The World Ambassador
TWA
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Aghdam, Azerbaijan – The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Youth Forum 2025 was held in the Aghdam district of Karabakh as part of ECO Week, marking the first time such an event has taken place in the region.
Bringing together around 50 young leaders, government representatives, experts, and ECO officials from nine member states, the forum aimed to strengthen regional youth engagement, foster dialogue on key socio-economic issues, and shape policy through actionable recommendations.
Participants engaged in discussions across several key themes, including economic and trade cooperation, sustainability and technology, human development, and people-to-people dialogue.
In his keynote address, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, underscored the significance of hosting the forum in Karabakh, highlighting Azerbaijan’s dedication to youth development.
“There are about 35 youth houses and more than 100 youth organizations and centers actively operating across the country,” he noted. “We hope this forum concludes with a strategic document that outlines a strong regional youth policy.”
ECO Secretary General, Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, emphasized the importance of youth in the region, stating, “Nearly 60% of the ECO region’s population is made up of young people, yet nearly 30% face employment challenges. We must equip them with the essential technical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a fast-evolving global economy.”
He also addressed gender inequality and regional instability, noting that conflict and political turmoil disproportionately affect youth, especially young women.
“Despite our challenges, ECO countries share a deep-rooted cultural and historical heritage. Let’s leverage these bonds to foster understanding, build bridges, and promote meaningful exchange,” he added.
The forum concluded with panel sessions where participants formed working groups and engaged in debates across three core tracks:
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Economic and Trade Cooperation
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Sustainability and Technology
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Human Development and People-to-People Dialogue
The insights and recommendations generated from these sessions are expected to shape future initiatives and guide policy development within the ECO region.
