Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 15 April 2024, a solemn ceremony was held in Tashkent to award the city the status of the Youth Capital of the CIS.

CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev sent a welcoming message to the organizers and participants of this event, the press service of the CIS Executive Committee said.

In his message, he noted that in the community of states there is a constant development of interstate cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, new projects and programs are being replaced.

Sergei Lebedev emphasized that the project “Youth Capital of the CIS” is one of these and is aimed at uniting the efforts of the Commonwealth countries in working with youth, exchanging experience and improving international youth cooperation.

He noted that the choice of Tashkent as the Youth Capital of the CIS is absolutely deserved, given that almost half of its population is young people under 30 years of age.

Sergei Lebedev emphasized that Tashkent has all the necessary opportunities for quality education, recreation, sports, creativity and work for young people. He also expressed respect for the leadership of Uzbekistan and Tashkent for their initiatives to increase the role of youth in public life and the development of their country.

The CIS Secretary General noted that an important part of the program of future events in Tashkent will be the Youth Forum and the meeting of the Council on Youth Affairs. He expressed confidence that these events will make a significant contribution to the development of humanitarian cooperation between the CIS member countries and contribute to strengthening interaction between public associations.