Central Asia Youth Dialogue Forum ‘Preventing Youth Engagement in Criminal Activities’

Are you aged 18-25, passionate about building safer and more resilient communities, and interested in preventing youth involvement in criminal activities across Central Asia? Would you like to explore emerging crime trends affecting young people, learn about effective approaches to preventing youth involvement in criminal activities, and develop and pitch your own project ideas to international organizations and donors supporting youth-led solutions?

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is inviting youth from across Central Asia to participate in a regional dialogue forum titled ‘Preventing Youth Engagement in Criminal Activities’. The forum will take place from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan and will bring together up to 25 young people to discuss pressing security challenges across the region, engage in interactive learning sessions and develop youth-driven solutions for building community resilience to crime.

Why participate?

• Build your expertise – Participate in interactive sessions on organized crime recruitment, drug trafficking, financial crime and money laundering, online risks and social media, gender dimensions, evidence-based prevention approaches, and project development and pitching.
• Develop practical solutions – Work with peers to design innovative youth-led initiatives that strengthen resilience against crime, and pitch your ideas to international organizations and donors.
• Expand your regional network – Connect with like-minded young leaders, practitioners and experts working on youth crime prevention across Central Asia.
• Enjoy fully covered participation – The OSCE will cover travel, accommodation, meals and training materials for selected participants. No registration or participation fee applies.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be aged 18-25 by 4 October 2026
• Be a citizen of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan
• Be fluent in English (no interpretation will be provided)
• Have experience or a strong interest in youth crime prevention, community engagement, rule of law, financial integrity, education, social development or related fields
• Be active in their community and interested in regional youth co-operation
• Be available to attend the full event in person

How to apply?

If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating in this event, please apply here (Google account sign-in is required). 

The deadline for applications is 26 August 2026, 17:00 CEST. 

For any other information please send an email to Ulukbek.Abdubaliev@osce.org.