover travel, accommodation, meals and training materials for selected participants. There is also no registration or participation fee.

Where will the forum take place?

The event will take place in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.

When will the forum take place?

The forum is scheduled for 5–9 October 2026.

How many young people will participate?

The OSCE plans to bring together up to 25 young participants.

What is the age requirement?

Applicants must be 18–25 years old by 4 October 2026.

Can applicants from outside Central Asia apply?

No. The opportunity is specifically for citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Is English required?

Yes. Applicants must be fluent in English because no interpretation will be provided.

Can I attend virtually?

No. Applicants must be available to attend the full programme in person.

Is there an application fee?

No. There is no registration or participation fee.

What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 26 August 2026 at 17:00 CEST.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026 in Kyrgyzstan.

Final Thoughts

The Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for young people from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to strengthen their understanding of crime prevention while contributing to regional dialogue and youth-led solutions.

Through interactive sessions, participants will explore important issues including organized crime recruitment, drug trafficking, financial crime, money laundering, online risks, social media, gender dimensions and evidence-based prevention approaches.

The programme goes beyond classroom learning by giving participants the opportunity to collaborate with peers, develop practical project ideas and pitch youth-led solutions to international organizations and donors. The travel, accommodation, meals and training materials provided by the OSCE also reduce the financial barriers associated with participating in an international regional programme.

For eligible young people who are passionate about community development, youth cooperation, social resilience, rule of law or preventing youth involvement in criminal activities, this forum could provide valuable knowledge, networks and practical project-development experience.

Eligible applicants should submit their applications before 26 August 2026 at 17:00 CEST.

For more global workshop opportunities visit OFY HERE.