WPA Experts Proposed to create the CIS Youth Belt - a Platform for the Forming an Informed Generation
Each of the World Public Assembly’s platforms was a space for in-depth analysis of international relations, including the specifics of interaction within country associations and the development of new tools for further cooperation. A large-scale conversation about the meaning and future of the CIS unfolded at the panel session "The Commonwealth of Independent States: Conscious Unity".
29.09.2025
Representatives of non-governmental organizations, public figures, experts, diplomats, and parliamentarians from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan agreed that the CIS had become a school of sovereignty and diplomacy for post-Soviet countries. But the modern world requires modern approaches.
Chairman of the Public Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Saidmukhtar Saidkasimov stressed the importance of unification in modern realities: "There are a lot of publications now where the importance of the CIS is belittled. Yes, most of the CIS members are currently members of the SCO, and it may seem that the CIS is fading in comparison. But the historical significance of the commonwealth should not be belittled, especially its huge role in the civilized and peaceful "divorce" of the fifteen former republics of the USSR».
Eduard Sharmazanov, representative of the executive body of the Republican Party of Armenia, Chairman of the Political Commission of the Republican Party of Armenia, recalled the most important period in the joint history of the peoples of the former Soviet Union, which is still relevant today: "Our peoples defeated Nazism together, therefore our task is to resist its modern manifestation. This is now the landmark mission of the CIS."
According to experts, the CIS continues to play a key role as a humanitarian and strategic platform for dialogue, cooperation and strengthening mutual understanding in the post-Soviet space. However, it is necessary to rethink the value of the Commonwealth of Independent States in a new historical context and ensure compliance with international standards in the context of new realities, protecting respectful, equal treatment between the CIS member states.
Gafurzoda Abdukhalil, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan in the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly: "Today, we must have our own standards, respect our partners who have been historically associated with us."
The speakers of the platform emphasized that culture is the most important area of interaction between the countries. And in the context of globalization, the Russian language plays a special role, being a bridge to identity. Khanjeza Karim, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic – Kyrgyzstan is confident that historical memory is not only the extraction of important lessons, but also the reverence of memory. And today one of the main tasks is to create an integral cultural dialogue:
"Together we can present the CIS as a symbol of friendship and unity of peoples. Culture is a universal language that means a lot in the long run."
It is particularly important to work together to overcome outdated stereotypes and create an up-to-date, positive image of the region, reflecting its cultural diversity, intellectual potential and desire for peaceful development. In the context of changes in the global balance of power and the growing challenges facing countries, conscious unity becomes particularly important as a political and humanitarian category and a practical guideline.
Yevgeny Preigerman, Director of the Minsk Dialogue Council on International Relations from Belarus, noted:
Yevgeny Preigerman, Director of the Minsk Dialogue Council on International Relations from Belarus, noted:
"Even the greatest love is killed by routine, so we cannot allow a lot of routine in the CIS. Question: how will the Commonwealth change? Answer: we don't know, but it gives us the opportunity to be creative. We need to continue cooperation in the CIS to generate new and regenerate old ties."
It is important that, after discussing further prospects for the development of the CIS, the experts of the platform developed practical steps, outlining them in a special resolution following the panel session. Among the specific proposals: support for initiatives in education, culture, youth policy, creative industries, protection of cultural heritage; creation of joint media projects and platforms to promote a positive image of the region, counter disinformation and strengthen information sovereignty; the development of horizontal links between public organizations, scientific centers, expert communities, especially in the analysis of global and regional challenges.
In the final document, the participants of the platform outlined the initiative to create a joint Internet platform of the CIS countries to promote cultural values, folk crafts, cinema, music and theater projects, to create joint humanitarian and educational initiatives, including forums, expositions, festivals, research projects under the auspices of the CIS.
The session participants paid special attention to the work with young people. In the resolution, experts noted that it is necessary to maintain systematic interaction with young people, forming a conscious generation of citizens focused on creation, cooperation and preservation of peace.
At the end of the meeting, the experts proposed creating a symbolic CIS Youth Belt on the basis of the World Peoples Assembly, an initiative platform uniting youth organizations and activists from the Commonwealth countries. The Belt will become the basis for regular mutual visits, joint projects, cultural exchanges and educational programs aimed at strengthening ties, developing leadership and forming a common humanitarian space.
"We are convinced that conscious unity is not only a concept, but also a practical necessity. Mutual support, open dialogue and respect for the identity of each participant are the basis for a strong and sustainable Community. We are ready to contribute to the common cause and promote the deepening of ties between the peoples of the CIS countries," the participants of the World Public Assembly summed up the work.
In the final document, the participants of the platform outlined the initiative to create a joint Internet platform of the CIS countries to promote cultural values, folk crafts, cinema, music and theater projects, to create joint humanitarian and educational initiatives, including forums, expositions, festivals, research projects under the auspices of the CIS.
The session participants paid special attention to the work with young people. In the resolution, experts noted that it is necessary to maintain systematic interaction with young people, forming a conscious generation of citizens focused on creation, cooperation and preservation of peace.
At the end of the meeting, the experts proposed creating a symbolic CIS Youth Belt on the basis of the World Peoples Assembly, an initiative platform uniting youth organizations and activists from the Commonwealth countries. The Belt will become the basis for regular mutual visits, joint projects, cultural exchanges and educational programs aimed at strengthening ties, developing leadership and forming a common humanitarian space.
"We are convinced that conscious unity is not only a concept, but also a practical necessity. Mutual support, open dialogue and respect for the identity of each participant are the basis for a strong and sustainable Community. We are ready to contribute to the common cause and promote the deepening of ties between the peoples of the CIS countries," the participants of the World Public Assembly summed up the work.
