On 18 December, in the framework of the international observance of Human Rights Day, which is celebrated on 10 December, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, in cooperation with the Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan and the Office of the Ombudsperson of Turkmenistan, organised Public Forum Debates aimed at promoting human rights values. The event brought together university students, as well as representatives of national and international institutions, to participate in an open and constructive discussion on key human rights issues.
Students from three universities – the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the International University for Humanities and Development, and Magtymguly Turkmen State University – took part in the debates. Using the Public Forum Debate format, participants presented arguments both “for” and “against” socially relevant topics over three rounds. Debate themes included Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights Protection, Climate Change as the Greatest Human Rights Challenge of the 21st Century, and Inclusivity in Education.
The debates aimed to strengthen critical thinking, persuasive speaking, and logical reasoning skills, while promoting a culture of respectful discussion and civic engagement among young people. A diverse jury comprising representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, national institutions, and international organisations evaluated the teams based on the quality of argumentation, rhetoric, teamwork, and debate culture.
Marking Human Rights Day, the debates provided a meaningful platform for young people to reflect on contemporary human rights issues and to actively engage in dialogue on how these rights can be protected and promoted in today’s world.
Through initiatives such as these, the European Union continues to support education, youth participation, and open dialogue as essential pillars for advancing human rights in Turkmenistan.
