FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION 

First Ever Youth Advisory Panel Meeting Organized in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – On 12 October 2009, UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund in Uzbekistan, in partnership with Kelajak Ovozi Youth Initiatives Centre and NANNOUz NGO Association, organized the first youth advisory panel meeting with participations of more than ten youth organizations, institutions and networks.  

The major goal of this meeting is to create a platform for an open dialogue and exchange between UNFPA and young people of Uzbekistan, so that UNFPA programming on youth-related issues takes into account the needs and specifics of young people of Uzbekistan.  

Another important aspect of this meeting is that it’s scheduled for the crucial period of time when UNFPA, along with the whole UN system in the country, is in the process of designing its new Country Programme for 2010 – 2015, thus, the opinions, ideas and critical comments received from youth will ensure that this programme is completely compliant with the strategic vision of youth on their own issues and priorities. 

In her opening statement, Ms. Nuzhat Ehsan, UNFPA Representative a.i. in Uzbekistan, noted addressing the participants: “Being yourself young and motivated persons working in the field of youth-related issues, you all have a great perspective of what your peers needs are. By sharing your views you will help us identify priority areas for our future work as well as the best ways for cooperation among our organizations. 

I am impressed with the creativity and motivation of young people who take part in this event. I see that young people of Uzbekistan, being the majority of the country’s population, have a wealth of opportunities in terms of education, career growth and a remarkable future. I believe with all their skills and knowledge they will be able to make a great contribution in socio-economic development of their country – Uzbekistan.”    

Concluding the meeting, the participants and organizers agreed that the recommendations developed during the event will find their practical implementation and that such gatherings will be organized on a regular basis from now on.     

* * *

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.

For additional information please contact:

Mr. Maksim Fazlitdinov 

Programme Associate on Advocacy/Communication

UNFPA/Uzbekistan

Fazlitdinov@unfpa.org