Tashkent, 29 June 2025 – Deputy Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Ms. Zhang Ling participated in the International Cooperation Week on Youth Policy, held in the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The event brought together young delegates from various regions of Uzbekistan, representatives of public associations, as well as international and regional organizations, including the SCO, UNDP, UNFPA, OTS and others.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Zhang Ling highlighted Uzbekistan’s significant contribution to developing dialogue among young people and promoting the volunteer movement in the SCO region. In this respect, she underlined the importance of initiatives aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, sharing experiences and engaging youth in regional cooperation.
The Deputy Secretary General outlined the priorities of the Azerbaijani Chairmanship in the area of youth policy, including preparations for the eighth meeting of the CICA Youth Council and the second Rally of Volunteer Movement Leaders, which are scheduled to take place in Baku in October 2025.
Particular consideration was given to the Chairmanship’s initiatives to engage youth in dialogue on peace, sustainable development and innovation. Notably, Ms. Zhang Ling invited participants to join an essay competition on the theme “Youth as Catalysts for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development in the CICA Region,” as well as an artificial intelligence (AI) art competition on the theme “Youth Empowerment in Green and Sustainable Development Goals.”
During her visit, Ms. Zhang Ling also met with First Deputy Director of the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ms. Dilnozaxon Kattaxanova. Deputy Secretary General Zhang Ling noted Uzbekistan’s important role as the coordinator of the CICA human dimension. The conversation focused on plans for upcoming youth events organized by CICA, as well as ways to enhance international interaction in the area of youth policy and volunteerism with the involvement of youth from Uzbekistan and other CICA Member States.
