From 5 to 9 October 2026, the OSCE held the second edition of its Advanced Course on Diplomacy, Leadership and Peace for Young Women in Dushanbe, fostering collaboration among 20 young women from Tajikistan and Afghanistan to strengthen their leadership skills and prepare them to contribute to diplomacy and peacebuilding.
The course aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills and professional networks needed to take an active role in promoting peace and security across the OSCE region and beyond. Through peer-to-peer learning, intergenerational dialogue and discussions with experienced guest speakers, participants explored a range of issues, including artificial intelligence and diplomacy, peacebuilding, human rights, career development and resilience. They also exchanged experiences and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing young women pursuing careers in these fields.
Parvathy Ramaswami (centre), United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, leads the "Coffee Talk" session on Diplomacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation as part of the OSCE's Advanced Course on Diplomacy, Leadership and Peace for Young Women, Dushanbe, 5 October 2026.
"Today, Tajik women are not merely participants in political processes, but active, thoughtful and responsible contributors to public life, embodying national values and a culture of peace, dialogue and constructive co-operation," said Mavsuma Muini, Deputy Chairperson of the Majlisi Namoyandagon, the lower chamber of Tajikistan's Parliament.
"The OSCE School of Diplomacy, Leadership and Peacebuilding for Young Women is a valuable initiative that helps promote women's participation in diplomacy and public and political life and raise the status of women in society," Muini added.
Fejzo Numanaj, Acting Deputy Head of Office and Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, encouraged participants to recognize their leadership potential:
"You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are already leaders today, in your universities, your workplaces, and your communities."
He added: "Together with the Parliament of Tajikistan, the Government, the United Nations and civil society, we remain committed to ensuring that young women's voices shape dialogue, decisions and solutions."
Group photo marking the launch of the OSCE's second Advanced Course on Diplomacy, Leadership and Peace for Young Women, featuring 20 young women from Tajikistan and Afghanistan alongside senior women leaders from the Government of Tajikistan and representatives of international organizations, Dushanbe, 5 October 2026.
The course concluded with participants expanding their professional networks and reaffirming their commitment to contributing to peace and security.
By investing in young women's leadership and fostering dialogue across generations, the OSCE seeks to promote their meaningful participation in diplomacy and peacebuilding and enable them to contribute to addressing shared security challenges.
