Post by : Shakul

The fifth season of the “Young Messengers of Peace” project officially concluded on May 6, 2026, at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. The large-scale educational and career-oriented project was organized by the institute together with its School of Young Diplomats and brought together talented senior school students from across Turkmenistan.

The project began in November 2025 during the International Year of Peace and Trust and was conducted under the theme “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Center of Peace Policy and Dialogue of Mutual Trust.” Organizers explained that the main goal of the initiative was to encourage young people to develop interest in diplomacy, international relations, leadership, and the history and foreign policy of Turkmenistan.

The early stages of the competition attracted hundreds of students from different regions of the country. Participants competed in preliminary selection rounds that tested their knowledge of school subjects, national history, international affairs, and diplomatic relations. According to organizers, the growing number of participants each year reflects the increasing interest of Turkmen youth in education, diplomacy, and global cooperation.

Students who achieved the best results in the qualification rounds advanced to the main intellectual competition, which included seven qualifying games, two semifinal stages, and the final championship round. The competition required participants to demonstrate broad knowledge, strong analytical skills, leadership abilities, patience, and confidence under pressure.

After several months of competition, six finalists successfully reached the final stage of the project. Organizers noted that the competition was designed not only to test academic performance but also to encourage creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and awareness of current international issues. Participants were expected to show abilities that go beyond the standard school curriculum.

The finalists were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges that included experts and university lecturers from various academic fields. The jury included Begench Karaev, senior lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Oguljeren Hajyeva from the international organization TURKSOY, and Toyly Hommyev from Magtymguly Turkmen State University. The judges assessed participants based on knowledge, presentation skills, leadership qualities, and overall performance during the final competition.

According to the final results, the Grand Prix award was presented to Kerim Dovletov, an 11th-grade student from Specialized Secondary School No. 6 in Ashgabat. First place was awarded to Kakajan Shokhradov from Secondary School No. 9 in Lebap velayat, while second place went to Aykhan Arslanov from the Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Specialized Boarding School in Ashgabat. Third place was awarded to Humay Danatarova from Specialized Secondary School No. 52 in Ashgabat.

The official award ceremony took place in the assembly hall of the institute. Winners received diplomas, medals, and valuable gifts from the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The Grand Prix winner also received the special Challenge Cup of the competition. Following tradition, participants released white doves into the sky outside the institute building as a symbol of friendship, peace, and goodwill.

Organizers stated that the “Young Messengers of Peace” project has become one of the most successful youth initiatives in Turkmenistan over the past five academic years. The project continues to grow in popularity and has already helped many talented students pursue higher education in diplomacy and international relations. According to officials, 37 former participants of the project are currently studying at Turkmenistan’s national school of diplomacy, showing the long-term educational impact of the initiative.

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