Dushanbe, Tajikistan - A December 15 forum at the National Library on“Creating a New, Active and Creative Elite in Tajikistan” attracted a hundred grassroots organizers, Ambassadors for Peace, and leaders of Tajikistan's cultural, scientific, and business communities. This was one of several events during a three-day visit by the Secretary General of UPF-Eurasia, Mr. Jacques Marion.
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The event was organized by joint efforts of UPF and the TEDx-Dushanbe group with the purpose of promoting innovative ideas and inspiring young people to act for the benefit of society. Partners of the group TEDx-Dushanbe emphasized that the conference was organized not for the sake of some material benefit, political and religious propaganda, or personal satisfaction; they did it because they really care about the future of society and the country as a whole. They believe that the world can be changed for the better by means of brilliant ideas. The philosophy base of UPF's peacemaking activities were widely approved by the participants of the youth forum, who felt it harmonized with ideas of the bright and creative youth leaders of Tajikistan.
The rapporteurs of the UPF and TEDx-Dushanbe joint conference had a unique opportunity to participate in a substantial dialogue with a valuable audience consisting of socially active and progressive people with broad views of the world. They had a chance to share with others about their experiences and the way to success, fueling the fire of high aspirations and enthusiasm in the hearts of the Tajik audience. In the invitation to the conference, it was state that the participants would have a good opportunity to participate in a historical social project and demonstrate the current state of the Tajik society and its global orientation.
Concerning the ideals of peace and inspiring youth initiatives in Tajikistan, the speakers focused on three directions: idea that could change the world, ideas as guidance, and ideas as inspiration. The speeches of Jacques Marion and Konstantin Krylov stirred the youth in the audience, and afterwards many participants asked for copies.
A member of the public Association Peshraft, Parfiz Jamalov, acted as a dynamic MC of the event. Then, the well-known pop star, popular singer, and UN Goodwill Ambassador Tamikha Niyazova welcomed the participants.
The conference consisted of three sessions. The participants had much to discuss and share, and instead of the planned three hours the event lasted the whole day. The participants of the conference agreed on cooperation and pointed out that participation of UPF had a key impact on the success of the conference. It should be noted that all speeches were supported by advanced multimedia technologies.
Conference speakers included:
- Jacques Marion, Secretary General of UPF-Eurasia – “A New Vision of the World and Human Development”
- Sitora Tursunova, Executive Director of the grassroots organization Peshraft – “Investment in Talents”
- Krister Brannerud, head of the UN Department for Drugs and Criminality – “Freedom from Drug Addiction”
- Vera Kulakova, Director General of the radio channel Vatan – “Social Projects as an Instrument for Developing a Volunteer Movement”
- Zebo Nabiullina, founder of the dance studio Roxana – “Expanding Rights and Prospects for Young Women”
- Konstantin Krylov, Secretary General, UPF-Russia - “Innovative Approaches to Raising Leaders”
- Bekhruz Zevarov, general director of TopMedia company – “Overcoming One’s Limitations”
- Shukhratjon Ashurov, co-founder and general director of 21st Century Innovators company – “Development of Youth Leadership”
- Akhmatali Tojiddinov, founder of the project Nonight.tj – “Innovation Approaches in Tajik Culture and Recreation”
- Erazh Asadulloyev, artist-photographer, founder of the Simonte Photography Studio – “In Search of Myself”
During the first day of their sojourn in Dushanbe, December 14, Mr. Marion and Mr. Krylov met students from the UNESCO department and members of the Youth Diplomacy club of the Russian-Tajik University. Before meeting with the students, Mr. Marion was welcomed by the Rector of the University, Prof. Nurali Salikhov, who talked about further cooperation with UPF and shared about the history of the university. Mr. Marion emphasized that the main goal of the UPF is to nurture good character and leadership qualities in young people.
More than 100 students of the Slavonic University warmly welcomed Mr. Marion, who gave a presentation on the philosophical foundation for creating a harmonious society based on strong moral families. The working language of the meeting was English, and almost all participants in the meeting demonstrated a good knowledge of the language. The lecturer was asked a series of questions that showed a high level of understanding and interest in the material on the part of the youth. During tea time following the meeting, Mr. Marion was interviewed by journalists of the national television; then he communicated informally with students and teachers of the international law and UNESCO departments headed by Dr. Munzifakhon Babajanova.
On December 16, the Asia Grand Hotel in Dushanbe hosted a philosophical seminar for Ambassadors for Peace of Tajikistan. Among the participants were the vice-President of the Tajik Academy of Sciences, Karomatullo Olimov; the Chairman of the Trade Union Committee for Light and Textile Industry Workers of Tajikistan, Sayora Sharipova; a medical adviser of a center for general and community health care, Maarifat Abdullayeva; the director of the Tajik national public organization Children, Refugees and Vulnerable Population Groups, a member of the National Council under the President of Tajikistan, Mavjuda Rakhmanova; Honored Artist of the Tajik Republic Rahima Shaloer; and other Ambassadors for Peace and representatives of youth organizations. The coordinator of the UPF projects in the Republic of Tajikistan, Felix Berigov, was MC of the program.
A meeting with the leading businessman of Tajikistan, the Chairman of the Coordinating Council of Business and Public Associations and former Minister of Industry of Tajikistan, Zaidom Saidov, took place on December 17. Jacques Marion congratulated Mr. Saidov on his appointment as Ambassador for Peace. The latter promised to further support socially significant youth projects in Tajikistan by UPF.
A warm meeting with the head of the Ambassadors for Peace of Tajikistan, Dr. Saifullo Safarov, completed Mr. Marion’s visit to Dushanbe.
The visit gave impetus to the future development of socially significant UPF projects in Tajikistan.